APPLYING FOR PERMANENT DISABILITY

Looking for advice about filing for disability because of FM? Any feedback?

Ikers- be prepared for a long haul. Make sure you have your dr's on your side. When I interviewed with social security I went down and talked in person. It was better then interviewing on the phone. Most of the time you have to file on your own without a lawyer. Once you get denied then a lawyer will be willing to take your case. This is how it's in my state. I didn't need a lawyer, but many people have had good results using one.

Each time I had paper work to be filled out by Dr's I was present. Sometimes the dr's get in a hurry or their nurse fills it out and forgets your limitations. I found many mistakes if they have filled it out on their own. So I learned a lesson there.

Keep up with your case worker. Call her and see if she is getting your medical records as they requested. Sometimes it takes your part to push them a little. I didn't have to see outside Dr's either. I have heard some not good stories from them.

I had many health issues, just not fibro. I know I am so much healthier since I have been off work. I was hospitalized frequently, but not any since I have stop work. I still have health issues, but at least I can rest when I need to.

I am in the "playing the waiting game" stage right now. I have had 2 appts with ss drs. It can get frustrating. I already have called a lawyers' office that helped me get ssi years ago. I was taken off ssi, not for my mobility problem getting better, but due to income. Now the mobility issue is worse, and along with fibro, have several other things wrong.

Be honest with the drs. The ss drs see so many people trying hard to get it that they play up their symptoms. They can see through this and are more than likely want to say no. Do not worry about whether or not what you say will help or hurt you. Honesty is best. My dh says i tend to downplay things so he goes sometimes to specialists with me. Most ss drs want only you in the exam room.

I don't think most lawyers will help until you've been turned down once. I'm not sure. I will share a bit more of my story cause I don't want you to think its all doom and gloom.
I applied in September of 12. I had to go as far back with my medical files as possible because one of my issues is a genetic disease I was born with. Then I waited. There was no word until December. I assumed I'd be turned down because I heard that everyone is turned down the first time. In December they sent me a letter asking me to see a psychiatrist in the area. I saw him and he was very nice. Then I waited some more. I got a call from our local as office last week that I had been approved. I was surprised. I still have to turn in a bit more paperwork but then my benefits begin. Anyway, just know that it's possible it won't be that horrible. So prepare yourself for the worst but never give up hope.