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Applying for social security disability benefits

Wed, 11/13/2013 - 18:16
I am unable to work due to my seizures. I am a person who has always worked and this is very hard for me. I never ask for help because I believe I can do it on my own, but it has gotten my breaking point. I am applying for SS disability benefits, but don't know how to express in words about my seizures. I guess one reason is because I don't like to complain and this makes me feel like I'm a complainer. Could someone please help me put into words how seizures are preventing me from holding down a full time job. From not being able to drive, to grand mal seizures, to everyday myotonic jerks, to side effects of meds, and even my depression. How do I put that into words so that the disability reviewers can understand?? Please help! Thanks for listening!

Comments

Re: Applying for social security disability benefits

Submitted by toddswed2169 on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 20:01

Hello,

I understand your pain.  I am dealing with it all the time.   I opened up a claim with Social Security disability.   One thing I can tell you is that I don't feel you have to say it all to them.   They will need to hear from your doctor about you while you are reviewed.  The Neurologist you see will be able to explain to them your condition.   Just provide them your doctors details(address, etc).   They need an accredited doctor to verify it. 

Hope some of this helped

Hello,

I understand your pain.  I am dealing with it all the time.   I opened up a claim with Social Security disability.   One thing I can tell you is that I don't feel you have to say it all to them.   They will need to hear from your doctor about you while you are reviewed.  The Neurologist you see will be able to explain to them your condition.   Just provide them your doctors details(address, etc).   They need an accredited doctor to verify it. 

Hope some of this helped

Re: Applying for social security disability benefits

Submitted by Kayne57 on Thu, 2013-11-14 - 18:51

Well said, this is also my advice. My son has epilepsy and was able to get SSD here in Iowa. States vary on SSD approval, Iowa only approves about 30% of the applicants. Hopefully your state is better than that.

Alert your neurologist that you are applying for SSD so they will be perpared. The Social Security office will ask your doctor for a release of your medical records pertaining to the epilepsy. And if you are denied, don't give up, apply again.

I wish you well

Well said, this is also my advice. My son has epilepsy and was able to get SSD here in Iowa. States vary on SSD approval, Iowa only approves about 30% of the applicants. Hopefully your state is better than that.

Alert your neurologist that you are applying for SSD so they will be perpared. The Social Security office will ask your doctor for a release of your medical records pertaining to the epilepsy. And if you are denied, don't give up, apply again.

I wish you well

Re: Applying for social security disability benefits

Submitted by tcameron on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 21:47

I found out when I lost my license that the reason I lost it was because I was unable to drive.  I checked things out:  If I'm unalbe to drive, could this mean I'm 'disabled'?  What I learned was that epilepsy isn't considered a disability unless you experience at least 3 seiz/month.  This is old info and could have changed.  However, you'll need to find out how many seizures you need to experience to be considered disabled and allowed to file for Social Security Disability before you actually do this.  Make sure to keep track of your seizures, to find out if this is the case.

Other forms of epilepsy, such as drop seizures, might not need at least 3/month to be considered disabled.  Its imperative that you follow all of their rules and wait for a long time to finallly qualify.  Take care of yourself,  T

I found out when I lost my license that the reason I lost it was because I was unable to drive.  I checked things out:  If I'm unalbe to drive, could this mean I'm 'disabled'?  What I learned was that epilepsy isn't considered a disability unless you experience at least 3 seiz/month.  This is old info and could have changed.  However, you'll need to find out how many seizures you need to experience to be considered disabled and allowed to file for Social Security Disability before you actually do this.  Make sure to keep track of your seizures, to find out if this is the case.

Other forms of epilepsy, such as drop seizures, might not need at least 3/month to be considered disabled.  Its imperative that you follow all of their rules and wait for a long time to finallly qualify.  Take care of yourself,  T

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