[connypie]

#1060433

Hello everybody,does anybody know anything about this?I tried looking it up in the ss handbook and on one hand they say yes and then no,very confusing.I mean if people get ssi or ssd for asthma,anxiety and stuff like that shouldnt Graves be too.my primary said im too healthy?And that was during a flairup when he sent me for a head ct because my cognitive functions were impaired.It doesnt make any sense to me.im too healthy to be considered disabled,but im sick enough to warrant a $3000 test?

[Kimberly]

#1182577

Hello – Getting a claim through for Graves’ disease can be very challenging, as it’s difficult to *quantify* the symptoms. If you are currently working, that will result in an automatic denial. It’s helpful to have an experienced disability attorney on your side to guide you through this process. Here is a site that offers attorney referrals: http://www.nosscr.org/ Keep in mind that by law, a disability attorney cannot charge you until your case is settled, although they *can* bill for reimbursement for reasonable expenses such as photocopying medical records.

(Note on links: if you click directly on the above link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

Off the top of my head, I can only think of two patients I’ve had contact with who have been successful in getting a disability claim through. One had a second autoimmune disease and the other had severe eye complications. A consult with an attorney would at least be a good start in evaluating your chances.

[Raspberry]

#1182578

Kimberly and Connie, I’ve wondered about this too. I need to return to work and worry that my mind literally will be unable to do the kind of work I did previously. Just today I had to make a list for the grocery store for a trip pre-Graves I wouldn’t have made a list for. And I still forgot two of the items after checking the list several times while in the store. I hate to think how that will translate to my future job performance. Does Graves qualify for accommodations on the job like a disability at all? And if you want to go that route do you wait to tell them till after you get the job or before? Guessing before might mean no job offer at all!

[Kimberly]

#1182579

Hello – This site from a division of the U.S. Dept. of Labor suggests the following accommodations for Graves’:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following links, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://askjan.org/soar/other/graves.html

This site (the second half) from the U.S. EEOC talks about job applicants and requests for reasonable accommodation. According to this info, you do not need to request a reasonable accommodation during the interview process.

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/jobapplicant.html

Hope this helps!

[Raspberry]

#1182580

I will check these out, thanks Kimberly!

[annism]

#1182581

This may sound strange, but as an LCSW I have helped a number of clients handle SSI applications. None of mine have ever received it for Graves, but a few have reapplied with the diagnosis of Auto-immune.

Sounds silly to me but they seam to prefer that diagnosis. I would discuss with your providers as they are the ones that will be handling this and are better equipped to provide you with situation specific advise.

Hope this helps
Ann

[connypie]

#1182582

thanks annism, you see i work in retail and it becomes quite stressful at times.when there is a long line of customers impatiently waiting in line at the register.and youre always on display.i was offered a promotion to manager,but i had to turn it down.because i know it would be too much stress.ive suffered from anxiety for years.both me and my husband had cancer in the last few years.ive recently had a flairup of graves.so if i had to go to part time, would i be eligible for ssi? i just dont understand the system i guess.a drugaddict who willingly took drugs and destroyed his body by choice gets it handed to them on a silver platter and we cant get a penny.now that i have vented,i feel better.lol it just doesnt seem fair .

[connypie]

#1182583

annism, see i forgot the question i wanted to ask you in the first place.now what was it? ohh yeah.did they ultimately get approved when they used the term auto immune disease?

[Kimberly]

#1182584

@connypie – My understanding is that the government looks at whether you are earning more than a certain dollar threshold considered to be “substantial gainful activity”:

(Note on links: if you click directly on the following link, you will need to use your browser’s “back” button to return to the boards after viewing, or you will have to log back in to the forum. As an alternative, you can right-click the link and open it in a new tab or new window).

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/oact/cola/sga.html

One of the challenges with getting disability is that they don’t consider whether you can’t do your *current* job, just whether or not you could do *any* job. One of the examples that I heard in a presentation a couple of years ago is that if a neurosurgeon injured his or her hands, they could still be told they were capable of doing another job that didn’t require detailed work with the hands. If you are still interested in going down this path, a consult with an experienced disability attorney would be helpful.

[annism1]

#1182585

Kimberly is absolutely correct. The people I worked with were able to get SSI but it was very difficult.

It sounds like there are a number of factors for you. The cancer, the anxiety, as well as the Graves. If you want to pursue this path, again Kimberly is right. Consulting a specialist is important. This is an area of law with many brick walls as well as many loop holes.

I can agree that the stress of functioning with the ups and downs of Graves is difficult. I am constantly impressed with all of us, that find some balance in life. While our thyroid is all over the map.

Good luck in finding the right balance for you.
Ann

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