GETTING DISABILITY FOR FMS/CFIDS
I too have been diagnosed with Fibromyalagia, back in 1990. It has been a steady down hill motion since. I was an LVN and was able to practice my nursing up until 5 years ago. I also have Lupus which I understand sometimes go hand in hand. I want people to know that you are able to get disability with Fibromyalagia. I am on it now. I did have to get a lawyer to help but I had so much evidence that it wasn't too hard to get it after a while (2 yrs). My advice is not to give up, seek help, and follow the advice.
4. PATTIE'S STORY
5. EVELYN'S STORY
I share the concern that you and Pattie have about those who have to go thru the barbed wire. Dr. Richard Bruno has worked tirelessly with congressmen, the media, and the U.S. Social Security Administration setting the guidelines right for polio survivors to receive the disability payments they deserve. Please contact him. He is a research specialist in CFS, PPS, and FMS. He is a psychiatrist with MS and has an entire staff of medical doctors and personnel at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, New Jersey, who work as a team diagnosing people like you and me.
Lawyers are worthless and charge
a high fee. You must go to the right doctor who knows the language of the Social
Security Admin. and you must know the language to use in your SSDI application.
6. CLAUDIA'S ADVICE
SSA almost always automatically denies your claim. This I was taught at work...we were told, and would tell our disabled clients that the first time you WILL be denied. Then we file again. The first denial is to see if you will go away. It's not personal, it is very standard. Don't forget that, if you are denied the first time. Standard proceedure. You just throw the ball back and stay in the game.
10. INFORMATION SENT BY TENDERPOINTS
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND
FIBROMYALGIA
Presented By:
Jeffrey A. Rabin &
Associates Ltd.
640 Pearson Street, Suite 300
Des Plaines, Illinois
60016
(847) 299-0008
(888) LAW-0600
ESTABLISHING "DISABILITY" FOR CLAIMANTS WITH FIBROMYALGIA AND
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Social Security disability benefits are
often the ultimate safety net for persons suffering from medical impairments
that make it impossible for them to work. For many people, however,
struggling through the Social Security Administration's bureaucracy is
frustrating, confusing and slow. For people suffering from
conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the requirements
of the Social Security Act can become overwhelming. This article will
explain and simplify in general terms the requirements of the Social Security
disability program and describe the application and appeals
process.
Two Different Programs - SSDI and
SSI
There are two programs under the Social Security Act
providing benefits for persons who are unable to work. The first is the Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program found in Title II of the Social
Security Act. The second is the Supplemental Security Income program
contained in Title XVI of the Social Security Act. The medical test for
both programs is identical. The differences are in the non-medical
eligibility requirements.
Non-Medical
Requirements
SSDI benefits are paid to totally disabled
individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system with the
FICA taxes that are deducted from paychecks. These FICA taxes are
analogous to insurance premiums paid for automobile, homeowners or other private
insurance. The FICA payments, which are matched by employers, buy coverage
under the Social Security Retirement, Disability and Medicare programs.
For SSDI, the general rule of thumb is that a worker must have worked and paid
FICA taxes for at least 40 quarters lifetime (10 years) and, at 20 of those
quarters had to have been paid in during the? ten years prior to the date of
becoming totally disabled. For example, a 40 year-old Claimant who became
disabled in 2003 would have had to have worked and paid FICA taxes for at least
10 years during his lifetime, and 5 of those years would have had to have been
between 1992 and 2002.
If approved for SSDI the Social Security
Administration pays a monthly benefit based upon how much was earned and paid
into the Social Security system. Benefits are also paid to dependent
children who are under 16 years old, or who are under 18 years old and still in
high school. Medicare eligibility begins twenty-nine months after the
onset date of total disability.
The SSI program requires
that an individual be totally disabled and "indigent." "Indigent"
basically means that the Claimant has little or no income and less than
$2,000.00 in non-exempt assets. A home and furniture are not
counted. One car is exempt. Bank accounts, IRAs, profit sharing
plans, cash value life insurance and similar assets are all included in
determining assets, even if penalties and taxes would be incurred if the asset
were converted to cash. In addition, a spouse's assets and income are
"deemed" to the disabled Claimant - this deeming rule wreaks havoc on many
disabled persons, particularly the stay-at-home parent.
In 2004 SSI will
pay a basic monthly benefit of $564.00 which may be supplemented by some
states. A disabled person receiving SSI will also be eligible for food
stamps and a Medicaid card from the state.
Medical Requirements
for Eligibility
The Social Security disability program is
designed to pay benefits to claimants suffering from medical problems causing
symptoms so severe that it becomes impossible to sustain function at any type of
work. Issues of employability, job existence, insurability and location or
desirability of alternative work will not be considered, although age and
education are often important factors. The fact that a person can not do the
work performed in the past is usually not determinative. This is a
medical program that focuses upon medically proven symptoms and their impact on
the ability to perform work activities.
Therefore, the focus in on
function, not on diagnosis; SSA often admits that Claimants have medical
problems and are "impaired," but denies that they are "totally disabled."
The debate is over what the Claimant can "do" despite the medical
problems.
The Social Security Administration's Regulations require
determination of disability be based upon on "objective proof" of both the
medical problem and of the severity of the symptoms. "Objective proof"
means the findings contained in medical tests that are not dependent on the
patient's subjective responses. A MRI, a cardiac treadmill test, an x-ray
and a pulmonary function test are all "objective" tests. Asking a patient
if she is in pain is "subjective." In Fibromyalgia and CFS claims, it is
often difficult to objectively prove either the existence of the disease, or the
severity of the symptoms. This has caused many claims based upon these
conditions to be denied - especially at the first two levels of
review.
The focus in all disability claims is upon the medical evidence,
i.e. the treating physicians' clinical findings, office notes, reports, and
medical test results. This evidence is primary and is often more important
than the testimony of the Claimant. While a Claimant's description of the
impact on daily activities, social functioning and concentration must be
considered by SSA, the content of the medical documentation is the most
important source of evidence in deciding the claim.
In Fibromyalgia
claims the clinical notes and a report of the treating rheumatologist are most
important. A 1996 decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
established that a rheumatologist is the primary source for proof of this
disease. Office notes from the rheumatologist should consistently document
the positive findings for the tender points which are diagnostic for this
disease. In addition, the patient should be complaining at each office
visit of the fatigue and pain that are consistent with this condition. A
report that establishes that all other causes for the symptoms have been ruled
out helps establish the existence of the disease.
Since the extent
of fatigue and pain can not be measured, consistency of complaints in the
various medical records will be important. The use of pain
medications, even if just for trial periods is an important consideration in
evaluating the severity of pain. Use of mild analgesics indicates less
severe symptoms; prescription of stronger narcotics indicates that the treating
specialist felt the pain problems more severe. Also, documentation by the
physicians of concentration impairments, and the inability to perform routine
daily activities such as housework, shopping, and social functioning, are also
factors considered by Social Security Administration decision makers.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome claims have been made clearer by the adoption
of Social Security Ruling 99-2p. This Ruling finally acknowledges that CFS
is a medically determinable impairment and describes the various findings that
can establish the diagnosis. This Ruling is quite useful and can be found
at the SSA's web site, www.ssa.org Generally, the
focus is on a longitudinal view of the medical evidence and the extent and
nature of the treatment provided by the various physicians. The clinical
findings and summaries of the patient's complaints in the office notes are
critical in terms of establishing the existence of a medical impairment.
As to whether the symptoms are totally disabling, SSA will consider the medical
opinions, as well as the statements of the Claimant and third parties, as in any
other disability claim.
Claimants who suffer from depression should also
seek treatment from a mental health professional. Whether the depression
is a symptom of the disease, or results from the significant impact on a
Claimant's lifestyle, or is a separate disabling medical condition, the
treatment notes and histories often lend credibility to the claim.
However, SSA will generally not give significant weight to depression treated by
a family doctor or social worker - emphasis will always be given to the records
and reports of an M.D. psychiatrist or Ph.D. psychologist. Depression does
not usually negate the existence of other underlying impairments but instead
confirms the severity of their impact. On occasion, this diagnosis
provides an alternative theory for an Administrative Law Judge who wishes to
award benefits but will not approve a claim based on CFS or
Fibromyalgia.
The Application Process
There
are multiple levels of review of an application filed under the Social Security
Act. In an effort to increase productivity, and decrease processing time,
the Social Security Administration is testing different review models across the
country. This article will describe the basic system which is still in
place throughout most of the United States.
A claim is initiated by
filing an application. This can be done over the telephone, on SSA's web
site at www.sss.org (for
SSDI claims only) or, preferably, in person at the local Social Security
Administration District Office. The application will require a list of all
of the jobs performed during the last 15 years, a list of all medical providers,
a list of current medications, names and dates of all prior marriages and
divorces, and a copy of the Claimant's birth certificate. Generally
our practice is to recommend as much be done with Social Security face to face
at the District Offices - this decreases the chance for errors. At the
time of this writing, only SSDI claims can be filed over SSA's web
site.
After the application is filed, the Social Security Administration
will send the file to a Disability Determination Service (DDS) administered by
that State. Each state has a contract with SSA to perform the first
two levels of review. At the DDS the file will be assigned to an
adjudicator who will be responsible for gathering medical documentation, getting
any additional information from the Claimant, arranging for consultative
examinations and obtaining medical and vocational opinions from the DDS's
internal experts. A written decision is issued in about 90 days on
average, although the time frame can vary widely. Historically only about
36% of claims are paid at this level.
If denied, the second step is the
filing of a Request for Reconsideration at the SSA District Office. A
Claimant is allowed 60 days from the date of the initial denial to file this
appeal, although there is usually little to gain by waiting. The Request
for Reconsideration is also processed by the state DDS. Historically only
about 17% of claims are approved at this level and SSA is testing elimination of
this step.
The third level of review, for those claims denied at
Reconsideration, is the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
These are informal administrative hearings held before independent judges who
hear testimony, review the medical records and issue written decisions.
While progress had been made in reducing the backlog in setting hearing dates,
the delays have been increasing once more. Time frames vary widely across
the nation, many hearing offices now take at least twelve months from the date
the Request for Hearing is filed to set a hearing date.
The hearing is
critical to the review process because it is the only time that a Claimant has
the opportunity to see, and talk to, the decision maker. Up until this
time all decisions are based upon paper, i.e. medical reports and written
questionnaires. This is the only time in the process where the decision
maker gets to see and question the Claimant. That face to face
observation is critical and in this author's experience is one of the factors
causing ALJs to reverse many reconsideration denials.
While all Social
Security cases first focus on medical proof, the testimony at an administrative
law judge hearing may tip the scale in favor of a sympathetic and credible
Claimant. It is important that a Claimant fully explain the
limitations and the effects of the disease on their daily activities.
Testimony, which is consistent with the medical evidence and credible, can
persuade a Social Security judge to award benefits in a claim based upon
Fibromyalgia or CFS.
The final two steps in the review process are the
Appeals Council, and if unsuccessful, the United States District Court.
These reviews are primarily based upon the medical evidence and testimony from
the ALJ hearing. Since there is no additional testimony, and very little
additional medical evidence can be supplied, these two levels of review are
helpful in only a small percentage of claims. The backlog at the Appeals
Council is now almost two years.
NOTE: SSA has begun
testing different application processes in different parts of the nation.
Some Claimants will not have a reconsideration stage; some will not have Appeals
Council review. All Claimants will have an opportunity for an
Administrative Law Judge
hearing.
Representation
This Social Security
disability application and appeals process was designed so that Claimants are
not required to obtain representation. However, people with representation
have much higher success rates. Familiarity with SSA's Regulations,
Rulings, the federal caselaw interpreting the Act, and with SSA's internal
guidelines called the POMS and HALLEX, help guide preparation of a claim.
Representatives do not have to be licensed attorneys and there are paralegals
and other non-attorneys who do provide representation.
This
author's strong preference is to become involved in a claim as early in the
process as possible. The earlier a Claimant understands the issues in her
particular situation, and the earlier the review of the existing available
medical proof, the greater the chance the assistance will be granted at some
point in the process. In addition, care needs to be exercised in the
completion of many of the early questionnaires sent by the DDS adjudicators -
many answers on these forms end up being twisted and serving as the basis for
denials by adjudicators and ALJs.
Almost all attorneys who focus in this
area of the law will agree to representation on a contingency fee basis - that
means that fees are only awarded in the event of a favorable outcome. In
addition, the Social Security Administration always retains the right to review
attorney fees.
Conclusion
Many claims for
SSDI and SSI benefits are approved for persons with Fibromyalgia and Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome. Claimants must have the support of their treating
specialists - especially the rheumatologist and/or pain specialist and must
maintain good communication regarding their symptoms and limitations. If
depression has become an issue then treatment with either a Ph.D. psychologist
or M.D. psychiatrist is important. The earlier a Claimant obtains
experienced representation the greater the chance for success, and the less
stressful the battle through the various levels of appeal and
review. Perseverance will prevail and disabled persons can obtain
this much needed assistance.
Nothing in this article is intended to be
specific legal advice or to create an actual or implied attorney-client
relationship. This article has been a brief summary of the basic law and
persons seeking benefits should contact experienced representatives for advice
upon which they can rely. Hopefully, however, this brief analysis will
provide some insight into the disability system.
For further information,
please contact Jeffrey A. Rabin, Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., 640
Pearson St., Suite 300, Des Plaines, IL 60016. The office telephone is too
free 1-888-LAW-0600 and email is jeff@rabinsslaw.com Mr. Rabin is an attorney in the Chicago area who has
been practicing in this area of law since 1981. He represents Claimants
nationwide, is a sustaining member of the National Organization of Social
Security Claimants' Representatives and has served as a member of the executive
board of the Social Security Disability Committee of the American Trial Lawyers'
Association.
11. TIM MOORE'S SITE
I have a website called "Social Security Disability Secrets." It's an informational site devoted to people who are trying to win disability benefits (I used to be a disability claims examiner for SSA).
I wanted to point out a particular page (actually two pages that are linked) on my site that specifically deals with applying for disability if you have fibromyalgia. It offers some advice and some useful tips--
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/social_security_disability_fibromyalgia.html
12. ADVICE FROM L.W.
Factors that describe how certain functions and
activities are disrupted by my
condition:
* I am not a malingerer, I am sick.
* Emotional factors do contribute to the severity of symptoms
* Lifting is painful
* I cannot sit for extended periods of time
* Walking – this is painful and stressful
* Lifting – adds more pain
* Shopping – limited and usually done with assistance and very slowly
* Travel – uncomfortable
* Dealing with people – cannot tolerate stressful situations
I have a chronic illness called Fibromylgia and it causes a multitude of problems:
* Chronic Fatigue
* Insomnia
* Chronic Pain; shoulders, feet, hips, legs ????
100 Tips for Coping with Fibromyalgia &
Insomnia
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Story
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DOMINIE'S FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC
FATIGUE SYNDROME HOMEPAGE
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor. I am a fibromyalgia / chronic fatigue syndrome survivor. The purpose of this website is not to diagnose or cure any disease or malady, but is presented as food for thought. This information cannot take the place of professional medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should come under the direction of a physician. No guarantees are made regarding any of the information in this website.