Posted by David Hover on March 07, 2003 at 02:35:34:
In Reply to: afib and disability posted by Kati on March 06, 2003 at 17:24:30:
Kati,
I will review my history first. I was diagnosed with AFIB the end of Dec 2000. I was in chronic afib at that time and after reading posts here and talking to Jack and Carl I think I was probably in chronic for at least 2 years before that. I do not feel my heart change rythums at all. I could miss a beat and never feel it.
I just received ssa disability. Went the gantlet. Applied in Feb of 2001. Got my two declines and appealed. Had a Hearing of Nov 18 I think it was and got my approval on Dec 26. That was a great Christmas present. It is a long hard road and you have to keep at it. My second letter declining even said I had a normal heart beat. All in all it is the old story of its just a benign condition and you should be able to live with it. Which I belive some people at the low end of the scale are able to do. Larry and John advise about Near Syncopy is very good and it basically something to know. Most attornies are out for the money and want to do as little as possible. Mine got about $4250 and I am sure he put in no more than 4 hours total. My case was helped by the fact that I spent a total of three month in conjustive Heart Failure last year. I was on Oxygen 24 hours a day for a total of two months and on at night after that. The second time I realized what was happening sooner and so the period was shorter.
John I don't like to defend the ssa people, but you probably got caught in the once a year review. I was lucky to get it since I had had the MAZE and was getting better. The Administrative Law Judge did put in his ruling that I was to remain under doctors care and follow their directions and also that I should be reviewed in a year. If I do lose it I will be about 62 at the time so that may make a difference for me.
Keep a record of how you feel and what you can do. Start a daily diary and do a good job of keeping it up. It will help. Afib does not fall into one of the few magic bullets that are automatic for disability. When you apply put down the date of the onset of the afib, not the day of the report. It will take at least close to two years, but you do get back pay, less two months. You then get Medicare two years from the date you start getting SSA benfits. My started May 1, 2001 so I will be covered by Medicare on May 1, of this year. If you are 65 there is no waiting period, but before 65 there is a two year waiting period. If you would like any more help or encouragement email me and I will call and talk to you. Just be aware that it will be a long wait. This goes for you to Larry, unless the "Near Syncopy" is a magic bullet and I don't think it is. It is just a help.
One other thing be sure and list every problem you may have such as back problems. Also for both you and Larry do as much for yourself as you can. Get Medical reports from your doctors yourself. If you get them, there will be no charge. If the lawyer requests and gets them the doctors will charge the attorney and you will end up paying expenses. My attorney was at least helpful here. I have had not chargable expenses from him. Make copies of any thing he needs that you have. He will probably charge a dollar a page. Will cost you under a dime.
Good luck to both of you and persavere.(Spelling not very good.)
- Re: afib and disability kati 23:50:26 3/09/2003 (0)