Spondylitis Association of America Forums General Discussion Questions About USA Social Security Disability Benefits Considering filling for Disability

How do I go about filing for permanent disability? I have been out over 6mo in the last year from complications due to AS. I work as a nurse in a doctor's office and work is making my symptoms much worse. I've done this work for 30yrs now and feel it's time to take care of myself finally. Does anyone know how I would go about filing? I am on state disability right now.

Diagnosed with AS April 2010 (after many yrs of the "doctor" run around!) I have every symptom of AS you can have. On Remicade, Methotrexate, solumedrol IV, prednisone, celebrex, Azulfidine, kapadex, Lyrica, Percocet, Lexapro, HCTZ and alot of Aleve, tylenol, Ibuprofen in between.

Hi, Kellilesangels. I just noticed that I had not responded to your post. Sorry to hear about your conditions. You can file online at www.ssa.gov, call Social Security at 800.772.1213 or simply visit your local Social Security office. You can call the 800 # to find your local office or do a search on SSA's website. If you decide to call SSA and do an in-person or phone interview, you should search for an complete SSA's "Disability Starter Kit" (search for it at www.ssa.gov). Let me know if you have further questions.

Rich

After years of back and hip pain the majority of my adult life, I was diagnosed at age 44 with AS, I am currently 49 (feel's like I'm 89). Despite the pain endured, I have worked all of my adult life (since age 18), have never been out of work, have always paid taxes. I live in New York, and commute to Manhattan every day (with the aid of a cane). It has been increasingly difficult to get to work, due to constant joint pain (back, hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, fingers and neck pain). New symptom - my Rheumatologist has suggested physical therapy sessions, because I have the beginning of fusion in my spine, back is beginning to hunch. Have increased inflammation of the eyes, having vision problems. I had surgery on one of my knees already, and having problems with the other. My x-rays have revealed that I have osteoarthritis in both hips and knees, and platar fasciitis in both heels. Can't sleep at night unless I take an Oxycontin, or Tylenol pm, due to joint pain, despite having a good mattress. I have a stressful job (law firm - 16 years) and only find mild relief when I take a week off from work, but I have no good days, they are bad to worse. My Rheumatologist helped me in getting a handicap license plate, and has suggested that I should consider going on disability. It appears that immune system disorders run in my family as my older brother was just diagnosed a year ago with Shulman's Syndrome. I have been seeing my specialist for about 5 years now, and have a numerous amount of x-rays, mri's and dr visits to justify my claim. Although this would create havoc with my finances, going on disability would be the most sensible solution for my health. Should I hire a disability lawyer to guide me through the process or do I have enough to file on my own? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Diane
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Diagnosed with AS Nov 2007 (Seronegative spondylarthropathy), HLA-B27+, have taken Celebrex, Prednisone, Methotrexate, Enbrel, Humira, currently taking Simponi, will be starting Remicade in January 2012, Naproxin, diclofenac, Tylenol PM.

Hi, Jens_Mom. Sorry for the delay in responding to your post. Diane - it is your call. I do recommend that claimant's hire an attorney because so much is at stake. An attorney can help to formulate and argue a theory of the case and assist your with forms that will inevitably be sent to you by SSA. Additional, an attorney can help with an appeal if you are denied. You do describe, though, some obviously severe impairments. I wish you well. Please let me know if your have further questions.

Rich