Question for anyone on or knowleadgable of Disabilty and also Knee problems

[brokensky]

Superk - really helpful info. I need to read more and see what the guidelines are now. Good to know that some diagnoses would mean a person doesn't have to hire and attorney and fight for years to get some help. It's not like it is a lot of money! But when a person is unable to work, it helps.

[superk]

One of the things I harp on when I'm talking to younger couples is that they BOTH need to spend some time in the workforce. I'm all for someone who wants to be a stay-at-home parent, but you really need to weigh that against the financial reality of not having something to draw from from Social Security when you need it.

There is someone I know (online only) who's in the Huntersville area who's wife is, as I understand it, severely disabled. Unfortunately, since she's always been a stay-at-home mom, she isn't eligible for anything from Social Security and, like me, since they're both yound and he's employed, they get nothing from Medicare or Medicaid either. I know it's quite a struggle for him without that little bit of extra income to offse the huge expenses that you incur when someone needs ongoing care. With two young children to take care of, I don't know how he does it.

[brokensky]

I don't know how anyone does it - as you said - even WITH the little bit of money you get from disability.

That is such good advice - I hope folks listen. I tell people that, too. My parents told me from the time I was 16 (and had a part time job) to get as much work in as possible early in life b/c you never know what can happen later, and you want to be able to qualify for social security benefits. Of course, I wonder how that will turn out for all of us in the future . . . hopefully, we will be able to draw from what we have contributed.

When you can't work, even $500 a month can mean the difference in paying for necessities, even if you have a partner or family to help you.

[CH14]

Does anyone have recommendations for an attorney? My mom is in a similair circumstance (Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis/Fibromyalgia/both knees replaced) and SS was just denied (expected). She is now looking to appeal....

[howard555]

Originally Posted by CH14

Does anyone have recommendations for an attorney? My mom is in a similair circumstance (Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis/Fibromyalgia/both knees replaced) and SS was just denied (expected). She is now looking to appeal....

I can refer you to my disability lawyer who is in Charlotte, though I am in Rock Hill.
please send me a private message.

[Whatsthenews]

I guess you need a diagnosis and appropriate treatment first.

Looking at the guidelines for the musculoskeletal section they look at the degree to which the symptoms (pain, joint stiffness, loss of range of movement etc) interfere with the persons ability to carry out activities, particularly walking distances, using public transport, climbing a few steps etc.

I guess they the review investigation results (x rays, bloods,scans etc) and doctors/physical therapist assessments to check that the severity of the disease fits with the severity of the symptoms that are contributing to the inability/difficulty carrying out everyday activities.
Also look for objective findings in physical exams eg "cannot straight leg lift" rather than "pt complains he cannot lift his leg"

This is probably where many claims fall down , plus,as pain is so subjective.
One person may have severe joint deformity and pain but has a higher pain threshold and so manages to function relatively normally.
Another may have less severe disease with a lower level of pain but find it difficult to function as their pain threshold is lower.

I guess I would be making sure that I had difficulty walking etc, and get a doctor who specialises in musculoskeletal problems and is familiar with the process of applying for disability.
If not then I would be taking this
1.00 Musculoskeletal System-Adult
with me to the Doctor and saying "this is what we need you to do"!

Also document periods of missed work and reasons as they look at the presence of symptoms/limitations that are intermittent over a period of time.