Question:
How does someone go about a disability determination

Is being disable for social security purposes different from being disabled? I can no longer work because of my weight and weight related medical conditions. I am seriously thinking about applying for Social Security but I have heard that it is very difficult to get for Morbid obesity. I have a BMI of 51, Asthma, sleep apnea, urinary incontinence, PCOS, and such pain in my low back, hips, and knees that I cannot stand for longer than about 3 minutes without it being unbearable. I know no one can tell me what Social Security will and will not allow, but I would like to hear from those of you who are recieving Social Security because of their MO, and I would also like to know if to be officially determined disabled, does it have to be through SS or does your doctor do the determination? Thank you    — [Anonymous] (posted on August 5, 2001)

August 5, 2001
I am on SSDI, but not for morbid Obesity.I went on it after a total hysterectomy in 1996.Yes it is hard to get approved, but I was approved right away because they approved "mental" disorders quicker than physical ailments. I know this is sad but that is how the system works.I was basically approved for a Panic Disorder, rather than my other symptoms,like inability to walk without help and very high blood pressure.Let me add that I was not morbidly obese then but I am now and am seeking the surgery. I have just about 100lbs to lose.You need to contact your local SS office for information and an application. The process can take up to a year for approval.Mine was approved in 6 months because I told them I was suicidal. Your Primary doctor can not determine SS approval, they just provide medical documentation to back up what you say. They also ask for any doctors you have been to.
   — [Anonymous]

August 5, 2001
Hmm... I thoroughly hate to be the bearer of bad tidings here... but I am going to be VERY honest with you about this matter. You can quote me on what I say here to ANYONE because this process and insurance approval have been the bane of my existance since October 2, 2000, the date I applied for SSI to begin with... You can check my profile I have a BMI of 74.6 at 24 years old. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=K988992954 I can not drive my car from bad joints and burcitis that make my legs go numb. I can barely fit behind the wheel of my car so it's not much help to begin with. I have black outs from muscle strain in the back of my neck caused by my weight pulling down on it. I can barely stand, less not stand to walk or stand to do housework / shopping / care for my three young children... I am completely physically dependant on my husband for dressing, showering, private care after toilet use, to name only a couple things... I have severe chronic hypertension, joint pain, bursitis, arthritis, sleep apnea, stress urinary incontinence, fluid retention, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, panniculitis and the list goes on..... I first had a 60 day wait for all of my dr.'s records to be received. I was first sent to a psychologist - 30 day wait... then to a physical - another 30 day wait... X-Rays on my knee, back, chest and a pulmonary function test - another 30 day wait. Only to be DENIED the first time. They say they have 30 days from my exams to make the decision and believe me they take the FULL 30 days. Then I sent my paperwork in the middle of April for reconsideration. I called the SSI office in May because I hadn't heard anything. They told me they "*LOST*" ALL of the paperwork from my original claim and they have to start ALL over again. So they sent me some paperwork which I then sent back and then they sent me more paperwork which I've now sent back and the last I heard, at the end of July, my Dr. has papers to be filled out by him again. I would suggest if you have the money hiring a lawyer... My next step, which WILL be taken if I'm denied again, will be to go to my Congressman and the media.
   — Elizabeth D.

August 5, 2001
hi, the fastest way to get disability is to check you local phone book for attorneys who specilizes in " social security disability " it is not uncommon to be denied the 1st or 2nd time, but a lawyer of this type will cut thru the red tape abd get you your money, if you don't get one, it is possible they could deny you over and over again, the lawyer is paid by social security, also make sure your personal doctor knows you are filing and has adequate documentation in your medical records to support your claim, they will check for this... i know very few people who have been successful at getting their benefits without a lawyer...
   — viola C.

August 5, 2001
Hey, something I know something about! Not because I was on it, but because, as a voc rehab counselor, I have tesitified at hearings and helped others through the maze. Here are the basics: 1. You don't need a lawyer if you are smart enough to fill out the forms and do what they ask. It is all a process of meeting the right criteria and a lawyer is just going to take a portion of what he/she wins for you. If the forms intimidate, call a lawyer or other special services that help guide people through the process. But really, they can't cut the tape better than you, they just know how to fill out the forms. 2. Almost EVERYBODY is denied on the first attempt. About 50% make it on the second and about 80% on the third, which is the appeal you make to an administrative law judge, who is there exclusively to make sure you get a fair hearing, especially if you are going it alone. Lastly, I was 500 pounds and still able to work, although I had to rest just waalking in from my car. I was blessed earlier in my life with a good education and the acquisition of skills that emphasized my abilities, not my disability. If you can work, do so. It is better for your mental health and self-esteem than trying to live on the paltry amount disability pays. But, if you just can't because of the cumulative effects of various disabilities, than hold your head high when you take that government disability insurance check, because the premium for it was deducted from your pay check (that is the FICA deduction). Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

August 5, 2001
I am a Disability Analyst for Social Security disability and SSI disability claims. Much of the information posted below is inaccurate or misleading. For information about what factors are considered in making a disability determination, please e-mail me privately. If the facts you give in your question can be backed up by medical evidence, it is likely that you can qualify for disability -- on the first application without an attorney. [email protected]
   — Linda B.