Disability or NOT?

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Disability-bannerThere are many people out there that qualify and truly need to be put on disability and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. When someone makes the decision that they are not able to work any longer and their doctor agrees with them, then you just know it is the right time for taking that route in life. Do some people actually take advantage of this? Absolutely and that is just really sad and an insult to those that do need disability! No one can really be pushed or forced to file for disability as it is a very involved process and does require a lot!

Disability does not have to be permanent, but you must be totally disabled as is defined by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration (SSR) actually anticipates that the condition can improve at any point in time! Aren’t they thoughtful and optimistic? Therefore this requires those that were awarded benefits to participate in a process called Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The reason for CDR is to determine if there have been any improvements in the claimant’s medical or financial circumstances. All approved claims are subject to “diary review dates” after one, three and seven years. Now this does depend on the condition the disability was awarded for and the probability for improvement. All that is required to avoid interruption in disabilitydisability benefits is medical documentation that the claimant still suffers from the impairment the disability was originally awarded for and that there have not been any improvements.

The SSR tries to make this process a little easier for those filing, so their list of impairments are broken down by bodily systems or functions:

  • Musculoskeletal Problems:
    • Back conditions and other dysfunctions of the joints and bones
  • Senses and Speech Issues:
    • Vision and hearing loss
  • Cardiovascular Conditions:
    • Chronic Heart Failure
    • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Digestive Trace Problems:
    • Liver Disease
    • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBS)
  • Neurological Disorders:
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Epilepsy
  • Blood Disorders:
    • Sickle Cell Disease
    • Hemophilia
  • Mental Disorders:
    • Depression
    • Anxiety
    • Schizophrenia
    • Autism
    • Intellectual Disability

The medical evidence that needs to be shown must be recent and encompass the time period when the disability started to present is:

  • Physical Examination
  • Treatment notes or reports
  • MRI (depending on illness)
  • CAT Scan (depending on illness)
  • X-ray (depending on illness)
  • Mental Health Notes
  • Blood work notes

 

If I am being realistic and logical, I know that living with a chronic illness disability may be involved in my life at some point. I mean heck, I know the Multiple Sclerosis is not Montelgoing to magically disappear😿, but I do not have to own this until it is absolutely necessary, which is not right now❤!! I believe if I continue living my life in the best way possible, control my stress (which we all know I am really bad at), and take the medication that is best for my body chemistry, I am doing all I am able to control the progression of this illness💞! I am only 36 years old and have been living with this illness for almost 18 years, besides the constant pain I deal with; I think I am doing rather well! As you can probably tell it really bothers😿 me when people make the suggestion I go on disability. It has happened way too many times just because people know what I live with, but they really do not know how it affects me. I do my very best to hide my feelings of pain, however people make assumptions! I do not disagree with anyone that is on disability, but I am so darn stubborn and even if my body might be ready, I am not emotionally😿 ready to take that step.

I really want to thank y’all for reading my rant today❤! This was suggested to me today and as you can tell it did not sit well with me😿! I am not going to say that I will not ever file for disability, but at this point in my life I am not ready as I feel I am still able to disability_is_not_inabilitywork, even if I am not working full-time right now. My working pretty much part-time hours is just the right now, in a few more weeks or months even I might be fully capable of doing those long full-time hours again. 

I hope y’all had a good day! Thank goodness we are half way through the week and the weekend is coming!! Of course I appreciate and even encourage your comments as I promise to respond as quickly as I can! I hope y’all have a wonderful and relaxing evening. As always I am sending y’all LOTS of❤ love and comfort!

My signature heart

❤Always, Alyssa❤

44 thoughts on “Disability or NOT?”

  6. I agree with you Alyssa. That is an individual decision and one not to be taken lightly. It’s not anyone else’s place to suggest disability to another. You’re right many people abuse the system and go on disability when honestly they are able to work. Some people would rather spend their days and time pursuing disability as if it was their full time job as opposed to filling out applications for employment. I think we both know someone like this and in life we sometimes need to consider the source. You are a determined, strong minded individual and will never quit or give up. I’m proud of you for your integrity and desire to stay strong and positive rather than take the easy way out and throw in the towel. Stay strong and positive and don’t let the ignorance of others influence you in any way. All my Love, Mom

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    • Thank you so much Mom! You know that I will never surrender to being disabled until there is no other option for me! You also know how much comments like this hurt my feelings and it isn’t the first time someone has made this ignorant comment to me. My goodness these people just do not really know me!!!

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  8. That was informative Alyssa, thanks. All I knew about the process is that it is a royal pain in the ass an you have confirmed that assumption. My perspective has always been to avoid this unless it becomes absolutely necessary, which I hope does not come to fruition. I’m probably close enough to retirement age where SSA would simply tell me to retire and take the benefits, but I want to wait until the age where I can max that out. Time will tell.

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  9. Hear, hear! Thanks for posting this. I have mentioned that MS is a disability on my blog because many people are disabled with MS (and it is technically classified as such), but I personally do not feel disabled. I also think I’m doing rather well, considering. I love reading your positive attitude and how you work through everything, Alyssa. Thanks again!

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    • Thank you so much! It probably showed how frustrated I was with this topic. I know that MS is classified as a disability, but not everyone is at that point yet. So many people have suggested I go on disability and it is hurtful and offensive to hear as I think I am also doing well considering. Of course I have my bad days, but seriously no one would know I had MS if I didn’t tel them. I am glad you enjoyed this post and thank you for your comment!!!

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      • I get offended at the suggestion as well. While it’s frustrating somedays to have an invisible disability (friends forget so they may not understand), I try to wear it as a badge of honor that no one knows I have MS. I want to help normalize the disease and change the stigma that MS = disability. MS takes so many forms (and that’s why it’s such a frustrating disease).

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      • I try to ignore the ignorance of those who suggest it, but after a while it just makes me MAD! A person can only take so much! I am with you, I want to help to make MS look a little more normal than people seem to assume and get rid of the stigma surrounding us, but some people are stuck in their ignorant ways.

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    • I have nominated you for an award, I hope you are okay with this. But please know there is NO pressure and you do not have to participate as I understand we are all busy. These do tend to take time, so seriously no pressure!!

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      • icare is a new “scheme” or “system” that has taken over from insurance companies for seriously injured workers in Australia. icare is a government initiative that has basically removed my rights as a disabled man. Under the new scheme I am unable to sue for medical costs associated with becoming disabled while I was at work. It’s a horrible situation to be within. I became a man with multiple disabilities from being at work and nobody is taking responsibility. I have been writing to MP’s who simply say, legislation, as to the reason I am being “drip-fed”.

        I like the honesty when you write

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      • Oh goodness, thank you for sharing this with me. I am terribly sorry for my delayed response, it has been one of those painful weekends.
        I appreciate you saying you like that I write with nothing but honesty!!!

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