Stage IIIA Recurrence - Social Security Disability - LE

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capelang
capelang Member Posts: 18
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema


Hi All,

I just applied for SSDI.  I am 56 years old.  This is my second breast cancer.  Recurrence Stage IIIA.  4/7 lymph nodes.  I have had a total of 11 lymph nodes removed if you include the first surgery.

I have not worked in the past 12 months.  I am on LTD with my company.  I am a flight attendant and obviously can't work on an aircraft during chemo, surgery and radiation.  You have to be 100% to work. My LTD has now been extended through 7/31/14 because I have lymphedema.  My case is mild swelling and I've been wrapping and fitted for customized sleeve and night-time garment but my LE Therapist says I shouldn't be flying while I have swelling.  I only fly turnarounds 10 days a month, but that is 20 flights in a month.  More than the average person.  My LE sent LTD a very thorough letter explaining my condition and LTD extended my absence.

LTD sent me a letter saying "We have completed our review of your medical and vocational information and determined that you are currently disabled from performing any gainful occupation" and state that I am "required" to apply for SSDI.  If I do not apply, they will average my SSDI benefits and offset it with my LTD benefits.

I applied 4 days ago using an Advocator.  SSA called me the day after I applied to verify my info.  I'm hoping that this is a good sign.

Anyone been approved with Recurrence or Stage III or for Lymphedema?  I really can't see myself flying again now that LE has appeared.  I'm afraid it will get worse.  Got a copy of my company's requirements for flight attendant duties.  It states things like - push, pull a loaded beverage cart weighing 250 lbs.  Lift above the shoulders 20-40 lbs.  Open, close aircraft door weighing 40-60 lbs.  "I don't think so"!!!

Please tell me I have a good case!!!!

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Comments

  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited May 2014

    Capelang, hello!

    You do have a good case.

    And on the other hand, you may have to fight to get it. You might want to contact LymphActivist for help, as he's been working on this problem for lymphedema for many years and knows how to go about it. Either PM him here (do a Member List search for LymphActivist) or go to his website (Lymphactivist.org) for research and resources.

    Do keep us posted! Gentle hugs,
    Binney

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  • capelang
    capelang Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2014


    Thanks Binney!  Didn't even know there was such a thing as "LymphActivist". 

    I'll definitely contact him.

    Much Appreciation,

     

    Mandy

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  • juneping
    juneping Member Posts: 1,594
    edited May 2014

    I also think you have a strong case. I had short term disability and the insurance company also required me to apply to state insurance. I did what they told....my state completely ignored me. 

    I doubt you'll get rejected. Who the hell got LE and still required to heavy lifting and fly?? That's a lot of stress just to think about it. Can your company transfer your duty to land job...if you prefer to keep working??

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited May 2014

    Got a copy of my company's requirements for flight attendant duties. It states things like - push, pull a loaded beverage cart weighing 250 lbs. Lift above the shoulders 20-40 lbs. Open, close aircraft door weighing 40-60 lbs...


    Make half a dozen copies of that!


    You DO have  a good case, esp. because of your job.  Virtually

    ALL SSDI claims now take 5 mos to process ( UNLESS someone is terminally ill)  You can apply online. Kepp copious records. 

    Go see yor PCP and make sure his records refelect the same. I am not telling you to lie or exaggerate  in ANY way,  but if you are supposed to wear  a sleeve, be sure you dont ' skip it' for your appts. If your LE causes you issues, mention it so it is documented. When you are applying for SSDI you do not want to say :" Great" ( to be cheerful ) when dr.l asks how you are . NOW is the time to complain about your symptoms, not cover them up.

    If you are stressed, nervous or depressed about this, Mention it. Unfortunately, a LOT of physical disability apps. are denied while many with psychological components are approved.

    LE in and of itself is not on "The list" for SSDI, but you have other issues. Be sure all of your drs. know (and note) ALL of them,

    Good Luck to you!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited May 2014

    capelang - The reason your LTD "requires" you to apply for SSDI is because if you receive funding from SSDI your LTD is only obligated to pay over and above the amount you are getting from SSDI to equal your total benefit, which is usually a percentage of your salary.  This benefits the LTD insurance company for you to be awarded SSDI, because then they only have to pay the difference between your total LTD amount minus your SSDI.  While you receive SSDI you also accrue months into SS that you can collect at retirement age when SSDI would be discontinued.  I went through this as well with my LTD insurance company, and they also pointed out to me that SSDI factors in age as well.  If you are older than 53 (their arbitrary cut-off point) SSDI is more sympathetic to your request because they feel, due to your advanced age (lol!) it is more difficult to train into a new or different position if you are physically unable to perform your current job.

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  • capelang
    capelang Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2014

    Thanks so much for your input! 

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  • capelang
    capelang Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2014


    Thank you for your help!  I think what happens is you adapt to a new way of life (mentally & physically).  Not realizing there a things I use to do physically, that now I think about before doing it - like moving the couch to vaccum.  Use to I would just move the couch, now I wait until my husband is around.   Mentally you are moving forward after the chemo, surgery and radiation and then here comes the lymphedema.  It's not the end of the world but you do feel like it is a setback.

    Pick up my customized sleeves tommorrow - will follow my lymphedema therapist instructions. 

    Thanks for the tips.  Everyone is so helpful!

     

     

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited May 2014

    ore doing it - like moving the couch to vaccum.

    Who vaccums?   :>)

    capelang

    You should aslo be aware that if you do get the SSDI, depending upon how much DH make$, it will most likely be taxable.  That means you can request they take taxes out or else you may have to pay come filing time- all things to think about.

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  • capelang
    capelang Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2014


    Picked up customized sleeve today and night-time garment.  WOW!  They fit great.  I'm grateful my insurance paid for these sleeves but my insurance company (Unitedhealthcare) considers the compression sleeves as "medical equipment" and states I get a replacement every 3 years - lol.  They only last for about 5 months.  Are you kidding me!!!  LE therapist said "to get my Dr. to do an order for a replacement sleeve and hopefully that will go through.

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited May 2014

    o get my Dr. to do an order for a replacement sleeve and hopefully that will go through.



    YES!

    With my last INS., my dr. actually wrote that I needed  an ' unlimted number " of sleeves and compression due to the fact I also wear for truncal and sometimes legs ( CIRC. Issues) and  I did not abuse it , and they approved it!

    I think @  6 mos is reasonable,


    Good Luck

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited May 2014

    get a personal injury lawyer, they only get paid if they win the case so you will not be out of pocket

    I have one who is working on a workmans comp case for me

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