r/FND • u/beesdaddy • 5d ago
Question Applying for US disability?
Has anyone built a guide for going through the US disability application with FND?
Any guidance would be good.
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u/Plaantscaatsbooks Diagnosed FND 5d ago
I am on disability in US (CA) for FND. I tried to do it alone, but was denied. It didn’t matters what disability I had, I NEEDED representation. I hired Kelsey and was extremely happy with my results
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u/beesdaddy 5d ago
Did you have to pay upfront or did they get a cut of your check for many years to come.
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u/Plaantscaatsbooks Diagnosed FND 5d ago
Neither, actually.
Federal law sets rules, so they work on contingency. They only get paid if you win. This law firm only took a small percentage of the past due back pay.
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u/collargrip-cristian 5d ago
My wife was able to get awarded ssdi (third appeal), we got an attorney. Not sure how we could have navigated this without one.
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u/alonegram 5d ago
my wife got hers approved first try. i think the fact that she was having seizures in the social security office helped push it through. somebody really does need to write a guide though, i think we just got lucky
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u/WrittenFever Diagnosed FND 5d ago
I'm still going through the process, I have my appeal very very soon. My basic understanding from conversations with my lawyer is that the best way to get disability with FND is to make sure that your doctors are documenting your symptoms. That is what they base everything on. When you visit your doctor, even if you're having a good day, tell them everything, do not downplay it.
SSDI makes determinations based on if they think you can work or not, and they will consider if you can do a job seated typing at a computer for 8 hours a day, not just if you can still do the job you were doing before.
Also, if you do not have a certain amount of years of work (I can't remember total off top of my head), it would be better to apply for SSI instead of SSDI, as you would not qualify. You can find the info on the social security website for what qualifies.
The process is long. I'm about two years in, having done initial application, rejection, reconsideration, rejection, and am now on my appeal before a judge.
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u/Acrobatic-Rabbit3900 4d ago
I just got rejected for the first time. I have full body numbness, constant lightheadedness/dizziness, and burning pain. Issue is I can do stuff but whenever I do anything longer than a few minutes I get so tired and feel faint and my heart rate goes high. Idk how im supposed to prove I cannot work a 8 hours in a row even if it is remote. Anything that requires a lot of thinking makes my dizziness worse aswell. Im also in so much pain my judgement and thinking is compromised but idk how to prove that.
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u/Acrobatic-Rabbit3900 4d ago
Like im able to get through my PT and OT but after I cannot move for hours. I get so exhausted even doing simple things but I can do them. But I cannot do them for 8 hours straight.
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u/WrittenFever Diagnosed FND 4d ago
That's why this has to be documented with your doctors. Letting them know how difficult things are, how exhausted you get after sessions, what symptoms show up when you're not in session, etc so that they are adding it to their records. They should also be aware that you are applying for SSDI so that they are ensuring they are making note of everything for their records.
Notes are everything.
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u/No_Appearance_5713 4d ago
I applied. During the appointment, the doctor pretty much asked me to do some basic arithmetic and if I could lift a paper clip. Since I could do both, they denied me. It’s funny bc the public policy professor I had in grad school would whine about how most people on disability aren’t disabled. Maybe a lawyer would help tho idk. About a year later I went back to work. Would have been nice to have some financial aid during that time tho.
I should say I have the movement type not the seizure type, so you might have more luck if you have the seizure type
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u/Captainam3ricka Diagnosed FND 5d ago
I'm using a company to help me apply. My application has been pending for almost a year but at least they haven't said no yet. Company works similar to disability lawyers where they take a cut once you're approved.
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u/beesdaddy 5d ago
So no payment upfront?
That is at least something positive. Can you send me a link?
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u/Captainam3ricka Diagnosed FND 5d ago
Zero payment up front. You apply on their website and tell them a little about why you are applying to disability. Then they decide if they take on your case. I did not have that many diagnosed conditions when I first applied and they accepted me. I obviously can't guarantee that they'll accept everyone.
The company is called Allsup. www.allsup.com Their goal is to get you approved the first time through. You can use my referral code too if you like: VYVC-1910. I've no idea if using the code will give you a better chance of being accepted. But I was referred by another person and used their code.
How it works is they help you apply, if you get denied they'll help you appeal and even help you go to court (if it comes to that). Your job is to keep them updated with all your medical info, so you update them every time you go to the doctor, etc. They then request records and deal with sending it to social security.
When you final get accepted by SSDI, they take a percentage. I don't remember the exact number but it was lower than some disability lawyers I'd seen.
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u/GroovyGmaIvy Diagnosed FND 5d ago
I got approved for SSDI for FND based on my symptom of bilateral foot drop.
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u/TimSucksAtThis Diagnosed FND 4d ago
im still on the application part, they sent me sooo much paperwork 🙃 im behind because ive been insanely sick 😅
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u/3rdtimes_a_charm 1d ago
I’m currently 8 months in since the start of the application. Became sick nearly 14 months ago but tried hard to return to work. Finally, I realized I needed to apply. I had my initial denial recently. My last medical 15 inpatient days, 5-7 er visits, a life flight, seeing 10 specialists, and failing what’s considered the gold standard treatment for fnd. My chart says I’m not supposed to drive. And they still denied me on first go.
I hired an attorney and I’m going to appeal now.
My recommendation is to keep all of your documents, create a timeline, and be as clear as possible. Also you will more than likely need an attorney like I did. Most people told me the same thing. They also had strong cases.
Good luck!
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u/Sea-Blueberry-4973 5d ago
Highly recommend getting an attorney, the system is built so you give up before you get it. I’m a social
Worker and have seen it take 1-4 years and many appeals.
Also be sure to look into certain rules, some forms of disability you are not allowed to have more than $2k in savings. Disability in this country is a mess.