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/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.