After 3 months of agony, today I was approved for long term disabillity from my employer's insurance company. This comes at a point when my family and I were in a financial crisis. I cannot believe that this weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I believe that faith and hope are good things, maybe the best things. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. You are all in mine.
Gary
I'm so happy for you! I went through that process and AGONY is so right! Congratulations!
Gary…you’re so awesome!! :o) Congratulations!!
Wonderful news - I'm so happy for you and your family:)
Gary,
Count me in as being very grateful to God for your blessing! I intend to apply myself soon, so if you think of it, say a prayer for me.
I was thinking of going back to work, but on all of the medications I must take to keep my Atypical TN from rendering me incapable, I am doubtful anyone would hire me. So, after much deliberation, I have decided to apply for disability, and after spend my time, not in idleness, but in caring for my family, fighting my pain, and writing (which has always been my passion). My family is also, now, in financial crisis. I am a widow now. But, I spent years in the corporate workforce. I am fairly certain that, with my condition, I may also not be able to handle the amount of stress.
It is always wonderful when that blessing comes and that weight is lifted. Keep up your faith and hope! This is truly wonderful news for you and your family.
God bless!
Stef
Good luck Stef. I am a teacher and under a lot of stress at my job. I’ve missed a lot of work in the past two years and I’m considering looking into what options I have. I was thinking if I’m not feeling stronger (recently also diagnosed with chronic mono) by July I would ask for a year’s medical leave. That would mean no income though, but I would still have my insurance I believe. Luckily, I have a husband but my income contributes to a lot of our bills. I’m nervous about what to do.
Glad to hear this Gary. The stress relief alone will certainly help.
Elaine
Gary, I am so happy for you and your family at the great news! What was the LTD insurance carrier's name? I will be going through this same difficult process in 6 months or so. What can you share with us on the issues thaht may help us who need to apply for LTD? Did you have to hire an attorney? If so, who did you use? How helpful was your employer with submitting your medical documentation to the LTD carrier or providing any assistance? Did the LTD carrier as kyou to apply for Social Security?
It is so stressful to have to go through this process when you don't feel well and you need to reduce your stress. God bless you and your family. Faith, hope & love are the greatest gifts we have. Thank you for any advice you can share on your ordeal.
Jim
James,
The carrier my employer uses in Lincoln Financial. I did not hire an attorney for this process. The biggest thing I can pass on is to obtain copies of your entire medical record from the time you began to experience problems. This includes any and all test results, MRI results, lab work and referral information. During my process I had information sent to Lincoln Financial from all doctors that were involved in my treatment. This included my GP doctor, my neurologist, my radiation Oncologist and the MS and TN neurologist I saw for a second opinion related to the treatment I was recieving. During this process I was fortunate to have a former coworker that went through this process when he applied for LTD due to his kidney failure. He was able to help me through the process. My employer was extremely helpful in this process. The folks at Lincoln Financial said that if my claim was approved they have a legal team that will be made available to me for assistance in the application process for SSDI. This is what that team focusses on and it is a service provided to me at no cost.
I hope this helps you in your process. Best of luck to you as well. Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Gary
Gary, I appreciate your feedback on the LTD process. I will request copies of all of my medical records as you suggest. Did Lincoln Financial ask you to apply for Social Security during the approval process for LTD? You mentioned it took 3 months before you were approved for LTD. Did you have any short-term disability with your employer to help you with expenses? Thanks again, Gary.
Gary Carter said:
James,
The carrier my employer uses in Lincoln Financial. I did not hire an attorney for this process. The biggest thing I can pass on is to obtain copies of your entire medical record from the time you began to experience problems. This includes any and all test results, MRI results, lab work and referral information. During my process I had information sent to Lincoln Financial from all doctors that were involved in my treatment. This included my GP doctor, my neurologist, my radiation Oncologist and the MS and TN neurologist I saw for a second opinion related to the treatment I was recieving. During this process I was fortunate to have a former coworker that went through this process when he applied for LTD due to his kidney failure. He was able to help me through the process. My employer was extremely helpful in this process. The folks at Lincoln Financial said that if my claim was approved they have a legal team that will be made available to me for assistance in the application process for SSDI. This is what that team focusses on and it is a service provided to me at no cost.
I hope this helps you in your process. Best of luck to you as well. Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Gary