Help with Disability

DDM2008
DDM2008 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Some of you may already know that I had rectal cancer (T3) in 2008 and have lived with a stoma ever since . After recovery the doctor as well as nurses told me that I shouldn't lift anything or I could have my intestines come out of me. I tried to get on disability and was denied. That's a scary thought that could be very real if I don't take it easy. I work in a lab where I test mostly water every hour. Every once in a while I need to move some things that are heavy. For the most part the company helps me out, But they just can't all of the time. I understand that all it takes is just one time lifting something I shouldn't. I looked in to the online disability and if I work they can't help me. I looked in to an online lawyer and still again if I work they can't help me. I had to go back to work because the bills don't pay themselves. I'm so afraid that at some point, I'll be back on the table having my intestines put back in. Then from what I understand the likely hood of it happening again is doubled.
Do you guys and gals think that I can get on disability? If so how do I go about it?
Is there anything I can do.

Comments

  • jillpls
    jillpls Member Posts: 238
    #2
    what state?
    In Ca I was able to get on disablility social security because I had a recurrence for rectal cancer. I'm also on private disability that I paid for through my work. If you are stage IV or had a recurrence then you qualify in CA.
  • khl8
    khl8 Member Posts: 807
    #3
    From what I understand, to
    From what I understand, to qualify for disability for the cancer you have to be stage IV. As for the Stoma, there are many people who work at many jobs with it. I think you could talk to your doc or stoma nurse about options, the intestines are sewed onto the skin surrounding it. I could see getting a hernia, but not your intestines flying out.
    Also, you may not qualify as the stoma does not make you disabled, but you may need a anew line of work.
    Or Hire a lawyer, here in Ohio everone seems to get denied until they hire an attorney and then it takes 2 years.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    khl8 said:

    From what I understand, to
    From what I understand, to qualify for disability for the cancer you have to be stage IV. As for the Stoma, there are many people who work at many jobs with it. I think you could talk to your doc or stoma nurse about options, the intestines are sewed onto the skin surrounding it. I could see getting a hernia, but not your intestines flying out.
    Also, you may not qualify as the stoma does not make you disabled, but you may need a anew line of work.
    Or Hire a lawyer, here in Ohio everone seems to get denied until they hire an attorney and then it takes 2 years.

    Sound advice, talk to your doc....
    It's been over a year, there is probably a wider range of what you can do. For my first year after my J-pouch procedure (all is internal, but my colon was redirected), I could not do much lifting without risking a problem, but now, I'm even retrieving our luggage from the belts in the airport with no adverse reaction. BUT, check with your doctor.

    Maybe you could ask for a coach to teach you proper lifting techniques.

    Hugs, Kathi
  • geotina
    geotina Member Posts: 2,111 Member
    #5
    Disability
    The only advise I can think to offer at this time is: (1) Get with your doctor regarding exactly what you can and can't do. Make sure you are very clear with your doctor that you are looking at disability because social security will need a report from him. (2) Don't look for a lawyer on line, anyone can make a zippy web site, what you want is someone with a fairly good track record. (3) Once you have had that talk with your doctor, then talk to a lawyer that specializes in social security disability. If you know anyone who works for attorneys that is a great place to start looking for a name of a good social security attorney. Most attorneys (including the one I work for) do have special areas of practice that is why it is important that you get the right attorney. think of it this way, like with colon cancer, you want a colorectal surgeon not a doctor that specializes in breast cancer. Both are good doctors but you want the one that specializes in your cancer.

    While Stage IV cancer gets you automatically approved, Stage III may not be but talking with someone, face to face, who is knowledgable will be a big step in getting approval. Stage III is not an automatic approval like Stage IV but if you are unable to do your job just might be the ticket for you.


    Take care - Tina
  • zenmonk
    zenmonk Member Posts: 198
    #6
    disability
    Stomas are specifically addressed in the social security disability guidelines. Meaning they in themselves do not qualify according to the rules. I have a stoma and lift things all the time. If its too heavy its not because of my stoma its because its just too heavy. There are jobs that will eliminate you because of a stoma. My military career was ended because of my stoma and I certainly would never qualify as a firefighter or police officer. I work in logistics and do a combination of admin and physical work so its never a problem. To be painfully honest, for me the worst thing I think I could do as a cancer fighter is go on disability and stop working. With that being said there are "reasonable accomodations" issues here for sure. You do have the law on your side with reasonable accomodations as long as you have documentation from your doctor not to lift anything over a certain poundage. I asked for reasonable accomodation at my place of work to have my hours adjusted to a less stressful shift. We have a union so I had to do this becuase shift changes are based on seniority. It went real smooth once I had the documentation from my doctor. Extensive information is available online on how to puruse reasonable accomodations. You can also check on the SSA website and get the exact wording of the law pertaining to stomas as potentially disabling. It is a catch 22 as you say. If you work you cant pursue disability but who has enough money to stop working and take the time to pursue a claim. Hope this helps.
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #7
    zenmonk said:

    disability
    Stomas are specifically addressed in the social security disability guidelines. Meaning they in themselves do not qualify according to the rules. I have a stoma and lift things all the time. If its too heavy its not because of my stoma its because its just too heavy. There are jobs that will eliminate you because of a stoma. My military career was ended because of my stoma and I certainly would never qualify as a firefighter or police officer. I work in logistics and do a combination of admin and physical work so its never a problem. To be painfully honest, for me the worst thing I think I could do as a cancer fighter is go on disability and stop working. With that being said there are "reasonable accomodations" issues here for sure. You do have the law on your side with reasonable accomodations as long as you have documentation from your doctor not to lift anything over a certain poundage. I asked for reasonable accomodation at my place of work to have my hours adjusted to a less stressful shift. We have a union so I had to do this becuase shift changes are based on seniority. It went real smooth once I had the documentation from my doctor. Extensive information is available online on how to puruse reasonable accomodations. You can also check on the SSA website and get the exact wording of the law pertaining to stomas as potentially disabling. It is a catch 22 as you say. If you work you cant pursue disability but who has enough money to stop working and take the time to pursue a claim. Hope this helps.

    Hi
    Where do you live? Does your company have disability provided to you? Alot of companies do. Have you been on your job over a year, do the have 50 employees in a 75 mile radious, you are then eligible for FMLA (leave and job protection to be taken 12 weeks at once or intermittently as needed), and Cancer is now covered under ADA. Give SS a try if not. If you get hurt on the job it's worker comp..........so they don't want that to happen, they better accomodate your disabilities.
  • karguy
    karguy Member Posts: 1,020 Member
    #8
    I think
    I think you should talk to your doctor about lifting things.I have a stoma,since 08,and I don't have a problem unless It's to heavy.I have been back to work since jan.09.you should also look up the ada laws,because you fall under them,and your employeer has to make some accomadations if there are more than 15 employees.If you want to get on disability then check the social security site,they have lists of qualifications.I hope this helps.
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member
    #9
    jillpls said:

    what state?
    In Ca I was able to get on disablility social security because I had a recurrence for rectal cancer. I'm also on private disability that I paid for through my work. If you are stage IV or had a recurrence then you qualify in CA.

    The state of california had
    The state of california had a mandatory state disabiility program for employers.
  • DDM2008
    DDM2008 Member Posts: 5
    #10
    Disability
    I live in Texas, It looks like I will have to change jobs. The one I have is way to stressful, Makes my chest hurt some times. When I'm out walking with my wife my chest doesn't hurt and I walk for away longer time than I do at work. SO, You guys lift things? How much weight are we talking about here?
  • cahalstead
    cahalstead Member Posts: 118
    #11
    DDM2008 said:

    Disability
    I live in Texas, It looks like I will have to change jobs. The one I have is way to stressful, Makes my chest hurt some times. When I'm out walking with my wife my chest doesn't hurt and I walk for away longer time than I do at work. SO, You guys lift things? How much weight are we talking about here?

    SS Disability
    Perhaps I can give you some info regarding the SS disability process. I worked for SS Disability for 20 years & retired 6 months ago. I can give you general info but can't tell you any "magic formula" to get it.

    Generally, the process to get a chance for a hearing is after 2 denials. The Disability Determination Section of your state reviews your records and determines if you are a possible "canidate". After their review (checking your medical records, etc) they give SS their determination as to your disability and if your case should go before an ALJ, that's the office I worked in. The Judge makes the decision after your previous denials. They usually hold a hearing, sometimes not.

    You are not required to obtain a lawyer but I recommend you get one,one that is familiar with SS law. They're are many, you have to check around, read their spec ialities, etc. They know what medical evidence you need and how the process proceeds.

    The ALJ's go on your medical evidence and then there is a process that is followed after reviewing them. There's several steps to the process that's why an attorney would be of great benefit to you. You don't pay the attorney if you don't win your case and if you do win there are rules as to how much they can charge you. The ALJ okays the amount.

    It is a lengthy process but many people succeed. The sad part is you must have been without work so many months before applying. I can't recall the number. The hard part with most people is the wait and the loss of income due to the wait. You cannot work after applying so there's time without income. Some cases move faster than others.

    As I said earlier, there's lots of factors that go into the decision by the ALJ.

    I hope I gave you a little info that may help.
  • Eltina21
    Eltina21 Member Posts: 173 Member
    #12
    jillpls said:

    what state?
    In Ca I was able to get on disablility social security because I had a recurrence for rectal cancer. I'm also on private disability that I paid for through my work. If you are stage IV or had a recurrence then you qualify in CA.

    Social Security Disability
    Hi,
    I am a Social Security Disability Examiner. Social Security is not regulated by State rules for it is a national program. All of the states are regulated by the same Listing of Impairments and the same rules.
    Peace and Blessings,
    Karen
  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    #13
    I have stage IV cancer, it
    I have stage IV cancer, it took exactly 28 days to get on social security disability. They call it Compassionate Disability, you are pushed ahead in the system. You can do the paperwork on line, and they will get the letter from the Onc. Depending on how quickly your Doctor sends them the paperwork, the quicker you qualify. I believe you qualify for medicare within 2 months after that NOT 2 years like most.
    Compassionate disability was added in 2007 or 2008, a group of Onc's got together, filed papers, spoke with officials etc., showing that patients were dying before they were able to receive medicare or checks. Thank fully that has changed!!1

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