Are You On Disability For Ptsd?

[catjudo]

If you're able to successfully attend school full-time then you likely wouldn't qualify for disability.

 

[brokenbones]

I have been on disability for 8 years. I've gone to school part-time during this time, and had a small part-time job for a couple years in there. Now, I don't work. The only 'work' I do is a work-exchange at a yoga studio. In exchange for four hours of cleaning a week, I get all the yoga I want. I work with no one after hours, which is how I need it.

I like Omnicell's post. We have capacities, but we also need something different from the inhumane 40-hour work week that does not consider people's personal rhythms - it's robot-mode. I contend with feeling ashamed for not working, but really it is not possible. I, too, feel retired, and this is difficult. I'm 36 years old, and wish sometimes that I had the impetus to 'do something', like write a book, or start a project or something. But, I have to keep reminding myself (I used to use busyness as a way to avoid my feelings) that I am on disability for a reason, my mental health is poor, and I need to follow my natural rhythms to get well again.

Like Omnicell wrote, we can be active at some things, at our own pace and time.

 

[CindyN]

I am in the Northern Virginia area and would love to hear from others about their experience getting SSDI. I am getting ready to go through the process and would love any helpful suggestions/tips. Thanks in advance.

Cindy

 

[Bill Dickerson]

I was really lucky from what I understand not being denied the first time. I understand that being turned down the first time is generally the rule. Just be honest when responding. I think a lot has to do with medical records but I never finished SSDI school. Check around your area for attorneys that handle that kind of work just in case. I'm sure you can get some opinions online or suggestions from other folks who have went through the process. Some free legal services are available in some areas.

I was pretty sick when I went to request SSDI. I figure the staff thought this Looney Toon guy is trained and normally carries firearms so we don't want him coming back here. I doubt that was the real reason but unfortunately that's the kind of stigma people with PTSD have to deal with.

 

[PTSD and Me]

I was able to hold my last job for almost 3 years until I had to testify at a parole hearing for my uncle to try to make sure he didn't get out of jail. During the time right before and after the parole hearing, my manager became confrontational and antagonistic towards me. I filed (another) complaint against her and asked to be transferred to another manager. While that request was deemed medically reasonable, it was denied because of the structure of the department. I have been out of work since the minute they told me that on 7/20. I haven't officially quit, but I am on disability and we are talking about a separation agreement meaning I won't work for that company anymore. It pisses me off that my manager saw my vulnerability and went on the attack and it means that I don't have a job anymore. I was good at that job, and contributed a lot. I just couldn't deal with a bullying hostile manager who created a toxic work environment.

Now I sit at home and try not to gain weight, try not to drink too much, try to think of this as an opportunity for me to move into another, better phase of my career... but I don't know if I believe myself.

 

[kers]

I am not on disability. In fact, I think my job keeps me from being totally debilitated by my PTSD. I think it's because I am most triggered by home-related stuff (sights and sounds). When I am off work for vacation my symptoms increase dramatically, even on the weekends I have more difficulty than during the week.

 

[piratelady]

I'm kind of the same as Kers. My job provides an excellent distraction from everything. It is when I get home that I start to struggle again. Work is like my little escape from PTSD.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I am in the Northern Virginia area and would love to hear from others about their experience getting SSDI. I am getting ready to go through the process and would love any helpful suggestions/tips.

I'm from Maryland, so I'm not sure how the process differs from state to state, area to area. I'll let you know what worked for me. (I applied once, and was approved within about 4 months.)

I have mental health records going back to the age of 10, including four major hospitalizations. (I am 32 now, and was approved when I was 30) Be sure to throw everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING at them when they ask for records. Don't be shy. This is the one time that you want to look as bad as possible. No, I'm not saying to lie, rather be honest. Much of the time our inclination is to sugar-coat things so it doesn't seem so bad. That won't help you now.

Yes, everyone SAYS that the rule is denial on the first go-round, but I read somewhere that 25% of people get approved on the first try. Only you don't hear about them because they are the happy campers (relatively speaking) who don't have to get a lawyer and fight the government. I've actually had people tell me that I'm a bold-face liar for saying I got approved on the first time within 4 months. So yes, it happens. (Just to let you know my severity, I am in the "not likely to improve" category with a review only once every 5-7 years, and have been determined "completely and totally disabled" by another government agency as well)

 

[PTSD and Me]

I believe you pirate lady and kers. I normally use work to distract myself from PTSD symptoms and feel productive. When I feel like I am being prodctive, I feel like PTSD isn't beating me and I'm doing good things despite it. Unfortunately, though I was really good at this job, I have an awful boss who triggered my PTSD on purpose and though I tried a couple times to get a transfer out from under her, I wasn't successful and I ended up having to leave. I feel forced out, and it seems so unfair that someone so stupid can stay in their position and antagonize other people while I have to now add to my burden of worry whether or not I will have a job or health insurance, etc. Sometimes it just feels like the deck is so stacked against me.

 

[BaRtMaN]

I am in the middle of the process of trying to obtain it right now. I did 4yrs in the US Navy, 20 years as a tool and die maker and then had a massive heart attack at 37 and 3 years as a paramedic/ambulance/deputy 2 years a a Machine builder supervisor and then 3 years ago this accident that scrambled my brain. I was denied the first time because they said i had to much education that I should be able to do something, I told them to find me that job for 30.00/hour with no stress, and where I could come and go when i wanted and where my agoraphobia would not be bothered, and where I could take a nap if need be.....I would certainly try it. until then I am waiting for my attorney to get it to go through! :)

 

[Shellbell]

I'm in Australia and I have applied for disability payment. My psychologist has stated in her report that I am unable to work. I have to attend a job capacity assessment and meet certain criteria for them to decide whether I am fit for work. Not looking forward to it at all. I have located an advocacy agency I can contact if they refuse to grant disability payment.

 

[BaRtMaN]

My brother was approved his first time through and that is called a 1% er as 99% are not approved. I have the same thing, but only worse than what he has at this point. I have been turned down and now have my attorney fighting for it. I was so anxious over this that I finally had to just tell myself that, I leave this in the hands of my attorney as he is the expert and will get it done as that is his job. I have 3 years of back pay coming at 2,800/month. However, I have spent 60K of my savings to live during that time so it will replace nearly all of that, if or when it goes through.