Community Forum

I have applied two times for disability and been denied all the way down the pike. I have started a page in facebook called United Fight For Disability. There is also a link on there for a petition that I have started to fight the government to change the requirements for disability. Too many people are being denied and really needs help. Crohn's needs to be acknowledged as being a debilitating disease. I had surgery to resection surgery June 27th this year and still having problems and more have surface. Also have joint ain with it and other health problems with degeneration disease, etc. Please support my cause and fight to get us help for this disease; especially when we can not work and it interrupts our jobs. Thank you

 Reply posted for kjmcgee.

Hi: My name is Lars, I am 59 years old, and I have been dealing with Crohn's since 1984. My advise is for you to definitely consult with a lawyer, find one that specializes in Social Security Law, and works on contingency. This means, you pay nothing to the Lawyer, unless he/she wins your case, with the Social Security Administration.

Best wishes, Lars

 Reply posted for losinghope.

I am currently applying for disability. After reading all these posts I am scared that I won't get it. I know Crohn's is a qualified disease under disability but that doesn't seem to matter. I'm also 23 and they did send a letter saying I was denied because I didn't have enough work experience but they sent me forms to fill out a few days later so I guess they're still going through with the process. It just sucks that I'm 23 and I'm finding it hard to work and to find work because of Crohn's so if I am turned down because I don't have enough hours of work then it will take me years to get the hours because I cannot work full time. I'm finding it that people who don't have Crohn's really don't understand what it's like. Is anyone else finding the same problem? I'm in fights with my mom and dad all the time because they're telling me I can go to work with constantly using the bathroom and that I need to get out and do things but I cannot. It's not that I don't want to because I want to work and go do things but my body and even mentally I cannot. Does anyone else have this same problem? About disability I am seriously now thinking about hiring a lawyer because that may be the only way. Best luck to you and I am totally willing to support your cause! Something does need to be done!

 Reply posted for tk.

Reply posted for tk (Tracy)

This got posted above but I was trying to respond to tk's (Tracy's) question on why Losinghope was denied. 

Crohn's is listed as a condition eligible for social security benefits but the decision is based on severity, overall clinical picture, education and work history.  The patient must be considered to be unable to work at any job in the national economy.  

Social Security is like an insurance program and the burden of proof of disability is on the patient.  Social Security must agree you are completely disabled and you are not able to work at any job available in the national economy.  However, if  you are approved you may supplement your disability income with a part-time job which will allow you to earn up to a specific dollar amount.

Crohn's is listed as a condition eligible for social security benefits but the decision is based on severity, overall clinical picture, education and work history.  The patient must be considered to be unable to work at any job in the national economy. 

 Reply posted for losinghope.

I also applied for disability and was denied. I was asked are you able to work and I said yes. They told me well you are not disable. I explain to them the condition and the effects it has on the body, physically and mentally. They didn't care. The government should pass a law to help folks like us.

 Reply posted for losinghope.

Crohns disease IS covered under federal disability laws. I did get disability for Crohns but it was a long drawn out process. It took 2 1/2 years and 4 denials before it finally went before a judge and got approved. My advise is you HAVE to have a lawyer. One whose specialty is in disability cases. Do your research on your lawyer options. Get recommendations if you can from people who may have used any. Once you retain your lawyer, do everything they say. It wont be easy. You will get denied even with the lawyer several times but dont give up. Keeping appealing. Eventually it will go before a judge that you and your lawyer will speak to face to face. It was a struggle in a lot of ways and there were times I questioned continuing to fight but I did and it was all worth it in the end. Dont give up but DO get that lawyer. Dont try this on your own.

 Reply posted for losinghope.

will definitely support your cause. I applied for Disability and was also denied. 

 Reply posted for losinghope.

What reason did they give for denying your disability? I had an issue a couple years ago and went out on short term disability and had no issue. What were you told? I have disability insurance that I pay for though. 

 Reply posted for tk.

I have been denied disability as well (several times in the past) & I have had crohn's disease since 2004 (the year I was diagnosed) the disability office flat out told me it was not a disabling disease and I could live a normal life without the help of being on disability. Also because I was only 24 at the time & did not have enough work history & I still don't (due to having crohn's disease problems which makes it so I can not work). Wish I had more information as to how people get on disability. I wish all that try to get on disability GOOD LUCK & if you succeed let us other people know how you did it :-)

FYI: My mom recently passed away (in 2011) due to mental illness, diabetes, hep C & liver failure & could not afford to take care of herself & could not get on disability. My step father passed away later than same year due to lung cancer & he had been trying for disability for several years. The day after he passed away the disability office approved him. Then in 2012 my little sister when into septic shock & almost died. She is disabled because of that & she is not able to get on disability either. My little sister is only 22 now.

 Reply posted for losinghope.

I applied for long term disability at work and was turned down. I went to a disability Lawyer and found out more in 90 minutes about what my Doctors and I did wrong.
Next time I apply I will have him on my team as Disability is very complicated and having a professional is worth it.
I am on Humira hoping my health turns around and I can work again for another 8 years.
Good luck on your battle for remission and disability benefits.
You might try getting legal counsel on the ways of the disability system. CCFA can steer you with some of there professionals on disability and help with the system.
'888 my gut pain' is there phone #. The operator will give you the resources they have available.

 Reply posted for losinghope.

Hi,
I'm very interested in why you were denied? Crohn's Disease is considered a Disability under the ADA. What possible reason would you be denied? 
I'm a full time working professional and have had quite a time with establishing and getting reasonable accommodations, but once established as a disability, it should be recognized and at least ostensibly recognized.
Tracy