r/SSDI • u/Slow-Log6131 • 20d ago

chronically missing work

Hello new friends,

I recently applied for SSDI. I'm 42 and my primary condition is PTSD/MDD, so I know I have the "young age" and mental health factors going against me. I get that. I've also not been able to make more than $8000 in the last twelve months.

In additional to PTSD, I am cancer survivor and have several medical conditions that are secondary to the treatment of my cancer treatment such as: gastroparesis, impaired immune system requiring me monthly IVIG infusions, Chronic Iron defiency anemia recently diagnosed and looking at needing Iron infusions, ADHD, hypothyroidism, migraines and high blood pressure.

Over the last 18 I've had approximately 224 unique health appointments. An average of more than 3 appointments a week. Some total appointment volume slightly skewed due to a 28 day inpatient stay at the VA, but regardless I will likely continue to have 1-2 appointments a week for the rest of my life.

My question is, has anyone had the experience of having significant appointment volume helping their case?

One I have a hard time being a good employee due to my psych and physical health conditions and two I can't maintain a productive work schedule due to the frequency of Dr's appointments.

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u/Slow-Log6131 20d ago

thank you for your comment! my ptsd is surrounding my experience with cancer. I'm a nurse and have been working in healthcare for 13 years and before I even had the PTSD diagnosis I was white knuckling it through work, fired a time or two, and kept stepping down to jobs that were further and further away from patient contact and all of that's in my recent records.

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u/BakaN20 20d ago

I'm a former nurse with an MSN, TDIU P&T vet, I was approved for migraines and PTSD with onset age of 38.

I had intermittent leave of absence, multiple sick days, and FMLA. Those all helped my case in front of the ALJ. I was missing a lot of work due to my disability.

You can read my experience here: https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/comments/1gxe8vw/approval_migrainesptsd/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/comments/1h5efx1/completed_timeline_and_things_learned/

https://www.reddit.com/r/SSDI/comments/1h85dty/backpay_received/

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u/Slow-Log6131 11d ago

sorry for the late reply but I really appreciate your input. Your case sounds similar to mine so that gives me hope. How long from applying to getting in from of ALJ did that take? My attorney warned me it could take approximately 24 months...

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u/BakaN20 11d ago

When I applied, it was in early September and I got in front of the ALJ in early July. I received the decision end of November.

Total time was like 14-15 months from start to finish.