Multiple Sclerosis and Social Security Disability in Ilinois?

I just received my denial letter from disability stating that despite incurable Nystagmus, constant dizziness, frequent fatigue, cognitive impairment, impaired balance, impaired motor skills, numbness in both hands, rigidity in both legs and pain and weakness and impaired motor function in my left leg - they still believe I can function in the accounting field. Umm, what? What planet do these people making these decisions come from?? Even if I were able to sit in front of a computer 8 hours a day 鈥?which I can鈥檛 - how would they expect me to get there?? Drive and kill everyone on the road or take public transportation which I couldn't even make the walk to get to just to get jostled and pushed under a bus?!?!?! My attorneys are going to appeal the decision but most days I don't even feel like getting out of bed. All these forms and phone calls are draining the little energy I do have. Please tell me there are others out there with experience and words of encouragement. :'-(

I'm so sorry you were denied. I am in IL and was approved on my first try with no lawyers. I have MS like you.
I think there are several things which may contribute to approval/denial. These are just guesses on my part - I obviously have no real knowledge of you, your application, or the people who reviewed it!

1) it may not have been detailed enough. I was incredibly repetitive and detailed

2) you may not have used the "right" words for things. I read some tips online to choose wordings to describe some of my symptoms. Conversely, you may have used some wordings which trigger a bad response from social security.

3) it helps to show that you have tried changing hours and or careers to accomodate your disabilities, and that it has not been enough help for you to continue working

4) it's imperative to show that you are unable to do ANY job, not just the one you're currently doing

5) it depends which office and which person reviewed your application, and what mood they may have been in! I was living near Joliet when I applied, and their office was swamped. So my app got sent down to the less busy Springfield office and was processed (and approved!) very quickly. I've heard other people having to wait ages for theirs, so I know I was lucky.

6) It might depend on how long you've been diagnosed with MS, which type of MS you're officially diagnosed with, and if you've responded (or even tried) any medications.

I'm sure there are MANY other things that I've forgotten to mention, but those are a few off the top of my head. I wish you the best of luck with your appeal. Please hang in there and stick with it. It will be worth it in the end when you get awarded your claim (and all the backpay). Good luck!

Also, I hope you have a good neurologist for your care. Hopefully an MS specialist instead of a regular neurologist...

It takes about a year to a year and a half but you should get it and with back pay to the date you first filed.

Most people get a denial letter the first time that they apply so you are not alone in this experience. The person who responded above me has hit the nail on the head-it's all in the wording. There is a very reputable company that has incredible success in getting people SSDI called Allsup. They have more experience than any lawyer or person in getting claims approved. They know how to talk to Social Security and word your claim to get it approved. Type Allsup into your web browser and give them a call. I turned my case over to them and I had my approval letter in three months. Chin up and good luck.