http://www.sarcoidconnection.com/SarcConnIntro2.html
Very interesting blog with info on sarcoidosis and fibromyalgia.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7964859/21097415
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7964859/21097415
Social Security Disability - Sarcoidosis
Social Security Disability - Sarcoidosis
Friday, July 30, 2010
http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/rfc_forms.html
The key to any Social Security Disability or SSI claim is a form called the Residual Functional Capacity or Ability to do Work Related Activity form.
These are also known as RFC forms. Whether you are trying to get Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income the SSDI RFC forms and SSI RFC forms are the same. Treating doctor Residual Functional Capacity forms are the most affective RFC forms to use.
I can not stress enough the importance of getting your doctors to fill out these forms. These forms will show your doctor's opinion of your limitations from your medical conditions. Many people think that if you have a note from your doctor that says you are disabled that it is enough for you to get Social Security Disability. This is wrong in fact a short statement that you are disabled is practically useless in an SSDI or SSI claim. Social Security wants to know how your condition prevents you from working and the best way to show this is through a well explained RFC. What I mean by well explained is the RFC should not only include your limitations but an explanation of why you are limited in those areas. To get an RFC you can email me or contact your local Social Security Office. You can also download a simple physical and mental RFC on the right side of the page. There are two main types of RFCs and many other RFCs for specific conditions. I will discuss the two main types.
The first is a physical RFC. These are used to help determine how your condition physically limits you. There is usually categories with boxes to check that show your limitations. After a series of these the form will usually ask for the medical or clinical findings that support your doctor's conclusions. For example: One question will be are lifting and carrying affected by the claimants impairment? Occasionally ( very little up to 1/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Your doctor will check off which lifting limitation applies to you. Your doctor will have a series of other questions like this in different areas of functioning as well. The form will ask after each set of questions about the medical or clinical findings that support his assessment. You can download a physical RFC on this page.
The second is a mental RFC. This will help determine how a psychiatric condition limits you. This form is set up similar to the physical RFC except your the questions are different and the check mark boxes are different. There will be a series of questions like the following: Ability to carry out very short and simple instructions? There will then be a series of boxes like no limitations, slight limitation, moderate limitation, marked limitation, and extreme limitation. Again Social Security will ask after a series of these type questions what is the medical support for these findings.
So why do you need these? Because whether you are disabled or not will be based on how your medical conditions limit you. These forms show your doctors opinion of just that. Another reason you need them is because if you don't have them from your doctor I can assure you Social Security will have some filled out by Social Security consultative doctors and other Social Security employees. Do you want to rely on what they say your limitations are?
RFC Physical
RFC Mental
If you decide you want a lawyer to help with your claim or just want a free consultation please consider me (Karl Kazmierczak, Esq.). You can also call me at 1-877-527-5529.
These are also known as RFC forms. Whether you are trying to get Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income the SSDI RFC forms and SSI RFC forms are the same. Treating doctor Residual Functional Capacity forms are the most affective RFC forms to use.
I can not stress enough the importance of getting your doctors to fill out these forms. These forms will show your doctor's opinion of your limitations from your medical conditions. Many people think that if you have a note from your doctor that says you are disabled that it is enough for you to get Social Security Disability. This is wrong in fact a short statement that you are disabled is practically useless in an SSDI or SSI claim. Social Security wants to know how your condition prevents you from working and the best way to show this is through a well explained RFC. What I mean by well explained is the RFC should not only include your limitations but an explanation of why you are limited in those areas. To get an RFC you can email me or contact your local Social Security Office. You can also download a simple physical and mental RFC on the right side of the page. There are two main types of RFCs and many other RFCs for specific conditions. I will discuss the two main types.
The first is a physical RFC. These are used to help determine how your condition physically limits you. There is usually categories with boxes to check that show your limitations. After a series of these the form will usually ask for the medical or clinical findings that support your doctor's conclusions. For example: One question will be are lifting and carrying affected by the claimants impairment? Occasionally ( very little up to 1/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of 8 hour work day) less than 10 lbs, 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 50 lbs, 100 lbs or more. Your doctor will check off which lifting limitation applies to you. Your doctor will have a series of other questions like this in different areas of functioning as well. The form will ask after each set of questions about the medical or clinical findings that support his assessment. You can download a physical RFC on this page.
The second is a mental RFC. This will help determine how a psychiatric condition limits you. This form is set up similar to the physical RFC except your the questions are different and the check mark boxes are different. There will be a series of questions like the following: Ability to carry out very short and simple instructions? There will then be a series of boxes like no limitations, slight limitation, moderate limitation, marked limitation, and extreme limitation. Again Social Security will ask after a series of these type questions what is the medical support for these findings.
So why do you need these? Because whether you are disabled or not will be based on how your medical conditions limit you. These forms show your doctors opinion of just that. Another reason you need them is because if you don't have them from your doctor I can assure you Social Security will have some filled out by Social Security consultative doctors and other Social Security employees. Do you want to rely on what they say your limitations are?
RFC Physical
RFC Mental
If you decide you want a lawyer to help with your claim or just want a free consultation please consider me (Karl Kazmierczak, Esq.). You can also call me at 1-877-527-5529.
http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/medical_listings.html
1.00 Musculoskeletal System
2.00 Special Senses and Speech
3.00 Respiratory System
4.00 Cardiovascular System
5.00 Digestive System
6.00 Genitourinary System
7.00 Hematological Disorders
8.00 Skin Disorders
9.00 Endocrine System
10.00 Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems
11.00 Neurological
12.00 Mental Disorders
13.00 Malignant Neoplastic Disease
14.00 Immune System
I have already mentioned this but it is worth repeating that your medical condition does not have to be listed above in one of the categories for you to be found disabled. You must learn the Social Security Administration's five step process that determines disability to know when and how this list of disabilities comes into play in an SSD or SSI case (This is step 3). In other words, this is not a full list of disabling impairments. In fact, you can be found disabled for almost any medical condition that causes severe functional limitations. In some cases, a medical condition or combination of medical conditions that is not listed above can still be found to equal one of the listed impairments. This may happen if a doctor explains that your medical condition is similar to a listed impairment and that you are just as limited as someone who meets the listing for that other condition. This is rare, but can happen if explained in detail by a doctor as to why your condition equals a listing and which one. Even if SSA determines you do not meet or equal a listed impairment this does not mean you lost your claim, you simply go on to the next step in the determination process. Keep in mind I do my best to keep these up to date and accurate but these listings change and you should always check the SSA website for possible updates to the listed impairments. I should also mention the SSA medical listing of impairments is also called the Blue Book.
2.00 Special Senses and Speech
3.00 Respiratory System
4.00 Cardiovascular System
5.00 Digestive System
6.00 Genitourinary System
7.00 Hematological Disorders
8.00 Skin Disorders
9.00 Endocrine System
10.00 Impairments that Affect Multiple Body Systems
11.00 Neurological
12.00 Mental Disorders
13.00 Malignant Neoplastic Disease
14.00 Immune System
I have already mentioned this but it is worth repeating that your medical condition does not have to be listed above in one of the categories for you to be found disabled. You must learn the Social Security Administration's five step process that determines disability to know when and how this list of disabilities comes into play in an SSD or SSI case (This is step 3). In other words, this is not a full list of disabling impairments. In fact, you can be found disabled for almost any medical condition that causes severe functional limitations. In some cases, a medical condition or combination of medical conditions that is not listed above can still be found to equal one of the listed impairments. This may happen if a doctor explains that your medical condition is similar to a listed impairment and that you are just as limited as someone who meets the listing for that other condition. This is rare, but can happen if explained in detail by a doctor as to why your condition equals a listing and which one. Even if SSA determines you do not meet or equal a listed impairment this does not mean you lost your claim, you simply go on to the next step in the determination process. Keep in mind I do my best to keep these up to date and accurate but these listings change and you should always check the SSA website for possible updates to the listed impairments. I should also mention the SSA medical listing of impairments is also called the Blue Book.
http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/sarcoidosis_social_security_disability.html
This page will discuss Sarcoidosis as it impacts a Social Security Disability or SSI claim. I will explain what Sarcoidosis is, its symptoms and how the limitations from the condition can show an individual is disabled. If you have this condition you are probably frustrated by how little people know about the disease. I have handled many of these cases and if you have any questions call me at 1-877-527-5529.
Sarcoidosis is tiny lumps of cells or granulomas that can be found in many different organs of the body. These groups of cells can cause organ dysfunction.
This condition can occur anywhere in the body. It is most frequently seen in the lymph nodes and lungs. It is also commonly found in liver, eyes and skin. It is sometimes seen but less frequently in the other organs of the body such as brain, joints, heart, nerves, bones and many other places. Sarcoidosis can be active at times and inactive at other times. When the condition is active the cells are growing and when inactive they stop growing or can even get smaller. During the active phase it can produce scaring of the affected organ which may not go away during the inactive phase. The damage from having this condition varies greatly from little to no affect on an individual to progressive debilitating problems with the affected area. This medical condition can be treated but there is no known way to prevent it. In some cases can result in death due to damage of vital organs. Although this disease involves the growth of cells it is not a form of cancer. They are not quite sure what cause the condition but it is believed to be related to genetics and the immune system.
The limitations on an individual that are relevant to a Social Security Disability claimant are vast and depend on what body part the condition has affected. If it is affecting the lungs it can cause shortness of breath and pain in chest. Lymph Nodes can become swollen. In the eyes it can affect vision, light sensitivity, pain and burning. On the skin it can cause sores, bumps and discoloration. In joints it can cause pain, swelling, loss of motion. This is just a short list of some common symptoms but because the condition can affect almost any body organ the different types of symptoms and limitations from those symptoms are vast and too extensive to cover all of them here. There are also some total body symptoms that are common like fatigue, weight loss, and feeling ill.
Because Sarcoidosis can affect so many different areas of the body many times people with this condition are found disabled by equaling a listing of another condition. For example if sarcoidosis is affecting the joints they may be found to equal the listing for arthritis. It is important if you have this condition and are seeking Social Security Disability or SSI that you keep this in mind and look at the medical listing of impairments of the area of the body which your condition is affecting to see if your symptoms and limitation closely resemble those found in a given listing. If you think it might show the listing to your doctor and ask his or her opinion.
Even if you don't equal one of the listings you should have your doctor fill out an RFC or report which describes your limitations. The many different possible combination of limitations in someone with severe sarcoid can be enough to show one can not work. It is also not uncommon for someone with this chronic condition to suffer from depression and the limitations from this can further support your claim for disability. To understand how SSA determines if you are disabled for SSDI or SSI.
Sarcoidosis is tiny lumps of cells or granulomas that can be found in many different organs of the body. These groups of cells can cause organ dysfunction.
This condition can occur anywhere in the body. It is most frequently seen in the lymph nodes and lungs. It is also commonly found in liver, eyes and skin. It is sometimes seen but less frequently in the other organs of the body such as brain, joints, heart, nerves, bones and many other places. Sarcoidosis can be active at times and inactive at other times. When the condition is active the cells are growing and when inactive they stop growing or can even get smaller. During the active phase it can produce scaring of the affected organ which may not go away during the inactive phase. The damage from having this condition varies greatly from little to no affect on an individual to progressive debilitating problems with the affected area. This medical condition can be treated but there is no known way to prevent it. In some cases can result in death due to damage of vital organs. Although this disease involves the growth of cells it is not a form of cancer. They are not quite sure what cause the condition but it is believed to be related to genetics and the immune system.
The limitations on an individual that are relevant to a Social Security Disability claimant are vast and depend on what body part the condition has affected. If it is affecting the lungs it can cause shortness of breath and pain in chest. Lymph Nodes can become swollen. In the eyes it can affect vision, light sensitivity, pain and burning. On the skin it can cause sores, bumps and discoloration. In joints it can cause pain, swelling, loss of motion. This is just a short list of some common symptoms but because the condition can affect almost any body organ the different types of symptoms and limitations from those symptoms are vast and too extensive to cover all of them here. There are also some total body symptoms that are common like fatigue, weight loss, and feeling ill.
Because Sarcoidosis can affect so many different areas of the body many times people with this condition are found disabled by equaling a listing of another condition. For example if sarcoidosis is affecting the joints they may be found to equal the listing for arthritis. It is important if you have this condition and are seeking Social Security Disability or SSI that you keep this in mind and look at the medical listing of impairments of the area of the body which your condition is affecting to see if your symptoms and limitation closely resemble those found in a given listing. If you think it might show the listing to your doctor and ask his or her opinion.
Even if you don't equal one of the listings you should have your doctor fill out an RFC or report which describes your limitations. The many different possible combination of limitations in someone with severe sarcoid can be enough to show one can not work. It is also not uncommon for someone with this chronic condition to suffer from depression and the limitations from this can further support your claim for disability. To understand how SSA determines if you are disabled for SSDI or SSI.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/condition.clinic/lupus.html?iref=allsearch
LUPUS
D E S C R I P T I O N
There are two forms of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). SLE is an autoimmune disorder. SLE and DLE can share the sign of a facial rash, which sometimes causes confusion in diagnosis, but that's about the only thing they have in common. As their names indicate, SLE is a systemic disease, affecting many systems of the body, while DLE causes only the discoid, or round, skin lesions, which are usually confined to the face. It's not clear what causes either condition.
R I S K
Ninety percent of lupus cases occur in women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 55. SLE is about three times more common in African-American women than it is in those of European ancestry. Women of Chinese heritage are also commonly affected. Having another autoimmune condition puts one at a greater risk for SLE.
S Y M P T O M S
Approximately half of SLE patients have a scaly, red facial rash, the classic "butterfly rash," named for its shape across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. A facial rash with discoid lesions is the extent of DLE's symptoms. SLE patients may have rashes on many other parts of the body as well as arthritis; fatigue; hair loss; swollen lymph glands; kidney, lung, or heart problems and sensitivity to light, among other symptoms. Rashes in both SLE and DLE may flare up or fade away at various intervals.
T R E A T M E N T
DLE patients should wear hats to protect against the sun and use a good sunscreen. A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream. In severe, exceptional cases a drug called hydroxychloroquine may be used; this medication may sometimes cause side effects of visual impairment and nausea.
SLE is treated symptomatically with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for joint pain and fever, and corticosteroid therapy for kidney or heart disease and other serious complications. Hydroxychloroquine or immunosuppressive drugs may work to good effect on joint pain and skin lesions that don't respond to anti-inflammatory drugs.
P R E V E N T I O N
Unfortunately, there is not much one can do to prevent lupus in either form. The causes of lupus are still under investigation, and may include immunologic, genetic, hormonal and infectious factors, though certain pharmaceutical drugs have also been implicated. Flare-ups of the skin rash can be prevented, to some extent, by staying out of the sun.
WebMD terms and conditions.
D E S C R I P T I O N
There are two forms of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). SLE is an autoimmune disorder. SLE and DLE can share the sign of a facial rash, which sometimes causes confusion in diagnosis, but that's about the only thing they have in common. As their names indicate, SLE is a systemic disease, affecting many systems of the body, while DLE causes only the discoid, or round, skin lesions, which are usually confined to the face. It's not clear what causes either condition.
R I S K
Ninety percent of lupus cases occur in women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 55. SLE is about three times more common in African-American women than it is in those of European ancestry. Women of Chinese heritage are also commonly affected. Having another autoimmune condition puts one at a greater risk for SLE.
S Y M P T O M S
Approximately half of SLE patients have a scaly, red facial rash, the classic "butterfly rash," named for its shape across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. A facial rash with discoid lesions is the extent of DLE's symptoms. SLE patients may have rashes on many other parts of the body as well as arthritis; fatigue; hair loss; swollen lymph glands; kidney, lung, or heart problems and sensitivity to light, among other symptoms. Rashes in both SLE and DLE may flare up or fade away at various intervals.
T R E A T M E N T
DLE patients should wear hats to protect against the sun and use a good sunscreen. A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream. In severe, exceptional cases a drug called hydroxychloroquine may be used; this medication may sometimes cause side effects of visual impairment and nausea.
SLE is treated symptomatically with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen for joint pain and fever, and corticosteroid therapy for kidney or heart disease and other serious complications. Hydroxychloroquine or immunosuppressive drugs may work to good effect on joint pain and skin lesions that don't respond to anti-inflammatory drugs.
P R E V E N T I O N
Unfortunately, there is not much one can do to prevent lupus in either form. The causes of lupus are still under investigation, and may include immunologic, genetic, hormonal and infectious factors, though certain pharmaceutical drugs have also been implicated. Flare-ups of the skin rash can be prevented, to some extent, by staying out of the sun.
WebMD terms and conditions.
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