Has this ever happened to anyone (NBR) *Long*

wntrgrl83

OK, so I am new to the third trimester board, but I figured I would reach out to anyone at this point and ask if anyone has been through something similar...

A while back I posted on my BMB about how my OB put me out of work early due to the nature of my job, and the fact that she considers me to be a high risk pregnancy. ( I am currently 27 weeks pregnant with twins)... I really didn't want to leave, but of course I did what was reccomended and best for the babies.

I work on an ambulance/also work in an office at the ambulance company full time. My job requires a lot of office work, as well as daily ambulance runs (911 calls, lifting very heavy patients at times). My OB advises that I can not lift more then 35 pounds during this pregnancy, so I advise my boss in hopes that my job could be modified slightly so I could just strictly do office until the babies are born. Long story short, my boss was unable to accomodate me so I had to go out and apply for disability. I applied back in October and over the past few months they have requested more paperwork from my MD which I sent in. Today ( more then 3 months later) I found out that the State denied my claim. They stated that even though I can't lift over 35 lbs and my job requires me to lift more then that, they do not consider me to be disabled temporarily. I was then advised to contact unemployment which makes no sense because I am still employed by this company.... They couldn't offer me any other explanation or advice..

I don't know what to do right now... I don't even know if I am understanding why this is happening... I want to try to look for another job now (anything!) to supplement our income, however I will have to go out very soon because my OB is not sure when I will be delivering at this point,  and I'm not sure who would hire me.... I don't even know what I'm asking really... I guess I'm just overwhelmed and venting, and maybe hoping I can relate to someone else who has been through something similar... Thank you if you got through all of this...

AllieBelle1

Wow. That's really a bummer. I'm afraid I haven't been in a similar situation and I don't know the criteria for disability (and whether this is like Social Security Disability or a disability insurance policy you are talking about). However, I can certainly understand your frustration and disappointment. 

Unemployment is definitely not an option because you would have to be laid off or lose your job through no fault or choice of your own to qualify. I would go back and demand a more thorough explanation of the disability decision. Maybe you can appeal or at the least understand the reasons.  And maybe try again with your boss. Wouldn't they rather get some work done rather than none, in your absence? Maybe it could even be just part-time if they didn't have enough office work to fill up your full-time schedule. 

 Sorry about your situation. Good luck! 

greeneyed_bride

Is this Social Security Disability? If so, unfortunately, most people are denied the first time. There is an appeal process that you can go through in order to be reconsidered. There are lawyers who help with this, but obviously that costs money. However, you might want to look around and see how much they charge and whether you pay only if you win.

(I used to work for a nonprofit disease organization. Almost all of our members were denied the first time they applied for SSD.) 

gracefulash

i dont know anything about the disability part but i was put on medical leave at 13 weeks because of my job of working with the elderly. they tried to give me another job and i was still having the severe cramping and high blood pressure. i did have to apply for state insurance because i couldn't keep paying on mine at work.

T+Schultz4

I would reapply again and have your doctor fill out paperwork with stricter orders to keep you out of work. When my doctor filled out my paperwork for my disability leave, I made sure they stated that I could not do anything because I sat at a desk and I was afraid it would get denied too. Maybe contact an agent at the disability office to find out why it was denied so that you can let your doctor know. He should do all he can to ensure the safety of those babies. good luck!

PrincessFiona9

I'm so sorry to hear about that. My grandmother was denied when she was unable to work due to cancer so I know what a long and frustrating process it is. She ended up getting a large backpay amount once it was finally approved, over a year later. I'm so glad disability up to one year is covered by my work!

wntrgrl83

Thank you to all of you who got through my long vent.. I really appreciate the feedback from all of you and will take your advice...thank you for sharing some of your stories too!

526SadieSadie

I'd absolutely advise you to appeal and ask for a formal hearing, if necessary.  Bring your doctor, or a notarized statement from your doctor to testify on your behalf.