Disability with MdDS

 

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MdDS and Disability

Just what is "disability"?

According to Webster's Dictionary it is 1) a disabled condition 2) that which disables or disqualifies. The definition of disable is to make unable, unfit, or disqualified.

The medical definition of a disability according to Mosby's Medical Dictionary is different. It is the loss, absence, or impairment of physical or mental fitness that is observable and measurable.

Therein lies the difficulty in proving that MdDS qualifies as a disability. Tests used for diagnosis of a vestibular disorder don't prove definitive when applied to MdDS. Diagnosis is made only after other causes are eliminated and by a history of a recent motion trigger.
 
There are various venues that can provide some amount of monetary income if you find that you are disabled and unable to work. The purpose of this article is to address these resources. Steps in applying for disability will also be included.

Sources of Disability Coverage

     A) Work place disability policies
          a. Family Leave of Absence
          b. Short Term Disability Policy
          c. Long Term Disability Policy
     B) Private disability insurance policies
     C) Social Security Disability Benefits
     D) Temporary Disability Insurance - only available in 5 US states plus Puerto Rico.
               Available in: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, and Hawaii

Applying for Disability from the Workplace

  1. Approach your personnel department and discuss your situation. Ask for the correct forms to take to your doctor.
  2. Ask your doctor if he/she will approve a leave of absence or place restrictions on your duties. 
  3. Have your doctor state the length of time you will be unable to work or will need restrictions.  This may need to be amended later if you improve or continue to remain unable to work. 
  4. Return this completed form to your employer. Make a copy for your own records.
  5. Make an appointment to have your disability evaluated again if you need to increase the length of time away from work.

Work Place Disability Policies

  1. Family Leave Of Absence - Your eligibility for this will be determined by length of service   with your company. It usually covers 12 weeks and is unpaid. You should go to your employer's Human Resources department to obtain a copy of the Family Medical Leave form.  This web site shows a sample of the form used by employees of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: http://www.umdnj.edu/hrweb/exec.pdf
  2. Short Term Leave of Absence - This policy will vary according to your employer. Contact your Human Resources/Personnel Department for instructions.
  3. Long Term Leave of Absence - Some institutions offer a Long Term Plan. Again this will vary with your company. You will need to find out if your company has this policy and if you are eligible.

Private Disability Insurance Policies  

You may have obtained your own plan if you own your own business or if you don't have one from your employer. Be certain to read your policy closely. Many pay 60% of your wages while you are disabled. There is often a period of time that you have to be disabled prior to becoming eligible for payment.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Although it is difficult to collect Social Security Disability benefits, it is not impossible. There are a few members of the Mal de Debarquement Support Group that have been successful in obtaining Social Security Benefits. Their stories will be referenced in the Personal Story of MdDS and Disability section. Before you can collect Social Security payments you will have to contact the closest office in your area. There you will be instructed on what is needed prior to your appointment with one of their representatives. If you want more information go to http://www.ssa.gov/
 
Temporary Disability Insurance

Only 5 states plus Puerto Rico have Temporary Disability coverage. This plan is meant to cover lost wages due to non-work related sickness or injury. If you live in one of these 5 states it would be wise to pursue this avenue of income. The 5 states are New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, and Hawaii. Go to this web site for further information: http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/pdf/temporary.pdf

Americans with Disability Act

If you feel that you need to work and don't qualify for any of the benefits discussed then there is the Americans with Disability Act that will aid you in retaining your employment. For further information contact this web site. http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html

For more information about government programs that may benefit you, visit the following web sites:

     http://www.mwcil.org/mwcil/docs/resources.html
     http://jobsearch.about.com/library/weekly/aa021101a.htm
     http://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/dis.html 
     http://www.state.nj.us/labor/tdi/tdiindex.html
     http://www.makoa.org/gov.htm
     http://hippo.findlaw.com/disability.html
     http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html

Marla -2006

   

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This MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation site is designed for those suffering from MdDS (Mal de Debarquement Syndrome).   If you have been diagnosed or suspect that you have MdDS, sign up for a free membership at our support site and review or search the thousands of messages from those who suffer from MdDS.  Here, you will find caring people who understand what it's like to live with this rare balance disorder.  Our members are welcomed from many countries, so feel free to contact us.

The MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to promoting awareness of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome and seeking treatments and a cure for people suffering from this disorder.


Copyright  © 2006-2008   MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. Copyright materials may not be reproduced in whole or in part by persons, organizations, or corporations without the prior written permission of the MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation. The information contained in this web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. The MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation recommends consultation with your doctor or other health care provider.
Page last modified on June 8, 2008. For comments, contact the Web Editor