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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.
Various programs in the US can provide monetary income if you are
disabled and unable to work. This article addresses these resources.
Steps in applying for disability are 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 Hawai
Applying
for Disability from the Workplace
- Approach your personnel
department and discuss your situation. Ask for the correct forms to
take to your doctor.
- Ask your doctor if
he/she will approve a leave of absence or place restrictions on your
duties.
- 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.
- Return this
completed form to your employer. Make a copy for your own records.
- 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
- 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
- Short Term Leave
of Absence - This policy will vary according to your employer.
Contact your Human Resources/Personnel Department for instructions.
- 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 US 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. 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.
Further information is available at: http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/ada18.html
For more
information about US 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
| Informational
Brochure |
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This
site is designed for those suffering from MdDS (Mal de Debarquement
Syndrome) and the health care professionals who treat them.
If
you have been diagnosed or suspect that you have MdDS or Disembarkment
Syndrome, 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 is like to live with this
rare balance disorder; members are from all over the world. Please join
us to share and learn from others.
The
MdDS Balance Disorder Foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3)
nonprofit PA foundation dedicated to promoting awareness of Mal de
Debarquement Syndrome and seeking treatments and a cure for people
suffering from this disorder.
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Copyright
© 2006-2010, 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.
Last
modified on June 12, 2010
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