Obtaining disability benefits because of multiple
chemical sensitivity or chemical injury requires the cooperation of many
people. Supportive doctors, therapists,
family and friends and an experienced disability lawyer will all increase ones
chances for success, based on discussions with many successful claimants.
Organization, good record keeping, a logical filing
system, attentiveness to dates and deadlines are vital. If the person filing a claim is lacking in
any of these areas, or if they have difficulty filling out forms, it is
critical that help is obtained from someone trustworthy and competent. Often working spouses do not have the energy
to be involved in the day-to-day details of a disability claim. A retired family member or friend may be in
a better position to provide assistance.
Documentation of ones medical complaints and
limitations is probably the most important part of a claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA)
relies heavily on medical records to evaluate a claim. Adequate documentation will also help when
seeking legal services as well as when meeting a new doctor. SSA approves claims based on symptoms and
limitations, not necessarily on a diagnosis.
One person’s condition can be considerably more disabling than another’s
with the same diagnosis.
SSA will assume that if a person is not under the
care of a medical doctor, that they are not sick, according to a recent
statement by disability attorney, D. B. Sterling. Since there are no generally accepted tests that confirm
chemical sensitivity, extensive and expensive lab work may not be the most
judicious use of limited funds. Regular
visits, i.e., every four to six weeks, to an internist, allergist or other
specialist can be more important. It is
extremely helpful to have a sympathetic M.D. who will keep adequate file notes
and will write strong, supportive letters for the claimant. Ones doctor may be able to provide them with
the name of a local attorney experienced in MCS or CFIDS disability cases, or
vice versa.
Before each doctor appointment, prepare a detailed
list of problems with the appointment date and the doctor’s name. Clearly print patient’s full name and social
security number on the top of each page. Pages should be numbered, i.e., page 1
of 3, page 2 of 3, etc. Claimants need
to keep a copy of all notes for their file; give the doctor a copy to
keep. In this way, these written notes
of symptoms, reactions and limitations will become part of ones medical record.
Discussions with many successful disability claimants suggest that special logs are an important part of documentation. One such log is a listing of medications and supplements currently being taken for medical problems. A recommended format, using lined paper, would consist of six columns labeled as follows: 1. Name of Prescription; 2. Dose; 3. Prescribing Doctor; 4. Frequency Taken; 5. Date Started; 6 Reason for Taking. List prescription medications first, then over-the-counter meds, followed by dietary supplements.
Another very effective log is one that itemizes exposures by date and type of reaction. When getting started on a log of this nature, it would be very helpful to first do a history of ones sensitivities from childhood, if applicable. (This type of history is another important part of diagnosing MCS.) This will help jog the memory about exposures and adverse reactions that one never connected to their current condition. Also go through all recent diaries, calendars and other sources for notes that could be included in this log of exposures.
Other documentation can include a sleep log to document insomnia or sleep dysfunction. It can take many different types of format. Letters from family members and friends or acquaintances who have witnessed ones reactions are acceptable and valuable documentation for MCS cases. Some claimants have included photographs of their MCS housing and /or other accommodations to further their claim. These photographs can be very effective when seeing a new doctor to illustrate ones difficulties simply with living. Photocopies (on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper) of photographs can easily become part of ones medical file. Reading boxes, computer venting devices, special beds on bare springs, foil on shelves and around windows: these are all good visual-aid subjects.