Well, I wouldn't have believed it, but I was officially approved for SSDI! It took 7 months for their decision, but I was approved on my first try and without anything but medical records and my application! What a huge relief for us and a validation of the significant nature and effects of WG. My lead doctor was deposed last week and described how much my body has been through since diagnosis and how remarkable it is I am able to function at all. He reiterated how many times my life has been in jeopardy and at the permanency of WG. He was tremendous throughout the interview process and totally supportive of disability status. (I wasn't surprised, just grateful for his strong showing of support.) So now we are putting together the rest of the letters of support outlining my condition, my job, and my new life. Next step = an informal hearing with an impartial disability attorney (hired by the Virginia Retirement System) who will meet me, gather additional evidence, and listen to one more witness "in person" describe how the duties of my former job would be impossible for me to accomplish. Then the attorney renders his opinion and presents it back to the VRS for their final decision. The feeling of "validation" for our disease and the impact it has on our lives was incredible. My hope is alive! Keep those thoughts and prayers coming!
KB
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