My Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

[Omaha Steve]

I was diagnosed with FTD just a week before Christmas in 2013. https://www.theaftd.org/what-is-ftd/disease-overview/

In December 2014 I applied for SSDI. I learned that Social Security considers FTD a "Compassionate Allowances" (CAL). I was still sitting on pins and needles until I was approved for SSDI. Because of this I didn't have to hire a lawyer.

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), including Pick's disease and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), is eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) includes FTD within its "Compassionate Allowances" (CAL) program, which expedites the application process for individuals with severe, debilitating conditions like FTD

As most of you know, because of some warning signs, my doctor recently had me take a 3-hour driver's test (I passed). Taking Trazodone has helped slow the advance of my FTD.

The reason I'm posting this is because DUer JMCKUSICK (John) is applying for SSDI. He does this at a time when Trump is closing Social Security offices. This means longer wait times for services, appeals, etc.

Because of the standard to reject the first time application, he has filed an appeal with the help of his lawyer. It is a waiting game.

John has come to us for financial help before. John has always been open about his case. He updates us often. He has named his doctors and hospital. He has been open to advice.

I'm asking the DU to again help john, who has nowhere else to turn. If you can afford a few dollars, that would be great. A kick to keep this visible and an R would do wonders.

Here is john's post from last night: https://www.democraticunderground.com/10182173667

John's gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-john-mckusick-overcome-health-and-financial-struggles It has $5,917 raised as of now.

I'm a platelet donor. I never get to see those that I'm helping. I'll enjoy watching John get some much-needed help from the DU community.

I can't post this in the Lounge because of the reference to Trump.

Regards,

Omaha Steve (OS)