Re: Determining and rating disability?

["Bonnie Cunningham, R.N." <bcunning@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Mike:

An "official" definition of Parkinson's can be found in medical textbooks
and/or dictionaries. The library should have some of these tests that you
can use.

The two methods most often used for determining stages of Parkinson's are
called the 'Hoehn and Yahr Staging' and UPDRS, the Unified Parkinson's
Disease Rating System.  These also can be found in medical textbooks. You
might want to make it a little easier on yourself and ask the neurologist
that treats you for these things.

As for determining and rating disability you should contact (and I hate to
say this as all the postings lately have been negative about this) is the
Social Security Administration.  Seeking legal advice from an attorney is
also a suggestion.

Good luck to you!

Bonnie Cunningham, R.N.
Patient Services Director
National Parkinson Foundation



Date:    Fri, 28 Aug 1998 08:59:17 -0400
From:    Michael Kramer <mkramer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Determining and rating disability?

Does anyone know where I can find an "official":
    1) definition of Parkinson's
    2) stages of Parkinson's
    3) requirements for determining when disability exists

Yes, I have been denied LTD benefits.  The kicker is that the reason
they are giving is that I continued to try and work even after the
companies own doctor verified that I was "unable to work".  I was trying
to train my replacement.

If anybody has recommendations on how to appeal this I would very much
appreciate hearing your ideas.

Mike  (49/9)