03-04-2011, 12:17 PM
Hi all. Things with WC seem to always get more complicated. But here goes any ways. (I am in NYS). My doctor has me at 75% impaired with referral to a pain specialist. (which today is my 1st visit.) So because of the 75% impairment, WC/IC says I should be looking for work in order to continue my reduced benefits.
My attorney back in October had me apply for SSD & Disability retirement through the NYS retirement system (as I was a civil servant employee). Question is, if SSD hears or sees that I am applying for jobs, doesn't that state to them that I am ok to work? (My SSD & NYS retirement application is based on my WC injuries and separate depression/anxiety issues). Yes, my mental disorders have gotten severely worse with all of this pain, however I chose not to have "the difference" of it included in my WC claim because it is to tit for tat on measuring the difference from my "normal" depression and the "more intense" depression. Plus it does not have to be work related to qualify for SSD/NYS retirement & would not make much difference with any comp benefits in the end. My regular insurance is paying for treatment/medication, as it was prior to comp.
I am an honest person and feel as if I would be lying somehow by applying for jobs (w/in restrictions for hands/arms) knowing that with the severe depression/anxiety & physical pain, there is no way I could do anything, at least right now. My attorney suggested I sign up with a place called VESID, I guess they can retrain people with injuries HOWEVER aside from the pain and with lack of motivation, concentration and some days ability to get out of bed....I don't see even this happening. Does anyone have any suggestion? or has anyone been in this same kind of confusion? (I have spoken to my attorney about it, he says the best route is to try to make it through VESID, then I would not have to actually apply for jobs.)
Well, thank you for reading and hopefully I did not confuse everyone! Happy Friday!
(bilateral carpal tunnel, bilateral basal joint replacement, bilateral (thumb) IP fusions. Left hand tendonitis/wrist surgery, MCP (thumb) joint fusion, some hardware removal. Right hand trigger thumb. I think I covered them all.
My attorney back in October had me apply for SSD & Disability retirement through the NYS retirement system (as I was a civil servant employee). Question is, if SSD hears or sees that I am applying for jobs, doesn't that state to them that I am ok to work? (My SSD & NYS retirement application is based on my WC injuries and separate depression/anxiety issues). Yes, my mental disorders have gotten severely worse with all of this pain, however I chose not to have "the difference" of it included in my WC claim because it is to tit for tat on measuring the difference from my "normal" depression and the "more intense" depression. Plus it does not have to be work related to qualify for SSD/NYS retirement & would not make much difference with any comp benefits in the end. My regular insurance is paying for treatment/medication, as it was prior to comp.
I am an honest person and feel as if I would be lying somehow by applying for jobs (w/in restrictions for hands/arms) knowing that with the severe depression/anxiety & physical pain, there is no way I could do anything, at least right now. My attorney suggested I sign up with a place called VESID, I guess they can retrain people with injuries HOWEVER aside from the pain and with lack of motivation, concentration and some days ability to get out of bed....I don't see even this happening. Does anyone have any suggestion? or has anyone been in this same kind of confusion? (I have spoken to my attorney about it, he says the best route is to try to make it through VESID, then I would not have to actually apply for jobs.)
Well, thank you for reading and hopefully I did not confuse everyone! Happy Friday!
(bilateral carpal tunnel, bilateral basal joint replacement, bilateral (thumb) IP fusions. Left hand tendonitis/wrist surgery, MCP (thumb) joint fusion, some hardware removal. Right hand trigger thumb. I think I covered them all.
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