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As often happens on the Parkinson Informatiion Exchange, Janet Pattersoon generates some thoughtful and useful dialogue on timely topics. Her recent missive of May 2nd on the above subject I especially found of interest. In my own case a couple of years ago at age 63 I noticed, I thought suddenly, that my health and work capacity had dropped dramatically. My wife claims it was process well underway over the last few years but I was just too obtuse and stubborn to do anything about it! In July /96 I finally spent some time with my GP and a bunch of specialists. I quickly found out I had three problems-diagnosed with Parkinson's: a blocked left venticle which caused angina attacks; and diabetes which accounted for the high sugar count in my blood. The good news eminating from this three strikes and you're out news was that I took an " illness perspective " and was able to go on LTD in September. Luckily my group benefit program was set up with the premium for the disability coverage fully paid for by the employee with the result that the monthly benefits, although only 60% of my previous salary, are tax-free and therefore adequate to live on until my pension kicks in starting in September of this year when I arrive at my so-called lnormal retirement date. Allthough I was not planning to apply, my private insurance company insisted that I offset their claim through seeking benefits under the Canada Pension Plan program. This has proved to be a frustrating and time consuming task. It started off with a meeting with CPP personnel in an Ottawa-based office and completing detailed medical documents with the help of heart specialists, neurologists , etc. The initial claim forms used by the private insurance company, although quite similar, would not suffice. This packsge was hand delivered and after a few months wiith no response I finally found out the information had been transferred to a Toronto office that was now processing all claims in a central office. Reportedly my medical forms were misplaced and I had to send in a second batch. Finally I received a denial letter dated March 12, 1997 which stated that applicants " must have severe and prolonged disability which keeps you from working regularly at any job, and is long-term " The correspondence also contained what is termed a RECONSIDERATION form which must be completed, along with updated medical input, if you want to submit an appeal. I argued that my medical problems are obviously long-term, chronic and kept me from working on a regular basis at any job. This package I submitted by registered mail This first appeal, which from numerous telephone calls, was being processed, but slowly and follow-ups with the medicos involved, was eventually responded to in a letter dated October 2, 1997. Again, a negative response this time with a comment that the medical information in my file would indicate " you had the ability to do some form of light work on a regular basis." Again I had the right to make an appeal, this time to a REVIEW TRIBUNAL, which is a group of three persons, at least one being a lawyer, who meet with the applicant and if rquested, a representative for the applicant, presumablly a lawyer. The informal hearing is held, wherver posible, in or near the applicant's home community, at no expense to the applicant. In this case I followed up with medical reports, etc. with a covering letter dated December 5th 1997. It was acknowledged within days in a letter dated December 10th, but with a note that the hearing will not be scheduled for about four months. I will still waiting with bated breath! Hope this helps. If nothing else it would indicate that a Parkie who can walk and talk might have difficulty in seeking disability benefits from the Canada Pension Plan. I would welcome any feedback on my experiences, especially any advice on what to say at my eventual Tribunal meeting. Ken Clements < [log in to unmask] Ottawa, CANADA