Guest guest Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 I went to my SSDI appeal today thinking for sure I would have to continue pleading my case. I had already started my early SS when I reached 62 and had forgotten that I asked for an appeal until I received notification just 2 weeks before my meeting. In reviewing my files I noticed the 2 doctors that had reviewed my original application and determined I was able to work - 1 was a cardiologist and hospital administrator and the other was a geriatric doctor. I was ready to plead that CML was rare and very few doctors had knowledge of this type of cancer or how disabling the side effects could be. My main argument was that the treatment was the reason for my disability because of the side effects. I also got a letter from my oncologist that stated I was unable to work based on impairment caused by my side effects and submitted that upon arrival at my hearing. Imagine my surprise when after waiting almost an hour for the judge, he walks in and states that " based on the additional documentation, I would receive a favorable decision in about 2 weeks - Have a good day " . No questions, swearing in, reviews, discussion- nothing. I was in shock, delighted and won't have to give any % to an attorney. I'm sure being 63 helped some but I couldn't believe how simple and wondered why I hadn't gotten the doctor to write something before - maybe that was the kicker - who knows. I really would much rather be able to work, but the only way I can have any type of normal day is to skip my meds for the day. I have been doing this for the past 9 months with my doctor's knowledge. She wasn't that thrilled, but so far, my numbers still look good. I am getting tired of the limited abilities physically and mentally, so I'm waiting for a trail where they look at how the meds metabolize without having to take it 7 days a week. Just had to share and say thanks for this list and all of your reference information. I'm sure that helped. For anyone that is waiting on an appeal, I have listed a couple of websites that will walk you through the SSDI application and appeal process that helps put together some very effective defense. www.disabilitysecrets.com http://4socialsecuritydisability.net/no_functional_capacity_for_wor.html Barbara Fayetteville, GA Diagnosed July 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2008 Report Share Posted October 23, 2008 Hi Barbara, I have been receiving SSD benefits for 3 years now. When I first started therapy I was unable to function too. It was terrible. Now I am in a trial for HHT and am able to work 35 hours a week, 9 months a year (school hours). I get very tired and would ideally like to work 4 days a week, but that isn't available in my associate position. I just received a letter the other day stating that my monthly earnings from my job are over the $970 limit to continue benefits so they will be discontinued. That really stinks! I used the SSD benefits to pay the cost of flying back n forth to Houston for appts. Now they're going to stop - it's going to be really tight financially for us. My husband only takes $1,000/mth for wages on our small farm! But I am taking online college classes so in time I will have an increase in pay, but the short term is a little scary. I'm not complaining, because there are alot of families that have so much less after going through hurricances, floods, tornadoes, loss of jobs, etc. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food on my table, which we grow alot of on our farm! I am happy for you to be able to receive SSDI. Those benefits got me & my family through some very rough times. It will do the same for you. I'm 48 now and hope to be able to work until I'm 62. I hope a trial is available for you soon so that you feel better. You're right, it is frustrating to be physically and mentally disabled from medicine and not the disease. God Bless, Jackie S. From: barbara <barb521@...> Subject: [ ] Won SSDI Appeal Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 8:05 PM I went to my SSDI appeal today thinking for sure I would have to continue pleading my case. I had already started my early SS when I reached 62 and had forgotten that I asked for an appeal until I received notification just 2 weeks before my meeting. In reviewing my files I noticed the 2 doctors that had reviewed my original application and determined I was able to work - 1 was a cardiologist and hospital administrator and the other was a geriatric doctor. I was ready to plead that CML was rare and very few doctors had knowledge of this type of cancer or how disabling the side effects could be. My main argument was that the treatment was the reason for my disability because of the side effects. I also got a letter from my oncologist that stated I was unable to work based on impairment caused by my side effects and submitted that upon arrival at my hearing. Imagine my surprise when after waiting almost an hour for the judge, he walks in and states that " based on the additional documentation, I would receive a favorable decision in about 2 weeks - Have a good day " . No questions, swearing in, reviews, discussion- nothing. I was in shock, delighted and won't have to give any % to an attorney. I'm sure being 63 helped some but I couldn't believe how simple and wondered why I hadn't gotten the doctor to write something before - maybe that was the kicker - who knows. I really would much rather be able to work, but the only way I can have any type of normal day is to skip my meds for the day. I have been doing this for the past 9 months with my doctor's knowledge. She wasn't that thrilled, but so far, my numbers still look good. I am getting tired of the limited abilities physically and mentally, so I'm waiting for a trail where they look at how the meds metabolize without having to take it 7 days a week. Just had to share and say thanks for this list and all of your reference information. I'm sure that helped. For anyone that is waiting on an appeal, I have listed a couple of websites that will walk you through the SSDI application and appeal process that helps put together some very effective defense. www.disabilitysecre ts.com http://4socialsecur itydisability. net/no_functiona l_capacity_ for_wor.html Barbara Fayetteville, GA Diagnosed July 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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