Determination 0f Disability Ratings

July 19, 2007

I was involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in c4-c6

fusion with a plate installed in my neck. Went through the normal

surgery and rehab.practices. At the end of physical therapy my pain

issues with my neck/shoulder/arm area where unresolved. My Spine Doc.

handed me over to a Neurologists and after 6 months of testing He

comes up with CMT1A diagnosis, and finally at 40yrs of age I have an

explanation why I am the way I am.

Weak ankles, pain in my extremeties etc. Luckily I had taken out a Disability

Insurance policy thru work before all of this.I am unable to do anything

physically demanding for more than an hour at a time and my career as a GM

Master Auto/Truck Technician has come to an end after 17 years.

I've already applied to Social Security been thru all the denial

stages and we (lawyer and I) are awaiting a hearing date currently.

Now that we established my background, my question is " Who makes the

determination of my disability rating at this time? "

I need a letter/statement for my house taxes and new mortgage to

qualify for a lower percentage/rate.

Do I stand a chance in hell of getting this and which/what doctor do

I request this from?

Thanks peoples,

July 19, 2007

Hi ,

The Administrative Law Judge makes the final decision in your

disability case. Make sure all medical tests, papers, records,

everything about you " medically " is in that file at the Hearings

Office. You and your lawyer can look over your file at any time to

see what's there and what's not, and add any newinformation before your Hearing.

The letter you need for your taxes and mortgage should come from

your Neurologist (the one you see the most, who knows you best) Make

a copy of that letter and add it to your file at the Hearings office.

Hearings are taking quite a while now, it is not uncommon to wait a

year or more in some places. Sometimes " video hearings " are held,

which speeds up the process somewhat.

At your hearing you can have all your docs there, if they'll agree.

Yes, you will be considered for benefits at the Hearing.

~ Gretchen

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