RE: Re: Anyone with SSDI experience/knowledge? Hey Rick

[Guest guest]

Well the VA there must be very different from the VA here. Glad to hear

he eventually got 100% Service connected. As far as the VA here, well I

had mentioned the 2 RA tests they did that came back positive and they

didn't tell me about it or treat me for it. The reason they took those

tests in the first place was as part of my disability evaluation for an

increase. Even though they tested for it and it acme back positive (both

times) they denied my claim.BOTH TIMES and still neglected to inform me

or treat me. I eventually got the increase on appeal, fortunately. The

VA Dr. I have now is pretty good, I actually like him. He is actually a

retired VA Dr. but still works there part time to help out. Since he has

retired he can be a little more upfront and honest. He told me to submit

for Service connection disability for the rheumatoid arthritis and all

the other medical problems that resulted from the RA. He even made a

copy of the entry on my original record so that when I apply, they will

se it first thing. Whether I get approved on the Soc Sec Disability or

not, I will be applying for 100% from the VA as well.

I guess, after reading your post, I will be including letters to the VA

from my wife and so forth just like for the SSA.

Rick

www.whosyomama.com

Re: [ ] Anyone with SSDI experience/knowledge?

>

> You may include anything in the file yourself. It doesn't just have

to

> be from a doctor. I had my three other children write letters for the

> file in their own words of what their brother is like, what he has

done,

> what they see in their own eyes. That made a big impact. It was in

> their handwriting, with their names and ages on notebook paper. You

> should put everything also in writing yourself, include your meds,

> anything and everything you think of will be considered by the judge.

> It's not like a judge in a courtroom. Just a small room with you and

> the judge and your attorney if you have one. Just be sincere. In my

> son's case I gave him his normal medication, which makes him very

tired.

> He looks very tired and could barely stay away, as is normal for him.

> The lawyer only wanted to be there with him. The judge asked my son a

> few things and he was very honest. Such as he told the judge that he

is

> ver! y tired, that he burns his hands because he can't feel them, that

> he can't get along with people, that he has a bad temper, that he

> doesn't have many friends because of how he is. You might want to

> include the Spoons theory in your notes and say that explain how you

> live each day. I would wear the minimum of jewelry, only the basics.

> Dress average, not sweats or shorts but just something very basic.

> Something very comfortable for you. If you have swollen fingers, show

> him your hands. Anything any friends, family members, co-workers,

etc.

> can write for you would also be considered. I took in a printout form

> the pharmacy of my son's prescriptions from the past year. That in

> itself made a big impact and you take more meds than he does. Be sure

> to take a copy of all of your medical records in case yours are not

all

> in there. If you use a wheelchair regularly, go in with your wheel

> chair, or your cane, or whatever you u! se. When we went into public

> aid to get my son's medical card (b efore he got SSI) that was a

battle.

> He has foot drop and when he stood up (after sleeping with his head

down

> on the table waiting) he tripped and fell. It was obvious it was not

> planned as he was very embarrassed. The lawyer we had was a jerk and

> yelled at my son for sleeping on the table before his SSI hearing and

> said not to be theatrical. I told him my son is not being theatrical,

> that is how he is. The sleep disorder is severe. He told me he never

> saw him sleep while in his office. I told him to check his memory, my

> son spent 5 minutes in his office the two times we were in there. He

> slept in the car the several hours I met with him in the office! The

> lawyer didn't like me at all at I kept throwing things right back at

him

> and intimidated him very much. Have you had your congressman or US

> senator and asked them to do an inquiry? I have been told that

carries

> a lot of influence to have that in your file. & n! bsp; In my son's case

> it was right on top of the file as our lawyer looked at their file

> before we went in. Please let me know if you have any specific

> questions. I'll try to think of more things to let you know.

>

> Becky

>

> [ ] Anyone with SSDI experience/knowledge?

>

>

> Becky or anyone else, I have my hearing in 24 days. Any helpful

> suggestions? I have RA, inflammatory arthritis, Osteoarthritis,

> Osteoporosis, Osteopenia (bone density loss), Steroid dependent

> Asthma related to RA (possibly Vasculitis), numb feet, Major

> Depression reoccurrence, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, High blood

> pressure and accelerated heart rate (from the steroid dependence)

> and severe sleepapnia. My Rheumy is an arrogant idiot, I absolutely

> hate him, I've been trying to change to another but couldn't get an

> appointment for months out. He doesn't listen and when he asks how I

> am or my pain levels, I tell him and he contradicts me telling

> me " Well, my other patients...blah blah "

>

> Any suggestions on what I should highlight, bring to attention, etc

> at my hearing would be GREATLY appreciated. Oh..and I have an

> average of 20+ Dr. appointments a month with 14 prescriptions

>

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