Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 HI DEBBIE, DO YOU USE ANY OF THE MESSENGER TYPE THINGS LIKE OR AOL/AIM? I WAS FORCED INTO " RETIREMENT " FROM THIS DISEASE AS MANY OTHERS HAVE BEEN WELL BUT I HELPED PEOPLE GET SSI/SSD AT MY JOB. YOU HIT THE MAIN THING THAT CAN HELP YOU ACTUALLY BUT I'D PREFER TO EMAIL YOU DIRECTLY ABOUT IT IF THAT IS OK. OTHERWISE, THERE IS NO SET ANYTHING. WHAT STATE ARE YOU IN? MOST ARE BACKED UP REALLY BAD. AS FAR AS SSD GOES. I WAS APPROVED FIRST TRY BUT MY SYMPTOMS WERE HORRID BY THEN. THE WAITING GAME WAS STILL ABOUT 8 MONTHS? SOMETHIN LIKE THAT. THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT CAN MAYBE SHORTEN IT FOR YOU AND GET YOU HELP IN THE PROCESS. IN MY OPINION, THE LAWYERS ARE RIP OFF ARTISTS WHEN IT COMES TO SOC. SEC. CUZ THEY KNOW EVENTUALLY YOU'LL GET APPROVED SO THEY LOVE THAT BACK PAY. LET ME KNOW ABOUT THE MESSENGER OR IF YOU MIND BEING CONTACTED STRAIGHT TO YOU, OK? DONNA C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 hi i was wondering why do so many people think they need a lawyer to get their dissability? we went straight to ss office and you would not believe how nice some of the people are,i believe our lady got us rushed thru cause it was so simple.So many are taking advantage of the system that when a person who really needs their disability comes it is a welcome site.Forget the lawyers wheel your way in there in your chair got nothing to loose. my brother applied about 10 months after diagnosed got accepted with in 2 months and we requested it be backed up to time he was diagnosed and within 2 - 3 months if that there was a deposit in his account for all the months since diag have heard some say 8 months a few i heard say 2nd time applied. me i would go to a thrift store or flea market and find me a 20.00 chair.when brother needed a chair we bought chairs left and right for 20.00 from flea markets.It was cheaper than renting one. We kept it in car for occassions when brother needed to walk but legs would not cooperate. GOOD LUCK >From: " mossell41105 " <mossell@...> >Reply-low dose naltrexone >low dose naltrexone >Subject: [low dose naltrexone] SSD >Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 02:34:18 -0000 > > > > >I've been on LDN now for 2 months. I haven't seen any changes so far > >but I'm to the point that it is becoming very difficult to do the > >work. I called a lawyer and he told me that since the heaviest thing > >I have to pick up is a piece of paper, I probably won't qualify. > >There are days I find it difficult to even get out of my house and up > >the steps to get into my work. From everybody's experience what is > >the average time I can expect to wait to get an answer. I'm not > >married so I have no other income to rely on while I wait and I don't > >want to lose my house. > >Thanks for your help. > >Debbie > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Just to add another experience - I started a major ms episode in June, 2003. I was diagnosed with ms in September, 2003. I applied for Social Security in January 2004, and was approved in April 2004, effective back to June.(There is a 6 month waiting period from the effective date before you are eligible for the first check, and then you have to wait 2 years before you are eligible for medicare.) Everything was done over the phone and on the internet. I was 56 at the time, and had worked as a computer consultant. When the rep called to tell me of the approval, I mentioned that I had heard many stories of people being rejected and having to get a lawyer to appeal. He told me that one reason many are rejected is because the paperwork is not filled out correctly or completely. Good luck, Leatha Nebraska > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 Hi Debbie (plus I'm sending this reply to everyone in case others are also thinking about this too): If you are at all thinking about filing for disability, I agree with others that you don't need a lawyer to help file your initial claim. They'll likely help you to do it, and you'll have to wait the obligatory 6 months till benefits kick in after approval. The point I wanted to make is that many folks make a stupid mistake and retire on disability after cutting back their hours going part-time for their last couple of years of employment. If you do this, you're making a big mistake. Disability income will be based on your last 2 years of employment income, so if you cut your hours and halve your last years' paychecks, you are shooting yourself in the foot. You want to file for disability at your highest income level, preferably. (I didn't know this before I applied a few years ago now, but I lucked out and retired at their maximum payout level, thankfully.) Then, if they turn your application down, that's when I'd say you should hire a lawyer to prove your case. Best regards, Rae [low dose naltrexone] SSD I've been on LDN now for 2 months. I haven't seen any changes so far but I'm to the point that it is becoming very difficult to do the work. I called a lawyer and he told me that since the heaviest thing I have to pick up is a piece of paper, I probably won't qualify. There are days I find it difficult to even get out of my house and up the steps to get into my work. From everybody's experience what is the average time I can expect to wait to get an answer. I'm not married so I have no other income to rely on while I wait and I don't want to lose my house. Thanks for your help. Debbie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2006 Report Share Posted May 30, 2006 I used Allsup and they took care of everything w/o charging me. They may have charged my employer, but I am not sure. I was very please with them and they always kept me in the loop. WWW.allsupinc.com. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on his 49th birthday. He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: Wasserman's firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor the ALJ is next month. The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have experince in this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 16, 2008 Report Share Posted February 16, 2008 I went through this about 17 years ago, starting when I was 46 years old. It was difficult for me since I had been able to do almost anything I wanted, and my wife didn't quite understand because I didn't look any differently. I had to wait a couple of years and finally went to the hearing. It took a long time, but the judge took one look at me and the file and made the comment, " I don't know why you've been denied " . 2 months later, I got my first check, a real blessing! Things are different now but the basics should be the same. You have to prove the RA stops him from doing things he could before, so I recommend a calendar be kept and color-coded for good, mid, and bad days. I used green, yellow, and red on my calendar so we could look at a month's worth at a time. I didn't even use a lawyer, I represented myself and saved the big expense of a lawyer's small amount of time. That's just me, I'll do it myself if I can. I'm sure that will help, so make the calendar and follow the instructions of the lawyer. Good luck, Dennis in eastexas [ ] SSD > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on his 49th birthday. > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: Wasserman's > firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor the ALJ is next month. > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have experince in this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 Kathy, I am going through the same process as you are. I had to finally quit working because of my RA/fibro. I filled in August and I am still waiting to hear a final verdict. I already got a lawyer even though I haven't been denied yet. I am also bi-polar and have some underlying mental issues as well. My lawyer has already set up a court date which is about a year away...but I am hoping that I will get approved sooner rather then later. Once I hear something, I will definately let you know. Best of luck to you. > > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on his 49th birthday. > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: Wasserman's > firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor the ALJ is next month. > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have experince in this? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 When I applied for the third time, after hiring an attorney I was finally approved for presumption of disability (meaning I had enough medical evidence but still had to appear before a judge) They began paying me my benefits after their decision and when I appeared in front of the judge a year later she gave me a fully favorable decision:) --- <man_u8@...> wrote: > Kathy, > > I am going through the same process as you are. I > had to finally quit > working because of my RA/fibro. I filled in August > and I am still > waiting to hear a final verdict. I already got a > lawyer even though I > haven't been denied yet. I am also bi-polar and > have some underlying > mental issues as well. My lawyer has already set up > a court date > which is about a year away...but I am hoping that I > will get approved > sooner rather then later. > Once I hear something, I will definately let you > know. Best of luck > to you. > > > > > > > > > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on > his 49th > birthday. > > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: > Wasserman's > > firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor > the ALJ is next > month. > > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have > experince in this? > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 , I have never heard of " presumption of disability " before. My PCP, rheumatologist, and therapist all verified that I can no longer work. I had to see a mental health specialist that the SSDI wanted me to see. When I went to the appointment, she had all my medical records and needed to verify my mental status. After telling her that I have been living w/ RA/fibro for the past 7 years along w/ bi- polar, PTSD (botched surgery where I was in the hospital for 6 months, 1 month I was in a coma about 18 months ago) which resulted in high anxiety and panic. After talking w/ me for about 20 minutes she said " Honey, there is no way you can go back to work " . So now I am just playing the waiting game. When I first found out I had RA, I had my employer take out extra money to put toward my SSI; because I knew eventually I would have to apply. I am glad I did that, because I will be getting back more then most people who apply for SSDI around my age. I was reading your other post and when I went to Orlando for a week, I thought the humidity would kill me. I was able to walk around for the most part, granted I made sure to take a medrol dose pak w/ me...but I was able to function. If I had too, I would move back to Southern California. Thanks. > > > > > > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on > > his 49th > > birthday. > > > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: > > Wasserman's > > > firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor > > the ALJ is next > > month. > > > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have > > experince in this? > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ ______________ > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > Find them fast with Search. http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 I have been going through this process for over 3 years. I have RA, OA, fibro, IBS, kidney dysfunction, depression. I applied when I could no longer work, was denied, appealed, was denied, and am now in my final appeal. It can take up to 3 years for the final appeal to be heard. I really don't ever expect to get it, but I certainly won't quit now. We have gone through all of my 401K and lost our home since we bagan this process. I feel the entire process is flawed and unfair. The appeal hearing officer said in his decision that I could work at something, and I think if I can't do the job I had had for many years that should be taken into account, but he didn't. They don't care of you have to go from a decent paying professional job to a minimum wage paying job. They don't care about the people at all. I could go on for hours. > > > > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months ago, on his 49th > birthday. > > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an attorney: Wasserman's > > firm. We just got notice that our hearing befor the ALJ is next > month. > > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have experince in this? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 I hadn't heard of it either..then one day they phoned me and asked me to come down to the local office to sign papers (after my attorney began sending in all of my medical records). After I signed the papers, they began my disability the following month. She explained that I had the medical evidence supporting my case but that I would still need to go in front of the judge. They paid me all of that time, and gave me some back SSI as well as the SSDI. Then when I went in front of the judge a year later, she just asked me questions on my disability the RA and Fibro and other health issues, and about my panic. So hopefully they can do that for you as well!! --- <man_u8@...> wrote: > , > > I have never heard of " presumption of disability " > before. My PCP, > rheumatologist, and therapist all verified that I > can no longer > work. I had to see a mental health specialist that > the SSDI wanted > me to see. When I went to the appointment, she had > all my medical > records and needed to verify my mental status. > After telling her > that I have been living w/ RA/fibro for the past 7 > years along w/ bi- > polar, PTSD (botched surgery where I was in the > hospital for 6 > months, 1 month I was in a coma about 18 months ago) > which resulted > in high anxiety and panic. After talking w/ me for > about 20 minutes > she said " Honey, there is no way you can go back to > work " . So now I > am just playing the waiting game. > When I first found out I had RA, I had my employer > take out extra > money to put toward my SSI; because I knew > eventually I would have to > apply. I am glad I did that, because I will be > getting back more > then most people who apply for SSDI around my age. > I was reading your other post and when I went to > Orlando for a week, > I thought the humidity would kill me. I was able to > walk around for > the most part, granted I made sure to take a medrol > dose pak w/ > me...but I was able to function. If I had too, I > would move back to > Southern California. Thanks. > > > > > > > > > > > > > My husband was diagnosed with RA 25 months > ago, on > > > his 49th > > > birthday. > > > > He's been denied SSD 2 times. We have an > attorney: > > > Wasserman's > > > > firm. We just got notice that our hearing > befor > > > the ALJ is next > > > month. > > > > The judge is Sally Reason. Does anyone have > > > experince in this? > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________________ > ______________ > > Looking for last minute shopping deals? > > Find them fast with Search. > http://tools.search./newsearch/category.php?category=shopping > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 17, 2008 Report Share Posted February 17, 2008 I thought I would a couple of cents in to the SSA discussion. Although RA is listed in SSA's Blue Book of qualifying disabilities, there are still criteria for the effects of RA to be qualifying. So if you are thinking about applying for SSDI or SSI, you might want to go to www.ssa.gov and look up the blue book in their disability section. I would also print it out and give your doctor a copy if they don't already have one. Being disabled is just one of the qualifying factors in being granted Disability from SSA. The next is being able to work. SSA takes into account your age, location, and your education. Being 38 with a PhD in AstroPhysics, living next to NASA, and having disabling RA, you might have a hard time getting SSDI. Being 48, with a 6th grade education, in a small town with a high unemployment rate, and having disabling RA, you are going to have a easier time being approved for SSDI. Oh, and their do not just take into account your being able to work the job you had/have. Their look at your being able to do Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is work that makes about $840 a month. Ten dollars an hour, that's a part-time job. So you need to prove that you can not work any job that makes more than that. Bottom line, you have to prove to SSA that you cannot work. Proving the disability is actually easier. The one place where you have control over proving your ability to work is on the application and what you attach to the application and send in to SSA. Important things to remember. You are describing your worst days. This is not the time to be polite and positive. If you can't climb up the stairs, say it, - not - I can climb up the stair some of the time. If typing causes pain, say it. Do a before RA and after RA description of a work day. The SSDI application has about a half page for extra information, I suggest using the words " See Attached " on that section. Disability Determination Evaluator can not read minds. Use your words and a lot of them, describe how a work day affected you, what you could do before RA, and what you are left with now. Also, you might also want to have a friend edit your writing, and proofread for spelling and grammar. Being approved without going through an appeals process, and without a lawyer is possible. I know I did it. Yes, I was shocked too. I expected to have it take years. But again, I added about 6 pages on information to the application. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 27, 2008 Report Share Posted March 27, 2008 I am going to recommend a couple of websites to go to: One is the But you don't look sick site, In the Social Security boards is very good information on why people do and don't get approved, and information on what to include in your application. We help each other out in the application processes, and support each other in the process. http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/boards/viewforum.php?f=32 & sid=7f31c1070175e442\ 40877bf82fb3c9ed For basic information on the SSDI and SSI process, go directly to the source, the Social Security Website at: http://www.ssa.gov/d & s1.htm And for information on if you particular disease or ailment is covered, look up the Blue Book. The blue book lists not only the types of issues that you do not have to prove can be disabling,but also to what degree you have to be impaired to qualify. Don't worry if your particular illness is not on the list, as you need to prove to the SSA that your particular illness has effected your daily life to the point of no being about to work. http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/index.htm Finally, it is very possible to get approved on the first try. But you have to do your homework, and give the SSA all the information they need to make the determination. Or as I have told several people appling for SSDI, SSA can not read your mind or feel your pain. You need to put it into words for them. That's where the two most important words on the SSDI paperwork are " SEE ATTACHED " , and then use your words to explain how your disease has effected you. What could you do before and what can you do now. I'll go back to lurking now, if you have any questions, email me or post them here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Some good information. Thank you very much. I have applied for Social Security online but have not had an interview yet. I have the mer rel forms to return ot them and will include some other info that I have. " shirley_s_2002 " <shirley_s_2002@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Thanx Bernard Hyland Skype: berniehyland22 828-333-4602 [ ] Re: SSD I am going to recommend a couple of websites to go to: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 You can file your initial application over the telephone on an 800# while you are gathering all of the information for the 2d part of intake and apps, which is what it sounds like you are doing right now. Just remember!!! SS intentionally refuses/denies 60-80% of ALL apps, no matter how well put together they are. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED!! When the denial comes, make certain that you file for the appeal within 60 days. Most attorneys will not even take your case until you get to this particular point and consider this the " appellate process " . It may take forever, but in the end, you should get back pay to your onset date (determined by SS, not you, your Dr, or your atty). Some believe quite strongly that one way they are now trying to save money is to squeeze onset dates to as close as the decision as possible. That way, you don't receive a huge Social Security lump sum of backpay, but you still get approved. Keep asking questions until you are satisfied!! Cheryl M. Cheryl M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2008 Report Share Posted September 2, 2008 Four years ago I went to an attorney who specializes in SSD cases. He told me to expect to be denied several times and end up going to court but I WOULD get approved eventually and that all I had to pay him was a percentage of my back pay. He did ALL the paperwork..I didn't have to do anything and wonder of wonders and to the glory of God I was approved the very first try. I didn't have to pay the attorney anything! I also did not get any back pay because they approved me on first try. I applied in October and was approved in April. The company I was working for when I had to quit in order to apply kept paying me through the end of the year. My husband was still working and it wasn't a huge burden on us that I wasn't working or receiving any pay from January to April. We just watched our money real close. I had worked for 40 years and was 59 and not that far from retirement. I guess SS figured my case was so well documented that they may as well go ahead and approve me and save money on back pay. Anyway, I bought my attorney a nice gift to say thank you. He wouldn't even discuss any pay for it! I was blessed! Sharon Hanna <hanna1946@...> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 Ve, Yes, I think you can get your SSD with those diagnoses as long as you have a doctor in your corner. Is your rheumatologist or PCP willing to back you up as far as the disability goes? Mine was and I did not need a lawyer and I was never denied. I got it immediately and we have very similar diagnoses. Of course, hopefully your x-rays and lab work will also back you up. Mine did. Good luck. Don't be so scared of the system. The experience I had was not a terrible one. The people at SS office were very nice to me. Good luck. Tracie in Maine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 18, 2011 Report Share Posted March 18, 2011 My Doc. says shes thinks I have a very good chance to receive it. I have not ask my rhumy yet. Yes, all my blood test are the way they find this all out. So, we shall see. Thanks Ve > > Ve, > > Yes, I think you can get your SSD with those diagnoses as long as you have a doctor in your corner. Is your rheumatologist or PCP willing to back you up as far as the disability goes? Mine was and I did not need a lawyer and I was never denied. I got it immediately and we have very similar diagnoses. Of course, hopefully your x-rays and lab work will also back you up. Mine did. Good luck. Don't be so scared of the system. The experience I had was not a terrible one. The people at SS office were very nice to me. Good luck. > > Tracie in Maine > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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