Re: SSDI hearing questions

[Guest guest]

Does it help to bring the tattered photocopies of the exercise/pt regimen?

What else should I bring with me?

Ellen

>Bennie wrote:

>I agree, the main point I got approved was that I could not stand longer

than two hours without having to lie down to get pain relief and the pain

medications would not allow me to be alert an eight hour period needed for a

job. Just state that this is when pain levels get bad so they don't think

you drive on meds. This is a point also that driving to work etc.

[Guest guest]

> Ellen wrote:

> Does it help to bring the tattered photocopies of the exercise/pt regimen?

> What else should I bring with me?

Ellen,

I would go to the Social Security website checklist and bring those things it

suggests even if it states " optional " . I had letters from family, friends, and

previous co-workers that wrote the changes they noticed in me from when I could

work to the time of application. This was an optional on the check list and I

believe it helped more than anything.

Of course, I sat and cried as I read the words others wrote of what they noticed

and the loss of the person they once knew. One neighbor wrote that her daughter

that was five years old that I used to Read to on a consistent basis asked

" where did the other Miss Bennie go? " because I no longer had time to spend with

them and didn't attend functions or have bar b ques anymore or the functions and

volunteer on the board of our Homeowners Association I was active, church, and

babysitting and projects with children.

They wrote of the loss of energy,depression, and pain of seeing me cry when I

could not get our of a pain cycle. The medical records and Doctors'

recommendations were the factual statements that stood by themselves.

Documentation of the avenues I tried to keep my job was presented, Pt records,

therapy, seeking the FMLA (Family Leave and Protection Act) that verified I had

a permanent condition that limited my ability to work a full schedule was part

of my documentation.

I think also the Social Security Doctors seeking my MRI with metal rods, screws,

and BAK cages of three vertebrae is a testimony that I indeed had a problem.

I would do a printed inventory of the changes in short statements to assist me

to address the problems. Looking too good would be a problem although I like to

look presentable, I would not look " so good " that I looked " well " . It is sad how

people look at " pain patients " and they say " You don't look sick " if you are well

dressed, make up, and smiling.

It seems if you have a cane, wheel chair, or walker, people are more likely to

believe you have pain. I hope that helps you some. Bennie

[Guest guest]

Has your attorney submitted a brief detailing your disability and requesting

that disability be awarded(to the judge with attachments) and then spoken with

the judge's clerk?

My understanding is that the hearing dockets are over full and that well

prepared briefs often secure an award without having to go to the hearing.

Mine got awarded the day before my hearing, as my attorney was persistent and

detail oriented.

If anyone is in NW Ohio and needs someone, please email me for more info.

Sincerely,

Lori

> Ellen wrote:

> Does it help to bring the tattered photocopies of the exercise/pt regimen?

[Guest guest]

Not sure, but I will certainly ask. Awesome!

Ellen

Lori wrote:

Has your attorney submitted a brief detailing your disability and requesting

that disability be awarded(to the judge with attachments) and then spoken with

the judge's clerk?

[Guest guest]

Bennie,

Terrific info.

I haven't worn a bra in 2 years, nor makeup. I will collect letters.

Ellen

Bennie wrote:

I would go to the Social Security website checklist and bring those things it

suggests even if it states " optional " . I had letters from family, friends, and

previous co-workers that wrote the changes they noticed in me from when I could

work to the time of application. This was an optional on the check list and I

believe it helped more than anything.