Social Security

July 3, 2003

,

I had my son evaluated, applied for SSI, and went to the appt. I

didn't give him his meds that day because like you, I figured they needed to see

the " real Kid " .

The first time, he was turned down. The psy. didn't see a lot wrong with

him! ...I had also carried 3 folders of reports, RX's, Dr. findings...etc. The

psy. NEVER even looked at them.

When I reapplied, I told the SS woman this. She asked that I send the

reports in...I told her, NO, there were too many to copy. I figured that the

person

in the meeting would have wanted these and since he didn't think they were

NECESSARY that I would bring them to the next appt.

Turned out, that when we went, my son wouldn't see him alone, so the Psy.

thought that I was helping my son too much....prompting and etc.

He had also never heard of Aspergers and said that my son was " just fine, if

not a little strange. "

I told the SS people, that until their Psy's were familiar with the problem,

I wasn't going to waste my time. When the person that would be testing my son

could have a conversation with me about Asperger's THEN and only then would I

cooperate. I had to spout off about IEP'S and our RIGHTS as a public school

student.

When we finally had the appeal meeting I even carried some of his art work

with us. The psy testing him this time knew exactly what Asperger's was and

what kind of things we have to deal with. It took about 8mos, but I was able to

get the disability started and they did do back pay on it also.

Good Luck, BE STRONG>.........Mindy

If you don't fight for your child, WHO will?

July 4, 2003

In a message dated 7/3/03 10:48:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

embroidery4@... writes:

> BlankCan anyone assist me? I applied for SSI for my son (AS<ADD) they

> have now sent me an appointment with a psychologist. The paper work says only

> to bring his meds. What about the other reports, Psychiatric, Psychologist,

> social worker, OT, ect... Wouldn't they want that too? OR does SS send that

> ahead of time?

>

I am seriously wondering WHY they are sending you to a psychologist. Did you

get to choose who to see?

It's not the decision of THEIR psychologist. It is decided by a JUDGE. I

would take any/all paperwork you have. In fact, if necessary, I would send

copies ahead of time.

Connie

July 4, 2003

In a message dated 7/4/03 8:05:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

itchy10@... writes:

> A psych who never heard of Asperger's? How interesting. proves you never

> know who they will contract out to see our kids.

> I am going to start the process again with Ethann once I find out if he is

> Bipolar as well as ODD. That on top of mod-severe SI and unctrollable seizures

> you would think they would help him. This will be the 3rd time to apply.

>

I KNOW I have said this numerous times, but I guess it can't be said enough.

When you fill out your application, go into great and INTIMATE detail about

the child's issues. If it takes him 1/2 hour to put on his socks, and you have

to keep going back and find him with his underwear around his ankles staring

into space, SAY SO. Use extra paper if you have to. The more info you GIVE

the more info they have to work with. Go through an entire day in your child's

life if need be. In fact, not a bad idea.

Contact the doctors, therapists, teachers, etc that your child sees. ASK

THEM actively for their HELP. They have no reason to want to see your child's

application denied. It doesn't come out of THEIR pockets. They should WANT to

help you.

Remember, the person making this decision is a JUDGE, not a medical expert.

He makes his decision based on the information given to him or her.

Also, remember, you have the right to APPEAL. Do so. Even if you have to

get a lawyer. There are lawyers who specialize in SS issues. My mother had to

get one, and she had end stage kidney failure and had a stroke. They tried to

say she could still work. @@ They got a lawyer and she won the appeal.

Good luck!

Connie

July 4, 2003

A psych who never heard of Asperger's? How interesting. proves you never know

who they will contract out to see our kids.

I am going to start the process again with Ethann once I find out if he is

Bipolar as well as ODD. That on top of mod-severe SI and unctrollable seizures

you would think they would help him. This will be the 3rd time to apply.

MISSY

SAHM to some special kids!!!

Excuse Me While I Go

Raise Tomorrow's Future.

Re: ( ) Social Security

,

I had my son evaluated, applied for SSI, and went to the appt. I

didn't give him his meds that day because like you, I figured they needed to

see

the " real Kid " .

The first time, he was turned down. The psy. didn't see a lot wrong with

him! ...I had also carried 3 folders of reports, RX's, Dr. findings...etc.

The

psy. NEVER even looked at them.

When I reapplied, I told the SS woman this. She asked that I send the

reports in...I told her, NO, there were too many to copy. I figured that the

person

in the meeting would have wanted these and since he didn't think they were

NECESSARY that I would bring them to the next appt.

Turned out, that when we went, my son wouldn't see him alone, so the Psy.

thought that I was helping my son too much....prompting and etc.

He had also never heard of Aspergers and said that my son was " just fine, if

not a little strange. "

I told the SS people, that until their Psy's were familiar with the problem,

I wasn't going to waste my time. When the person that would be testing my son

could have a conversation with me about Asperger's THEN and only then would I

cooperate. I had to spout off about IEP'S and our RIGHTS as a public school

student.

When we finally had the appeal meeting I even carried some of his art work

with us. The psy testing him this time knew exactly what Asperger's was and

what kind of things we have to deal with. It took about 8mos, but I was able

to

get the disability started and they did do back pay on it also.

Good Luck, BE STRONG>.........Mindy

If you don't fight for your child, WHO will?

July 4, 2003

Thanks!!

You couldn't be more right!! The first time I applied little did I know I set

myself up for being denied. I told them ethann was involved with scouts, played

tee ball, does this and that but needs a lot of redirection. The second time I

applied I added his uncontrollable asthma and epilepsy. Told them he was still

doing the above things but needed a lot of supervision.

Believe me, this time I will go into great detail. I may even need help in

writing it. The OT who did his eval agree to write up an indepth report. She has

been here when ethann has switched from laughing and playing to yelling,

screaming and trying to beat the crap out of someone. I am hoping to have

already seen a child psych who will provide an indepth report. This time I will

not back down and I will appeal it some how someway.

Then there is LExi and filing for her. But I am not sure if I file for both if

it will hurt both of them in the end. But Lexi has just as much if not more

going on with her.

MISSY

SAHM to some special kids!!!

Excuse Me While I Go

Raise Tomorrow's Future.

Re: ( ) Social Security

In a message dated 7/4/03 8:05:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

itchy10@... writes:

> A psych who never heard of Asperger's? How interesting. proves you never

> know who they will contract out to see our kids.

> I am going to start the process again with Ethann once I find out if he is

> Bipolar as well as ODD. That on top of mod-severe SI and unctrollable

seizures

> you would think they would help him. This will be the 3rd time to apply.

>

I KNOW I have said this numerous times, but I guess it can't be said enough.

When you fill out your application, go into great and INTIMATE detail about

the child's issues. If it takes him 1/2 hour to put on his socks, and you

have

to keep going back and find him with his underwear around his ankles staring

into space, SAY SO. Use extra paper if you have to. The more info you GIVE

the more info they have to work with. Go through an entire day in your child's

life if need be. In fact, not a bad idea.

Contact the doctors, therapists, teachers, etc that your child sees. ASK

THEM actively for their HELP. They have no reason to want to see your child's

application denied. It doesn't come out of THEIR pockets. They should WANT

to

help you.

Remember, the person making this decision is a JUDGE, not a medical expert.

He makes his decision based on the information given to him or her.

Also, remember, you have the right to APPEAL. Do so. Even if you have to

get a lawyer. There are lawyers who specialize in SS issues. My mother had

to

get one, and she had end stage kidney failure and had a stroke. They tried to

say she could still work. @@ They got a lawyer and she won the appeal.

Good luck!

Connie

July 4, 2003

What I hated was the fact that even tho I had all reports and records for all

docs to include a reputable child psych in the area, SS STILL made me go see one

of their psychs.

It was thru him spending 10min with a child he didn't know that it was decided

Ethann's problems were not disabling enough.

MISSY

SAHM to some special kids!!!

Excuse Me While I Go

Raise Tomorrow's Future.

Re: ( ) Social Security

In a message dated 7/3/03 10:48:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

embroidery4@... writes:

> BlankCan anyone assist me? I applied for SSI for my son (AS<ADD) they

> have now sent me an appointment with a psychologist. The paper work says

only

> to bring his meds. What about the other reports, Psychiatric, Psychologist,

> social worker, OT, ect... Wouldn't they want that too? OR does SS send

that

> ahead of time?

>

I am seriously wondering WHY they are sending you to a psychologist. Did you

get to choose who to see?

It's not the decision of THEIR psychologist. It is decided by a JUDGE. I

would take any/all paperwork you have. In fact, if necessary, I would send

copies ahead of time.

Connie

July 4, 2003

In a message dated 7/4/03 11:47:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

itchy10@... writes:

> What I hated was the fact that even tho I had all reports and records for

> all docs to include a reputable child psych in the area, SS STILL made me go

> see one of their psychs.

> It was thru him spending 10min with a child he didn't know that it was

> decided Ethann's problems were not disabling enough.

>

Did you ask for an appeal?

Connie

July 4, 2003

In my experience, when SSI does not have complete outside evaluations, they

request the person be evaluted by " their " evaluators. This happened to me with

my son. I called my private psychologist ASAP and told him he needed to fax

his reports right away. After SSI received his comprehensive report we were

all set and the appointment was cancelled. I found that you have to stay right

on top of SSI. If they find any opportunities to delay the process, they

will. Pam

July 4, 2003

I was not as educated about the process then as I am now. If we are turned down

again then yes i will appeal.

MISSY

SAHM to some special kids!!!

Excuse Me While I Go

Raise Tomorrow's Future.

Re: ( ) Social Security

In a message dated 7/4/03 11:47:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

itchy10@... writes:

> What I hated was the fact that even tho I had all reports and records for

> all docs to include a reputable child psych in the area, SS STILL made me go

> see one of their psychs.

> It was thru him spending 10min with a child he didn't know that it was

> decided Ethann's problems were not disabling enough.

>

Did you ask for an appeal?

Connie

July 7, 2003

> Thanks!!

> Believe me, this time I will go into great detail.

> Then there is LExi and filing for her. > MISSY

Missy, I sincerely hope it works out for you. And I would not think

applying for both kids should make a difference since both need it.

Best Wishes, a

PS Anyone know the difference between ODD and the PDD spectrum??? And

where does Bipolar fit in? Seems like all these things are so closely

related.

July 7, 2003

In a message dated 7/7/03 11:20:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

rybabysmom@... writes:

> Anyone know the difference between ODD and the PDD spectrum??? And

> where does Bipolar fit in? Seems like all these things are so closely

> related.

>

ODD and PDD, while sometimes present at the same time, are NOT in any way

related. Nor is bi-polar. Bi-polar is a mental illness; obviously, PDD is NOT.

Connie

September 11, 2003

We will Lynn; it will happen it just takes a bit and then some of time

often. Happy smiles that some other things are finally coming through for

you though. Smiles, Melt

----- Original Message -----

From: " Lynn D " <ldudette@...>

> Got my denial letter today. Sure did not take them long after it went to

the doctors. I am bummed but my lawyer did tell me to expect this. Good

thing we just got back from a meeting on my new health coverage. They will

cover everything I need from drugs, supplies, and physical therapy to

medical equipment and mental health all at 100%. My premium is all we pay.

The YMCA called today and approved me for a membership at $5.oo a month so I

can continue my therapy. So, I guess you win some and lose some. I guess

we go to appeal now. Pray hard!!

> Hugs to all

> Lynn Dudenhoefer

September 11, 2003

Hey Lynn,

Just what they enjoy dong ...denying people the right to disability pay!

Stay with it.appeal..your lawyer is correct. You have the prayers.

Very happy you will be able to make a go of it while waiting to be

approved by SSDI.!

Love you, tricia

*****************************************************************************

-- Social Security

Hey stilligans,

Got my denial letter today. Sure did not take them long after it went to

the doctors. I am bummed but my lawyer did tell me to expect this. Good

thing we just got back from a meeting on my new health coverage. They will

cover everything I need from drugs, supplies, and physical therapy to

medical equipment and mental health all at 100%. My premium is all we pay.

The YMCA called today and approved me for a membership at $5.oo a month so I

can continue my therapy. So, I guess you win some and lose some. I guess

we go to appeal now. Pray hard!!

Hugs to all

Lynn Dudenhoefer

ldudette@...

October 24, 2003

We have just recently dug up some good information on filing for

disability (SSDI) at the site. You may want to

check out our group -- see the " Files " section, or try a search of our

message-archives. You may also want to try a google search. There are a

number of excellent sites available for finding out more about the

claims process and how to manage it.

Harrington rod? Concerns arising from previous scoliosis surgery? For

information, group support, ongoing discussion with others:

/

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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

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October 25, 2004

hi all,

i live in ohio, took about 2 years, lawyer got quarter of back pay.

key to mine was that i applied 2x before i was even eligible.

for those trying to get it, this quarters arthritis today magazine

from the arthritis foundation has an article about getting

disability. very informative. you can access it thru the

arthritis foundations website if you don't get the magazine.

good luck to all, it has been a lifesaver for us.

susan in ohio

November 1, 2004

Hi Penny, That is great news on the SS disability!!!! How long did it

take for eligibility? I applied it took one year, but so worth it,

there is no way I can work.

Hope to see you posting more, it's so great to get to know other's. T

PS:Is the Remicade helping you?

>

> Hello, Ive been a member forever it seems, but dont think Ive ever

> posted before.

> I am 43 and have had RA since I was 17. My current meds are:

> Remicade (tried embrel and Humira)

> Methotrexate (inject)

> Morphine - am and pm

> Hydrocodone - as needed for pain

> Trazodone - for sleep

> Prozac - low dose, but I think it helps my attitude

> amoxicillin - I get infections very easily, especially strep

> Provera and Premarin - Lost ovaries 10 yrs ago

> (Must use a walker to get around, insurance denied an electric

> scooter)

> I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district

> attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was

> having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying

to

> fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to

me.

> I would get off work and go straight to bed until the next day. My

> husband did all of our shopping cooking housecleaning and cared for

> our daughter, 7. We economically needed me to work, but it was just

> impossible anymore. I quit and applied for SS and unemployment.

> I was approved for unemployment right away as I was able to show we

> had tried numerous things to continue working (changing duties,

> ergonimic changes, hours changed). I applied for SS right away. I

got

> some great tips from groups like this one on how to apply and how

to

> word things. I fully expected a long fight, but was blown away when

> they awarded me benefits last week. I'll get my first check in

> January!

> Anyway, you always hear about the horror stories for getting SS, so

I

> thought it was only fair I share my story and to say thanks to

those

> who shared their experiences with me.

> On a side note, I would have posted this earlier but my entire

> computer was wiped out last week by the beagle worm. Luckily a

friend

> was able to reload everything, but all my history is gone.

> Warmest Regards,

> Penny

November 1, 2004

>

> " I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district

> attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was

> having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying

to fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to

me. "

Penny, I too am a paralegal working full-time and know how difficult

it can be physically, as well as emotionally, when deadlines need to

be met and egotistic, arrogant attorneys are on the warpath. At

least my attorneys are very understanding and sympathetic, but there

are still days when I am so drained and looking forward to another

day of the same is very depressing. And, here I am at the office at

6:30 p.m. working, trying to finish a project and taking a dinner

break of left-over halloween candy and Diet Coke and trying to get a

little pick-me-up by checking in with my favorite RA Support Group.

Hearing your story reminds me that I am not alone and that when the

time comes for me to apply for disability, MAYBE it'll work as well

as it has for you. At least my child is grown and starting her own

family, my husband is very supportive and understanding so coming

home and collapsing on the couch is expected - he just brings me a

pain pill and a kiss. I can't quit, we, like everyone else, need

the second income. By the way, he's an attorney too, they're not

all rich.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on so, just a little tired. Hope your new

life is great!!

Ann

November 1, 2004

Gee, hmmmm, I think I can answer this...I am one of those attorneys. I have had

RA for nearly 17 years (longer if time period where RA factor was negative is

counted). Law is stressful and at 50 I am thinking of reinventing myself. Being

single and my sole source of income makes it difficult - especially where health

insurance is concerned.You are right -we are not all wealthy - I work for a

legal services (aid) program. I wish both of you the best of luck - some of us

are amazed by the paralegals who work with us and have nothing but respect for

those who make our lives better and brighter. I too hope that if and more likely

when the day comes that I can no longer work - I will handle the situation with

as much class and insight as you have.

Hugs to both,

-------------- Original message from " eaprescott " <aphillips@...>:

--------------

>

> >

> > " I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district

> > attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was

> > having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying

> to fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to

> me. "

>

> Penny, I too am a paralegal working full-time and know how difficult

> it can be physically, as well as emotionally, when deadlines need to

> be met and egotistic, arrogant attorneys are on the warpath. At

> least my attorneys are very understanding and sympathetic, but there

> are still days when I am so drained and looking forward to another

> day of the same is very depressing. And, here I am at the office at

> 6:30 p.m. working, trying to finish a project and taking a dinner

> break of left-over halloween candy and Diet Coke and trying to get a

> little pick-me-up by checking in with my favorite RA Support Group.

> Hearing your story reminds me that I am not alone and that when the

> time comes for me to apply for disability, MAYBE it'll work as well

> as it has for you. At least my child is grown and starting her own

> family, my husband is very supportive and understanding so coming

> home and collapsing on the couch is expected - he just brings me a

> pain pill and a kiss. I can't quit, we, like everyone else, need

> the second income. By the way, he's an attorney too, they're not

> all rich.

>

> Sorry, didn't mean to go on so, just a little tired. Hope your new

> life is great!!

>

> Ann

>

November 2, 2004

Hi Penny. Thanks so much for sharing your story. It¹s nice to know that

not everyone gets turned down and must go through the lengthy appeals

process. I also was approved the first time. Now that you¹ve been

approved, maybe your insurance will reconsider an electric scooter.

Glad you had a friend to help you with your computer virus.

a

>

> Hello, Ive been a member forever it seems, but dont think Ive ever

> posted before.

> I am 43 and have had RA since I was 17. My current meds are:

> Remicade (tried embrel and Humira)

> Methotrexate (inject)

> Morphine - am and pm

> Hydrocodone - as needed for pain

> Trazodone - for sleep

> Prozac - low dose, but I think it helps my attitude

> amoxicillin - I get infections very easily, especially strep

> Provera and Premarin - Lost ovaries 10 yrs ago

> (Must use a walker to get around, insurance denied an electric

> scooter)

> I have been working full time as a legal assistant in the district

> attorneys office until July 1st when my doctor said no more. I was

> having trouble making it in to work. Plus I think they were trying to

> fire me...saying I was making mistakes, but never showing them to me.

> I would get off work and go straight to bed until the next day. My

> husband did all of our shopping cooking housecleaning and cared for

> our daughter, 7. We economically needed me to work, but it was just

> impossible anymore. I quit and applied for SS and unemployment.

> I was approved for unemployment right away as I was able to show we

> had tried numerous things to continue working (changing duties,

> ergonimic changes, hours changed). I applied for SS right away. I got

> some great tips from groups like this one on how to apply and how to

> word things. I fully expected a long fight, but was blown away when

> they awarded me benefits last week. I'll get my first check in

> January!

> Anyway, you always hear about the horror stories for getting SS, so I

> thought it was only fair I share my story and to say thanks to those

> who shared their experiences with me.

> On a side note, I would have posted this earlier but my entire

> computer was wiped out last week by the beagle worm. Luckily a friend

> was able to reload everything, but all my history is gone.

> Warmest Regards,

> Penny

>

November 3, 2004

Sorry you had to give up your job, Penny, but congratulations on getting

your SS benefits so quickly.

Hope to hear more from you soon!

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org

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