SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

[Guest guest]

Just the fact that I was

> so close to getting my RN in nursing school and then had to stop

due to pain

> in my knees is enough. Do you think I will get a chance to tell

that to the

> person or does it even matte.

Hi Janet,

I think it matters...it shows you are a motivated person who would

prefer to be in a position to work. And it shows that you have

already tried to further your education in order to keep working.

I must say....I am beginning to see how lucky I was from the other

posts here. That would be very discouraging to just go through the

motions of an exam and then be automatically turned down. I guess it

is good to be prepared for that possibility.

Good Luck

Marti

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 5/1/2004 4:34:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> Dandcmayer@a... writes:

> Good Luck,

> Carol M. in CA.

>

> PS - I have been off the computer for a very long time, my husband

has kidney

> cancer, and is off work waiting for all the tests to be completed

for

> surgery.

>

>Hi Carol,

I also have missed you and am so sorry to hear about your husband.

Janet's note about her step father helped me feel better for you. I

will keep you in my prayers too.

Marti

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/2/2004 8:12:51 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

Dandcmayer@... writes:

I was supposed to! I will keep trying to remember all they did and just post

as I remember because it always helps me to know in advance what might

happen. Hope that is OK with you.

Take Care,

Carol M. in CA

Thanks Carol, I really appreciate it . I will let you know the outcome

tomorrow.

JANET

[Guest guest]

Dear Janet, I just wanted to say I haven’t been through any test for

disability but I can see why you are nervous. I just wanted to wish you the

best, or the worst, whichever ones works to your advantage the most, and let

you know I’m thinking of you. I have a feeling it’s going to work out fine

for you. You’ve been through a lot and I’m sure that is going to show in

your telling your story and in your physical health. Let us know how it

turns out and it sure looks like everyone is pulling for you here. Good

luck. Take care, Fran in Florida

[ ] Re:Social security disability

Just the fact that I was

> so close to getting my RN in nursing school and then had to stop

due to pain

> in my knees is enough. Do you think I will get a chance to tell

that to the

> person or does it even matte.

[Guest guest]

-. I just wanted to wish you the

> best, or the worst, whichever ones works to your advantage the

most, and let

> you know I'm thinking of you.

LOL! Fran that is a good line. It is a little crazy thinking

backwards for these things. I know I have to have friends and family

fill out forms for my reviews and it always stumps them to have to

put " bad " things down about me. Like a reverse recommendation.

Marti

[Guest guest]

I had to go to three of their doctors, an occupational doctor, a

psychiatrist and a neurologist. The first appointment went well. It so

happened I knew the doctor and he told me that with all the documentation

that I had there should be no problem in getting it approved. Well, 2 months

later I have to go to the psychiatrist which was a total waste of time. We

spent 30 minutes talking about HIM and his hobbies. The neurologist was also

a waste of time. Five minute exam and he is supposed to make a decision with

this - after I have been seeing another neurologist for over 10 years.

Wouldn't it seem reasonable to take HIS word for things?? Making sense and

social security disability don't belong in the same sentence.

I applied for the first time in March 2003 and did not get a denial until

January 2004. Even though I probably could have handled the first appeal on

my own, I was so sick of it all, I went straight to a lawyer and he is

working on it now. He will be with me at the hearing with the local judge.

He has done this for years and knows all of the judges and the type

questions they usually ask so that should be a big help. What angers me is

that I feel like I'm trying to get around the system and getting something I

don't deserve. I had to quit my job January 2003 after trying to tough it

out for years. Thankfully I am getting a long term disability check through

the company that I worked for. Trying to put two children through college on

one income is not what was in our plans! To say that our financial situation

has worsened is an understatement!

Good luck and God Bless to all those out there trying to deal with the

government. It is the most frustrating thing I have ever been through.

Maureen in Tennessee

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/1/2004 4:37:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

woodworkerdp@... writes:

I have been to two of them. One was a physical exam and the other

was a mental exam. Both of them were very quick and I don't really

think they mattered. I guess it would be better if your husband

drove you there. As noted make sure they listen, I tried but it

didn't help.

Hi Dick and everyone who tried to help,

I went for my exam today and it was a female doctor. She was so nasty. I

tried to be friendly by just saying what a rainy gloomy day it was and she did

not answer me. She asked me about my meds, previous surgery and when I

stopped working. She did some other tests and I did what I could. I actually

think

the things she told me to do were too easy to determine my pain when walking.

Like raise up my arms. I did that. I didn't make like I could not pick my

arms up. She asked if my legs were swollen and I told her that they swell

when I walk and I tried to show her a picture I took of my ankles and knees

swollen recently after walking and she said in a nasty tone, " Put that away " .

I

came home not feeling that it went very well. I think they want you in a

wheelchair unable to move at all to collect. I guess I just have to wait and

see what she advised.

JANET

[Guest guest]

Hi Janet, sorry to hear it went that way. I don't know why they

think they have to treat people that way. It was about the same for

me. He was a very young doctor that didn't seem to want to hear

anything I had to say.

With all I have been studying about SSD since I applied, I have

learned that it is more of a waiting game then anything and that

they seem to be understaffed like a lot of companies are. They just

pass it along hoping the people will just give up and that is less

they have to deal with. So stick with it and keep reapplying each

time you get a denial. Don't give up!.

Good luck

Dick

> In a message dated 5/1/2004 4:37:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> woodworkerdp@y... writes:

> I have been to two of them. One was a physical exam and the other

> was a mental exam. Both of them were very quick and I don't

really

> think they mattered. I guess it would be better if your husband

> drove you there. As noted make sure they listen, I tried but it

> didn't help.

>

> Hi Dick and everyone who tried to help,

> I went for my exam today and it was a female doctor. She was so

nasty. I

> tried to be friendly by just saying what a rainy gloomy day it was

and she did

> not answer me. She asked me about my meds, previous surgery and

when I

> stopped working. She did some other tests and I did what I

could. I actually think

> the things she told me to do were too easy to determine my pain

when walking.

> Like raise up my arms. I did that. I didn't make like I could

not pick my

> arms up. She asked if my legs were swollen and I told her that

they swell

> when I walk and I tried to show her a picture I took of my ankles

and knees

> swollen recently after walking and she said in a nasty tone, " Put

that away " . I

> came home not feeling that it went very well. I think they want

you in a

> wheelchair unable to move at all to collect. I guess I just have

to wait and

> see what she advised.

> JANET

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

-Hi Janet,

Sorry your appointment didn't go well.

Marti

-- In , fam24@a... wrote:

> In a message dated 5/1/2004 4:37:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> woodworkerdp@y... writes:

> I have been to two of them. One was a physical exam and the other

> was a mental exam. Both of them were very quick and I don't really

> think they mattered. I guess it would be better if your husband

> drove you there. As noted make sure they listen, I tried but it

> didn't help.

>

> Hi Dick and everyone who tried to help,

> I went for my exam today and it was a female doctor. She was so

nasty. I

> tried to be friendly by just saying what a rainy gloomy day it was

and she did

> not answer me. She asked me about my meds, previous surgery and

when I

> stopped working. She did some other tests and I did what I could.

I actually think

> the things she told me to do were too easy to determine my pain

when walking.

> Like raise up my arms. I did that. I didn't make like I could

not pick my

> arms up. She asked if my legs were swollen and I told her that

they swell

> when I walk and I tried to show her a picture I took of my ankles

and knees

> swollen recently after walking and she said in a nasty tone, " Put

that away " . I

> came home not feeling that it went very well. I think they want

you in a

> wheelchair unable to move at all to collect. I guess I just have

to wait and

> see what she advised.

> JANET

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Almost the same thing happened to me. I got a phone call (?) asking me for

my bank account number - said they were from social security and wanted to

know where to send my check? I was asleep so I rattled off my number and

turned over in bed _#$@ & #(*#.......then_ (mailto:#$@ & #(*#.......then) spent all

day checking to verify that the phone call was actually correct and I did get

my SSDI. I got my automatic deposit the following week, and 2 weeks after

that got my letter telling me about my automatic deposit. If you are supposed

to get a letter telling you " why " you were accepted, etc. that still hasn't

happened yet! Actually kind of scary if you think about it for a long time.

Gentle Hugs,

Carol M. in CA

[Guest guest]

WOW! That's incredible and I am SO happy for you!

I applied for SS a year ago yesterday , applied on line in my lawyers

office.

They gave me an application verification number and everything.

This past October I went back on line to see what the progress of my app.

was

and there wasn't any record of my number or application. I contacted my

local office and was told the same.

Whatever happened, my application was lost!

Soooo I had to start over, and so far I haven't heard anything expect when I

call I am told

that it is still in process.

My lawyer hasn't done one bit of anything so I am not counting on her at

all.

I am saying my prayers and Novineas hoping to recieve approval any day now.

My family is in a financial struggle and it gets wose as each month goes by.

I am thinking of contacting a new lawyer, one that specializes in SS, but I

am

afraid if I do now that it might throw a wrench into the whole thing and I

will have to wait even longer.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/8/2004 10:19:03 AM Eastern Standard Time,

bathouse@... writes:

<<I am thinking of contacting a new lawyer, one that specializes in SS, but I

am afraid if I do now that it might throw a wrench into the whole thing and I

will have to wait even longer.>>

I think that is the key to it all. I went straight to an attorney who

specialized in social security disability. The attorney came recommended by

someone already using them. I think it is important to do it this way because

they know the right way to handle the application process from the beginning.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Hi there,

At 61 shouldn't you be able to apply for your regular social security soon? I

am assuming that you would have qualifying hours.

If you took your social security early you might be able to find part time

employment that would work for you if you needed additional income.

[Guest guest]

Shirley, you did not say if you have started the Soc Sec Disability

process. There are lawyers that do only this type of work. The lawyer

is paid, after you are approved for SSDI and will receive a percentage

of your " past " lump sum award. Some social service non-profit groups

have people who can help you.

My advice, is to call your local SS office and schedule a time for you

to go to the office in person to apply. Do everything in person....NO

PHONE interviews. Most people get declined the first time, second time

and might just get it the third time. At least, by the third time you

should get to go before a SS judge...that judge has the power to

approve your case. While applying for SSDI, also apply for SSI at the

Soc Sec office.

It is very important that you have very complete medical records, with

a proven record of visits to your primary care dr. and all specialists.

Don't give up...once you start...keep with it. When you visit each

doctor, have a written list of problems, medications and how you feel.

I hope this message isn't too long. Good luck!

-- In , " shirley_s_2002 "

<shirley_s_2002@...> wrote:

>

> Has anyone had any luck with ssd? I am still working but it is

> extremely difficult. I have to be on my feet 10 hours a day (no

> breaks) and work in a cooler some part of every day at 38-40 degrees.

> I have PA and I hurt. I am on enbrel and mtx. I am 61 years old and I

> don't know how much longer I can do it. Any suggestions?

>

[Guest guest]

You can get SS at 62 but you are not entitled to Medicare or Medicare Rx until

65 so that's why many people must work until then - unless they have another

source for insurance (and most don't.)

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

Everyone I talked to told me that I would have to fight to get SSD.

They said prepare for a two year or more struggle. That was a very

scary thing having something mess with your livelihood like that. As

it turns out, I was approved after only four months! The main thing I

can say is make sure you have every bit of documentation you can. The

more proof you have of your condition the better. My rheumy sent me

to a disability specialist (who is a rehab dr) and he listened to my

descriptions of all problems and pains I was having. Then he did a

lot more xrays and an emg. I knew I had osteoarthritis also but the

xrays were an eye-opener. I am riddled with both types of arthritis

and also have severe carpal tunnel and nerve and muscle damage. I am

50 years old and having worked and played hard my whole life,it was

hard to pinpoint exactly what hurt- truly my whole body hurt. Now I

know why. I also sat down before my dr. appt. and took an hour or so

to write out evrything I did in a typical day and how each was

affected. (pain, doing things in a different way because of the

arthritis, inability to do some things) This made it easier to tell

him exactly what was wrong. I know when you have worked your whole

life you tend to gloss over how you REALLY feel, we are just trying to

" keep on keepin' on " . This is one time you want to document every

single thing.

Good luck and let me know if I can help with anything.

[Guest guest]

Good for you for persevering. I hope you are doing well now that that particular

stress is over. Stress does nothing positive for this condition.

[Guest guest]

I also was approved very quickly without retaining an attorney. In

my state, Louisiana, the people at the SS office will assist you in

filling out your portion of the forms if you need assistance. I was

able to do mine without help, but it is nice to know they are

available to help people. You can ask at your local office whether

there is someone to help you fill out your forms.

Just be honest about your abilities and be sure you have a doctor who

will be thorough in completing his/her part of the forms. This is

one of the reasons I keep emphasizing to everyone that you must

not " soft sell " your pain or limitations to your doctor. They must

know the truth about how much you are suffering in order to best help

you medically. They must also know the true picture if they are to

adequately describe your condition for SSDI applications.

I was approved within 4 months.

best of luck,

sherry z

[Guest guest]

Untrue, You are eligible to all of the Medicare benefits after being

on SS Disability for 24 months.

If your are on SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

--- In , Joanna Hoelscher

<<You can get SS at 62 but you are not entitled to Medicare or

Medicare Rx until 65 so that's why many people must work until then -

unless they have another source for insurance (and most don't.)

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361>>

[Guest guest]

I am still working and my doctor is very hesitant to have me quit. I

hurt a lot as most of you can relate to. what would be the

repercussions if i quit my job? as far as ss disability is concerned.

[Guest guest]

While you do not qualify for SSDI, you probably can get SSI. I received SSI

while attending college, and Voc. Rehab paid for both my undergrad & grad

tuition plus books.

Vicki

**************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for

fuel-efficient used cars.

(http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

[Guest guest]

The agency that can help you with school expenses is your state's vocational

rehab office. Look up an office in your area and make an appointment. Look it up

on the web and familiarize yourself with what they help with. Have a list of

what you need covered and have a career goal to present to them.

Your high school guidance counselor should help direct you.

Btw, you do not qualify for SSDI. Don't waste your time/energy on this.

Sent from my Verizon BlackBerry

Social Security Disability

Alright, so. I've got a little situation and was wondering if

anybody's been down the same path.

I'm 19 years old- SMA 2/3. I just filed for Social Security Disability

to help me pay for my college (I'm going off to a Uni in less than 6

months). Of course they immediately sent a letter back saying I don't

qualify due to not having " enough Social Security Credits " . Apparently

I'm supposed to have worked and gotten credits. Except the fact that I

am a student devoted to work, have no transportation to/from any job,

and have a limited amount of work I can actually do. So no, I didn't work.

I know there must be somebody who hasn't worked a day in their lives

who gets SS payments. I only have $408 to my name! So I'm going to

appeal their decision, but I don't really know what I'm doing..

I'm still young! New at this, you know? So if anyone could help,

please oh please let me know your situation, etc.. Thank you! -

[Guest guest]

Yes I have Voc Rehab paying for a bunch of stuff already, but I really

could use the help with SSI. That's actually what I applied for, not

SSD. I apologize for the mistake.

I just don't see how they can deny me..

>

> While you do not qualify for SSDI, you probably can get SSI. I

received SSI

> while attending college, and Voc. Rehab paid for both my undergrad &

grad

> tuition plus books.

>

> Vicki

>

>

>

> **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for

> fuel-efficient used cars.

(http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I already have Voc Rehab helping me. Thank you though. I made a

mistake in my first post. I meant SSI, not SSD.

>

> The agency that can help you with school expenses is your state's

vocational rehab office. Look up an office in your area and make an

appointment. Look it up on the web and familiarize yourself with what

they help with. Have a list of what you need covered and have a career

goal to present to them.

>

> Your high school guidance counselor should help direct you.

>

> Btw, you do not qualify for SSDI. Don't waste your time/energy on this.

>

>

>

> Sent from my Verizon BlackBerry

>

> Social Security Disability

>

>

> Alright, so. I've got a little situation and was wondering if

> anybody's been down the same path.

> I'm 19 years old- SMA 2/3. I just filed for Social Security Disability

> to help me pay for my college (I'm going off to a Uni in less than 6

> months). Of course they immediately sent a letter back saying I don't

> qualify due to not having " enough Social Security Credits " . Apparently

> I'm supposed to have worked and gotten credits. Except the fact that I

> am a student devoted to work, have no transportation to/from any job,

> and have a limited amount of work I can actually do. So no, I

didn't work.

>

> I know there must be somebody who hasn't worked a day in their lives

> who gets SS payments. I only have $408 to my name! So I'm going to

> appeal their decision, but I don't really know what I'm doing..

>

> I'm still young! New at this, you know? So if anyone could help,

> please oh please let me know your situation, etc.. Thank you! -

>

[Guest guest]

What was the basis of your denial? SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

eligibility is not related to work credits. SSDI (Social Security

Disability Insurance) uses work credits as part of determining

eligibility.

>

> Yes, I already have Voc Rehab helping me. Thank you though. I made a

> mistake in my first post. I meant SSI, not SSD.

>

>