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Second SSD Denial

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/18/2010 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so now I join the list of people getting an attorney and waiting for the ALJ on the SSD.  I got my second denial today.  They admit that I cannot do the work I previously did, but say that "because of my education and my age" I should be able to work in some area. Yea...right....

Anyway, I'll call the lawyer I have selected on Monday and get the process started.  My pain is worse than ever now and I almost never get relief unless I'm so medicated that I feel like a fruitloop.  I hate that feeling and am sick of this whole thing!  Don't get me wrong.....I'm not giving up or saying anything criptic, just venting frustration for hurting all of the time.

I NEED a new MRI, but I'm not really sure who to ask to get it.  My Neurosurgeon turned me over to PM and PM here never orders MRI's.  My PCP may be able to help and I'll be calling her on Monday too.  At least I did get the lab work done today that I needed.  I couldn't get myself "fixed up" before I went to the hospital to get it drawn and people kept looking  at me and asking if I was ok.  Apparently makeup and pain meds make me look normal...otherwise I look like a stumbling, wobbling, black-eyed, swollen nut!

Should I go to the lawyer with or without the makeup?  I know not to wear it to court because it will mask my real problems.

Posted 7/18/2010 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Don't wear makeup. I'm waiting for my approval or denial of SSI....I'm supposed to hear by the 26th of July. Gosh, I can't believe that so many people have to get an attorney for this stuff. I hope I won't be one of them too. I don't know exactly what your case is about......but, I hope it works out for you. I have not been able to work for two years and have EBV/Mono, chronic pain, depression, allergic to alot of meds and catch almost anything cold related that comes around and even have a nervous system disorder and problem with my bowels/bladder etc.....I wish I could take some medications....I'm sick of this stuff too. If I have to get an attorney I hope it's one on a contigency basis.....I can't afford one......Let me know how things go for you. :-)
Posted 7/18/2010 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
All attorneys working on SSI/SSD get paid the same - if they are willing to take your case.

I applied in January 2 years ago, used an attorney, and was approved in March the same year.

Sometimes it makes sense to use a professional. Are you one, and would you recommend that someone use your services?
Posted 7/18/2010 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Tony,

I'm not exactly sure if your response was to my post or not.  I have already determined which attorney I will be using.  Naturally I will be using an attorney for the ALJ portion.  Until then it was basic information and the hiring of an attorney was unnecessary. 

I have read all of the information on the SS website regarding the hiring of a representative and the payment allowances.  The one that I intend to use (and I'm sure she will take my case) is highly recommended in the area and has a great success rate. 

Posted 7/18/2010 7:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Retired Mom,

I'm sorry you have to go thru the song and dance to get your disability...just reading in these forms about the hassles people have with makes me angry. I couldn't imagine what I'd be like if it were happening to me in person.

I know you must be feeling a lot of different emotions right now. I am sending good thoughts your way, and will keep you in my prayers. Hang in there and come vent anytime...you know we're all cheering you on!

hugs,
Pam
Posted 7/18/2010 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
RM,
All I can say is at least you're not alone! In my region an attorney won't take your case until you get at least one denial. It's just my opinion, but I tend to believe one of the reasons the process lags on so long is so attorneys can get a bigger fee, as the back award will be higher the longer it drags on.

PaLady
Posted 7/18/2010 10:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Retriedmom,

I wish I had some great piece of advice, but I really don't know much about disability, other that it is hard to nearly impossible to get first try. I'm sorry to hear that you were denied a second time, I'm sure that this was a huge disappointment. All I can do is encourage you not to give up!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 7/18/2010 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you got turned down Mom , its really unfair . I think you should just be yourself Mom , but I guess lookin' like you need help might influence their thinking .but I wouldn't worry about what others think about your appearance . You've got a legitimate reason to be getting assistance , you know it and thats what counts . I'm wishing you the best of luck and hoping it happens quickly for you , its great your staying positive and determined , let nothing deter you and you'll get it I'm sure . All the best , Mikel
Posted 7/18/2010 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again everyone!

I'm thinking that this may be the opportunity for me to add in the info from the Reumy and any additional MRI's I can get.  I have to to admit that it does get me down, but I was honestly expecting it.  I'm kind of "happy" that they admit I can no longer do the kinds of work I was doing.  At least that validates something.  I guess getting my Masters was a mistake in this way, but I did that for me.  Things have a way of working out for the best and I feel like this is just another step in the process.  Yes...it's dissappointing, but who knows what the future brings.

I'm going to get on with my medical things tomorrow and see what I can do to get this pain down some.  I'm just tired of hurting and tired of taking meds.  It's almost amazing to me (although it certainly shouldn't be) that people try to get meds they don't need and actually enjoy taking them and that they fake the SSD info to get that instead of taking pride in an honest career. 

You guys are wonderful and I appreciate you all!

Posted 7/19/2010 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
RetiredMom sorry to hear about the denial, its just another stepping stone to get to the hearing stage. Sounds like you have done your home work on finding an atty to help you towards the hearing process.

Whether or not you wear makeup or not should be a personal preference. It will have nothing to do with with the attys taking your claim. It is the medical records they will be interested in and what the disability is. We had clients that came in wearing makeup all the time, but that did not mean they were not disabled. Sometimes we do things like wear makeup to make our self feel better in our appearance. My psychologist advised me to do as much in my new life that I use to do in my old life, things that were possible any way. So, if getting up every day and wearing makeup is one, go for it. I feel better if my hair is done and my makeup is on, this is something I did every day for years.

Good luck on your hearing.
Posted 7/19/2010 6:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you StrayDog,

I really appreciate the advice.  I have decided that I do not feel comfortable going to meet a new person without looking my best.  I will do this for the appointment (on Friday...by the way).  The office seems more than happy to take my case based on the information from my denial letter (that I was not able to do my old job, but could still do some work).  I have an appointment with the new Reumy that morning about half way to the attorney's office (45 minutes).  They were kind enough to send me the paperwork (which I should receive in the next day or two) and can complete before the appointment.  I'm really excited about finding this attorney and working with her.  She has a very good success rate and  I can only assume it is because she is selective in the cases she takes and good at the job she does.

Despite all of this, I think I am most excited about seeing the new reumy because I feel like I may finally get an answer about my hands and my sed rate/uric acid rates.  I'm just sick of hurting and want it all to go away.  I'm so blessed to have my retirement and I will keep plugging away until SSD comes through (although it may be a year or two down the road).  Perhaps I will have enough back pay to do something special for my daughter when it comes (positive outlook you know).  I know that my health is declining and that I am having more medical problems every day, but I'm trying not to get so depressed about the process.

Thank you again for the support!  It means a great deal to me to come here and have people who understand!

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