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I got denied SSDI

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Posted 1/3/2010 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
I received my letter from SS denying my disability.  I was so hoping this would go through so I wouldn't have to hassle with an attorney but that will be my first call Monday morning.  I'm glad now that I found one locally before hand, now I hope they will take my case.

SS states that my medical evidence does show that I suffer from a severe physical condition.  But that I should be able to do my old job as home health aide.  I worked this job for 1.5 yrs but never full time, 31 hrs per week was the most.  I went to the governments occupational & outlook website & looked up home health aide.  It states in there that you must have a strong back for this job due to assisting clients with ambulation.  That is why I quit in the first place was because I was worried about hurting them or myself when transfering them from wheel chairs or in & out of the shower.

I do feel confident with the appeal process but didn't want to go through it.  I am glad they only gave me one option for another job I could do cause hopefully all I have to do is prove that I can't do that one.

Thanks for all your support in the past regarding my application & I will keep everyone updated. 

Posted 1/3/2010 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
I forgot to add that SS grouped standing, sitting & walking together. They stated that I have little problems with these. During my phone interview I told my claims adjuster that I could walk 30 minutes but couldn't sit or stand for more than 10 minutes without changing positions. I can't watch a movie or play a game of scrabble without taking breaks to get up and move. Normally we will watch a movie while lying on the bed or sitting in the recliner which takes to pressure off of my back. I told him all of this but he obviously didn't listen.
Posted 1/3/2010 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Jag

I am so sorry about your SSD being denied, but that is so typical! Who are they kidding? Home health care and Nursing are probably the worst jobs in the world for your back! And they know that! If they didn't say that, they would have said something else! It is just an excuse! I am convinced there is no rhyme or reason for their decisions, oh and I believe they listen plenty, you just haven't jumped through enough hoops yet! Persistence and Perseverance will get you through all this! Get yourself a good SSD attorney and be patient and you'll get it!

Good Luck to You!

White Beard
Posted 1/3/2010 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
(((((((((Jag)))))))))). Sorry to hear the bad news! Hopefully you'll be able to appeal the decision and get the help you deserve. Sometimes I think that these people need to live a few days in our shoes before they go around making life-altering decisions for us. Keep fighting!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 1/3/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm now paying for all the hard work as a CNA for nearly 40 years........
Posted 1/3/2010 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
I have a strong suspicion that most applicants get turned down the first time b/c the number of people who would go to the trouble of reapplying or obtaining a lawyer drops considerably, hence, saving the government money. I have actually known of people with severe mental disorders, never worked a day in their adult life, multiple hospitalizations, get turned down for SSDI the first time--info not meant to discourage you, but hopefully you will see this process is not personal and, as they say, "play the game." Good luck.
Posted 1/3/2010 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
 

   Morning Jag,

 

       *warm huggs* I am so terribly sorry they denied your claim. I cannot comprehend why you were denied! it makes no sense to me. *grrr* I am sure it is horribly wrong to hope that the person who denied you gets to walk in your shoes for a day.... Sorry, inapproiate. shakehead I hope the lawyer you selected will be able to take you on as a client. I hate knowing you have to go through this headache again, but I am relieved you will have someone to help you fight the battle. *warm huggs* Try to relax today , if you can. Your in our hearts here in New Mexico.

 

*huggs*

  dani

Posted 1/3/2010 6:45 PM (GMT 0)

BigLucy is right.  Almost everyone gets turned down the first time.  I have bilateral hip replacements and, at the time I applied for SSD, I'd already had one revision (have since had 2 more.)  I also listed hep C and depression.  It still took me 2 years to get approved--and that was with a lawyer.  They really hope that people will just give up.  Get a lawyer and prepare to be in it for the long haul.  We were just getting ready to go to court when they finally settled.  Had it not been for financial assistance from my aunt, I never could have lasted that long.  I also want to mention that the more you can add to your list of medical complaints, the better.  Don't forget chronic pain, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping (because of not finding a comfortable position or due to worry), etc., etc.  It's always helpful to your case to add a few mental/emotional problems to the physical ones--and most of us with chronic pain do have them.

Best of luck to you!!

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 1/3/2010 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Jag this really shouldn't have come as too big of surprise. Several of us did tell you what to expect. I do understand however that it is still aggravating to be turned down and for the totally BS reason they give.

Now be prepared for the next step. It can take 2 years before you get your date in court. The good news is that once there most cases are won.
Posted 1/3/2010 7:09 PM (GMT 0)

Hi  Jag,

I am so sorry to hear this but we all pretty much know this is typical and par for the course. I always told our client I truly felt if you were still breathing SS felt you could do something for a living and I still stick by that old saying.

However, knowing this is how they do things, do not give up, continue right along to the next step. Contact the atty on Monday and get an appt to go in ASAP.  You would be surprised at the number of people that stop on the initial denial. Some think they have no chance when they do, or they don't really know how to proceed on, some are scared to continue further. It is really surprising for sure. Do not take this decision personally.

Let us know how your appt goes with the atty. Hugs,

Posted 1/3/2010 7:26 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter was denied when she first applied, and just went through the appeal process. She suffers from severe adrenal insufficiency and lupus, and has issues with syncope (fainting), low blood pressure, chronic fatigue, etc. She was fired from her job because the manager felt that the company would be liable for injury on the job if she fainted and hurt herself.

She's waiting to hear back from SSA but thinks she will be denied again. Says the judge "hated" her. Still, she plans to appeal if denied again.

All I can say is what others have already said: don't ever give up! I know that some have appealed multiple times before being approved....I hope that won't be the case for you but please, whatever happens, just keep trying!

(((hugs)))
JoAnn
Posted 1/3/2010 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
when I was still able to work as a caseworker, I found that if we could get a client a psych dx of depression, ssdi seemed to sail right through. Just something to think about. It couldn't be from a primary, had to be a psychiatrist. Just saying.

cat

Posted 1/3/2010 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Jag,
Like everyone else, I wish you would have been approved, but am not surprised about the denial. Big Lucy I think hit the nail on the head. It's frustrating, but I do think the denial is almost a given in most cases, unless you just plain get lucky!

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 1/4/2010 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the support you've shown me during this. My husbands work has the EAP (Employee Assistance Program). I do think I will also call them tomorrow morning too. I have been thinking lately that I am showing signs of depression and I've always had signs of compulsive disorder & anxiety but not bad but the anxiety has gotten worse.

I agree that signs of depression or anxiety could help my case. I will definately get moving on this and the lawyer first thing in the morning.
Posted 1/4/2010 11:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Jag! We were out of town yesterday, and I just now saw the post of yours here. I have to agree with Lucy, and believe that this is being done on purpose. I wish 20/20 or some news agency would do a story on this. I may just give them a call here in the next few weeks when I'm off for my surgery. Hang in there, and keep plugging away. It really disappoints me to hear things like this. I have little faith in the system anymore.

Michael
Posted 1/4/2010 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jag, So sorry you were denied! I'm expecting the same soon as they are supposadly reviewing my case now. Guess we just have to play their little games and hold our breath! When I saw the shrink they sent me to, I'm pretty sure I convinced her that I'm a disturbed / wacco person and that I'd been to plenty of shrinks in the past and have been on antidepression / anxiety meds for over 20 years. The thing that worries me is that I'm not currently seeing a shrink. My bad! I think that would have helped but didn't realize how important it was back then.
Hang in there, I'll let you know about my case as soon as I hear anything but I'm 99% sure I'll be waiting w/ you for any benifits!

Your SSD regect buddy,

Pete
Posted 1/4/2010 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Got an appt with the lawyer for January 27 & also called the EAP representative and have information for 3 pain psychologist I can see. So tomorrow I will call & make an appt to see if I'm as crazy as Pete. Wanna place a little wager Pete!!
Posted 1/4/2010 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
Good luck Jag,

Sounds as if everyone has given you really good advice, so all I will offer is my emotional support. The more I hear of how hard it is to get help in the US the more I scatch my head! Such an uncaring health system.

But best of luck on your rollercoaster ride, I hope the attorney has some tricks up their sleeves and knows their way around the legal loopholes. Sounds as if you need more ammuninition and seeing more specialists is a way of backing up your claim.

Makes me smile that we have to be crazy to get help when the process alone would drive anyone crazy and anyone truely crazy wouldn't have an iota how to use the system! Such is life!

Best of luck, Jag, all my positive wishes, golitho
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