Questions... Let clear it up...

Dear Donna

I receive SSDI, I waited 2 years, was denied twice and got an attorney. I was approved on depression chronic pain and fibromyalgia. I had to resign when I was 52 and received it jan 2008., at age 55.

Each state has its own timeline...Mississippi had a very long list so it took longer to get an ALJ.

My husband also receives SSDI, he waited about a year or 15 months, denied once, got an attorney and then before she could do anything, he was reconsidered (terminal cancer) and approved. He was 60 when he got it. AND he is still here@!!!!!

Best of luck
Maggie

SSDI
3 tries the first 2 were on my own.
The last appeal was with my attorney and I was approved..
I was granted the SSD due to severe COPD at age 40

I was 38 when I applied and it was 2+yr's before being approved

Post Edited (NO-RELIEF) : 11/30/2011 2:37:52 AM (GMT-7)

1. Are u getting SSI or SSDI - I am receiving SSDI
2. How long did u wait for an approval? about 6 months
3. How any appeals and did u get a lawyer? o appeals was approved 1st with a lawyer
4. What condition(s) were you approved for? spinal fractures, DDD, Spondylolethsis, depression, nerve damages to legs and bladder

5. How old were u when u became disabled and applied? 28 yo

I got long term disability, I did 2 renewal and a few weeks ago I got a letter stating that I was permanently disabled and would no longer be required to do renewal forms.

Hi Donna, hope this helps;

1. SSD

2. 5 months

3. None

4. Crohns disease, CP, & deg. joint disease

5. 51

As Jag stated, they want facts and descriptive wording. Each state is so different on how long it can take to get a hearing before an ALJ, it depends on the backlog of older cases. Most attys will not take a case until its been denied the first time. Good luck.

My reply is going to be much more complicated than the rest as I have been on it and then disapproved and then reapproved. But - I did keep getting benefits all of that time as I applied to keep receiving them.

1. Are u getting SSI or SSDI - SSDI
2. How long did u wait for an approval? The first time I was approved immediately because I had Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (blood cancer). In the social security listings handbook - this qualified for immediate approval because it was considered a terminal disease and not too may people live when they have it. My original date of disability of July of 2004 and I was 37. I was then reviewed in 2007 because I had a bone marrow transplant and was technically cancer "cured". BUT - due to the treatment to cure me - it left me totally disabled - just alive. In 2007 I was turned down, 2nd hearing was in 2009 and I was again ruled against.
3. How any appeals and did u get a lawyer? So that would be 2 appeals and then I did get a lawyer - luckily for me - we were low income and I got a Legal Aid lawyer who did not require a cent to take my case. During each of my turndowns - I had to appeal to ask for another hearing and to continue my benefits - at this time - it wasn't just the money I needed for benefits - it was the medicare Parts A, B, and D. Wtihout D I could not get any of my medications. I was seeing doctors all the time and had no other insurance as well as being hospitalized between 2005 and 2009 for shingles and 2 different bouts of pneumonia.
4. What condition(s) were you approved for? Initially - Acute Myelogenous Leukemia - Secondly - Complications due to Chemotherapy and Bone Marrow Transplant that all together easily equalled a listing of totally disabled. Some of the complications include: Chronic Non-Malignant Cancer Pain, Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 at the moment (about 50% kidney function), Vasovagal Syncope, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, beginnings of COPD, I have now had 2 abnormal CT scans of the chest and they cannot figure out what is wrong and they cannot use the dye in my veins as it will damage my kidneys further. Chronic Major Depressive Disorder, Neuropathy (mine is small fiber neuropathy - but it causes me not to sweat - so when I get over heated I cannot cool down and just pass out instead), low blood pressure, Hyperlipidemia, Hypothyroid, Chronic Fatique, Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea ( it has to be treated by oxygen as CPAP did not work on me so I am on oxygen on and off during the day and full time at night at 3ml), and Dyspnea on Exertion (shortness of breath constantly) - Believe it or not - prior to getting cancer I used to work 80 hours per week!
5. How old were u when u became disabled and applied?originally 37 and approved at 37 and then after all the fighting - was reapproved at 42 after an additional 2 1/2 year fight. I am in Ohio and the ALJ hearings are really backed up - they flew a judge in from California for my hearing in 2011.

My lawyer told me that I had kept good enough records myself that the ALJ would have ruled in my favor with or without a lawyer. But then again - it all depends on what ALJ you get.

Now - I know you did not ask for a book - but if you need any further info - please feel free to contact me via this sight and I will do my best to help.