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Question on wait for SSD Hearing

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Posted 10/17/2005 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
   After being denied for SSD last month (attorney says it's close to 75% denials on initial claim)----I was more depressed than ever.  My therapist was so disappointed.  She wrote a very clear report on my disability, as did my pdoc.  In fact my pdoc was downright upset. 

  In therapy last week, my therapist also said---"I've been seeing you weekly for nearly 5 months & I know you well.  These people who denied you, have never even seen you or talked to you."   Go figure.    But, my therapist recommended me to a terrific SSD attorney.  A young guy, specializing in SSD---gives seminars etc.   Told me not to worry. When I asked him what his "winning percentage" was on ALJ hearings--he said, "over 85%!"   Well, that was nice to hear.   He also gave me blank pages to be mailed in each month with ALL visits to ANY Drs listed.      The only thing that got me "down" was his telling me the wait in PA. for an ALJ hearing was "about one year" !!!!   Gosh, these SSD people want you to either "go away" or "die"...& not necessarily in that order.    He told me-----"They want you to give up".   I'll hang in--but, here again---no money coming in--my poor, blessed wife paying all of my monthly CC bills--buying food.

  I wish I could see these creeps that "denied" me...without even meeting me...saying "Though you suffer from depression & it can be incapacitating at times......we still feel you could do your present work ---talking on phone...."  !!!!!!     During the day---I'm often so depressed...tired or both---just picking up the phone is a chore!!!   And, as my dear friends here at HW know----I wonder if these people ever suffered from depression...& tried to work!!!???

   Anyway---I really need some encouragement, Please!!!!!    I know I'll probably win------that's not the problem...it's the darn wait!!   What gets me is the atty said--"Last year in PA.---we were ahead--only a 3-5 month wait--but then our jusges had to start taking cases from NY.....AND...Florida...because of their backlog!!!!!  Imagine that!!!   Get more darn judges!! confused

   Anyone here either in PA.---or any other state---that got their hearing SOONER....than expected??????       I pray every day for this----like i said...bills piling up----seeing my therapist weekly (and paying a $25 deductable on the $125 fee)-----

  These Fed people who make these decisions-----esp. people with mental health issues (depression...BP)-----actually make us feel worse!!! sad

  So, please----someone---anyone----get back--either thru posting or e-mail to me---(any lawyers on board----i asked my atty for an "on the record review"---he nixed that.)----So, that's it--get back---thanks so much & blessings to anyone who helps me with their advice, consul...or just words---Prayers & blessings---Robert

Posted 10/18/2005 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Robert, Dear Robert.
I feel for you really I do, I have no answers for you but wanted you to know that I completly understand what you are going thru, I have not been able to work because of my illnesses as well and  I have 4 kids that I have to try and take care of, I have applied for SSD(D.A.) I'm in canada, I applied and on May 15 they received my application and as of this day I still have not heard from anyone, I called in July to ask them a question and they were very rude to me before I could my question out to them they just said " We haven't made a decission yet, call back in 5 months...5 months!!!! I was sick to my stomache when she told me that..they just don't care. I am prepared that they will deny me and so I have leagal aid waiting in the background just waiting for that denial. Robert lets hope that you don't have to wait that year. you and your lovley wife are in my thoughts and prayers. please keep us posted and I hope to hear some good news from you soon.
Annie


Fibromyaligia, dx Oct 2004 but we are sure I have had this for about 4-5 yrs maybe longer.
Chronic fatigue Syndrome dx 1995
Anxiety/Panic attacks dx 1990
M.S. dx June 29th 2005
Anemia dx Jan 2005

Meds: Amitriptyline
Lorazepam
Celexa
Ferrous Glouconate
Ibuprofen 600mg
and soon to start on
Rebif or Avenox
Posted 10/18/2005 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Annie---Thank you so much for your kind words, thoughts & prayers.    Sounds like tgeh

system in Canada is just as rotten as in USA.   You, too, will stay in my prayers---i do hope you get the assistance you richly deserve and need.  Blessings--Robert----ic 

Posted 10/18/2005 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Robert,
I have not had any experiences like yours but have experienced the frustration that comes when you don't think people are listening or care. These faceless people making critical decisions about your life. Stinks.

So, no advice, just thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Stay strong and as calm as you can.

Peace,

Sadsunshine
Posted 10/18/2005 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Yes don't be in a big hurry thats for sure i filed nov almost a year been denied once  i called they said a nother 60 days and if i have to go to a hearing it will be another year oh well all my hard earned money is gone i worked two jobs for 28 years 65 to 70 hours a week fell at work 14 months still fighting w/k they say my arthritis caused me to fall in walk in cooler at 3 in morning not marking and putting up stacks  water, juices , teas,milk  that was at least chest high in convined space they might think that but i feel 28 years of standing with 1 ten minute break in 9 hr shift helped cause that darn arthtritis and for my knee giving out but iam hanging in there iam to take 25 pills a day and i have 9 illnesses now but i can still work who in the hell would hire me i wouldn't even hire me oh well hang in there and don't give up its your money you have paid in to it i felt a lot of guilt also but you only know your body if you can do it any more or not DEB
Posted 4/29/2006 6:23 AM (GMT 0)

Hello,

Not to bumb you out, but it took me over 5 years to get SSD in Florida.

Posted 4/29/2006 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
Wotan, I also had a hard time getting my SSDI. I live in Ohio and I filed for disability for anxiety and depression. They denied me twice because they said that although I have suffered with this for many years it was not severe enough to keep me from working. Your absolutely right they judge too quickly. I finally got a lawyer after I was denied twice. I had a heart attack during this time and got my SSDI for my heart condition, but not for anxiety and depression. It took me 3 yrs to get it. Just hang in there and fight for it, it can be a very long battle but dont give up. I wish you all the best and I hope you will win your case.
Posted 4/30/2006 3:54 AM (GMT 0)

Robert,

I just wanted to say HANG IN THERE & STAY STRONG!!!!

I have been ill for some time but in March 2005 I became so ill that I had to go on medical leave & finally had to quit my job due to my illness. My doctor told me that I would not ever be able to work again. I signed up for my SSD in June 2005. I knew that more than likely I would be denied the first time. And in September I recieved my first denial. I hired an attorney in October to handle matters for me. In July '05, I was put on oxygen 24/7. My attorney informed me that anyone who uses oxygen 24/7 is automatically approved. YEA RIGHT!!! In December '05, I received my 2nd denial. My denial letter stated that there was no new information sent in. So who do I believe? My attorney or the people who do not know me & denied me. I have pulmonary sarcoids & pulmonary hypertension (which by the way, causes congestive heart failure) + other illnesses as well. Lupus, Fibromyalgia. (I could go on but I think it is in my signature notes). When I talked to my attorney after recieving 2nd denial, he informed me that it would be anywhere from March 2006 to June 2006 before I have a hearing which by the way I should get approved but in the same situation, my wonderful husband is working hard to pay the bills, buy food & pay for all the meds that I have to take. I feel so useless at times. I feel like he works and never gets anything out of it for himself. But he reassured me that his love for me was so great that taking care of me & providing for our family satisfies him. He said we married in sickness & in health, for richer or poorer. Well, we are most definitely in our poor part of our marriage. But our love is growing stronger & stronger. Well, it is April 29th. I turned 34 years old on the 19th. As of today, I still have not recieved a court date yet. You might not think this post is very encouraging but when I read your post I most definitely understood where you were coming from & how you felt about not being able to help financially. It would seem that the law should be the same in every state concerning the SSD. I know in Arkansas, you have to be physically off work for 12 continuous months before they even consider the fact that you may be disabled. I have been off work for 14 straight months now. But I also look at this cenario: In June '06, it will be 12 months since I first signed up. That is why my attorney said it would be anywhere between March '06 & June '06, so I will have the 12 month clause covered for both situations. Robert, why not look at you situation to see if the 12 month clause is working in your in particular case. I will keep you & your wife in my prayers. It has been awhile since I have been online. Your post was back in October '05--do you have any updates yet?? Probally about right now you need prayers for strength. Depression is a terrible illness and you most definitely will win your case for depression &/or anxiety.

Posted 5/1/2006 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Congratulations Atedogs. Hmmm...I wonder if being nuttier than a fruit cake would be better than having all my illnesses?? Just kidding. The Lord put upon us what we can bear. See below in my signature.. You are right you have to share your lump sum with your attorney. I only have to give my attorney 1/4th (of course, in Arkansas, the judge decides if 1/4th is too much or not but either way he can't get more than the 1/4th.
Posted 5/1/2006 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
my hubby recieved his disbility on the first try. Infact I filled out the paperwork online before I knew that it was difficult to get it. I was worried since I did it myself that he would be denied. He was denied for the SSI part but did get accepted for the disability part. It took about 3 months before we heard anything. He got a check for the back months and now gets a monthly check. It is no where near enough, I think it works out to alittle less than min wage, but atleast it helps. With only one of us working the bills, espically medical, do add up.
Posted 5/4/2006 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Medical bills is one of the worst things about being sick. They never go away..It is really hard for one person to pay the bills, buy groceries, clothes for the kids, pay for the outrageous price of gas & buy meds. That is too much for one person to have to work for. But I have a great husband. We have faith in GOD. When I get my SSD, I will average out about $225 a week but the good thing about it is that it will come at the first of the month so bills can be paid on time & if my husband gets sick, he can stay home to get well instead of working to pay for everything. I should get a year's backpay which will help our tremendously. Please pray for me. I need strength.
Posted 5/4/2006 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Don't get too discouraged. I am on SSDI, and it took about 8 months. I had a very good SSDI attorney, and still they denied me the first time around, but my attorney said almost everyone gets denied,at first, then she just put in for an appeal to reverse their denial. One month later, I got approved. She also told me it all depends on what group of SS Doctors are reviewing your case. Obviously, the second group that approved me were more "resonable". So, hang in there and Good Luck.
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