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Posted 12/31/2010 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hope one and all had a Merry Christmas. Now it's time for a great New Year, right?

Well - I just found out that my disability hearing will be on March 24th. I have to meet with my attorney on March 1st. Does anyone have helpful information for me? I have not worked since 2007 - about 5 months after I was diagnosed with fibro. I would say that the worst thing for me is cognition and of course, pain - I'm tired most of the time. I also deal with depression/anxiety and OCD for which I have been hospitalized for many times over the last 25yrs.

Thanks for any helpful things you can tell me.
Posted 12/31/2010 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
I can't help you because I didn't use a lawyer BUT I do want to wish you a lot of luck and hope you get it!

 

Sherrine

Posted 12/31/2010 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
I hope that you get it too. I went to one and got denied. They figured that I could still sit in a toll booth or something. But if you have an attorney, you will most likely get it. Just be honest and only speak when spoken to. Let your attorney do most of the talking. That is what they are for. I had free legal help, well, it didn't help very much. But, last year I started working part time again, so that was nice.

Best of luck to you. Keep us posted.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/31/2010 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I was on ssi for several years due to pain with a past ankle fracture that never healed correctly. I have trouble walking very far and then pain in my arms got too bad for me to do repetitive motions. I had to hire a lawyer. I got lucky with the ssi rep. She was new and one time she sd i had not job skills then later she sd I had computer skills. She sd I could take tickets in a movie theater when I was having problems with repetitive movements. The lawyer sd the rep was crazy and I was granted it. I went back to school 2ce with vocational rehab. The money I was rec from ssi was next to nothing due to hubby's job. They finally took me off it cause i did not rec any money from them. I got a job at a call center 6 years ago but do not how much longer I will be able to work . If I lose it, will try again for disability.

The thing to remember is like someone else sd: keep your mouth shut unless asked a direct question. Think before you answer. Do not try to direct your answers, just be honest. One problem people seem to have as per my dr, is to downplay symptoms or level of pain. Be honest. They may say you can get this job, or that job, when those jobs are not available in your area. Unfortunetly they do not take that into acct. Try to look at your file before the hearing. There maybe something you need to talk to the lawyer about.

Good luck.

Posted 1/1/2011 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
When you go, try to stay calm. Answer truthfully. If you can't remember something due to fibro fog, do not try to hide it. Let them see you as you are......this is not the time to try to put on a brave face and hide your symptoms. Don't pretend something you do not feel, but if you are having a bad day, let it show.

when my husband went before the judge, I was only allowed to witness and not answer. My husband could not remember dates, his medications, many things that the judge asked. He turned to me for support and wanting me to help him with the answers, but since I was just witnessing and not on the stand, I could not supply the help. The judge saw his confusion and how frail he is. He ruled in my husband's favor.

The set up we had, was the judge at the head of a squared room that had tables on all 4 sides. There was a job specialist there, a court reporter, our lawyer, my husband and myself.

It was semi-formal. We had to have court etiquette but it was informal in that the judge was asking the questions and it was not extremely stressful and no arguing from any of the attendees.

Hope the info helps to calm your nerves.
Posted 1/1/2011 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have anything to add, I just wanted to send best wishes and luck your way. I am just starting my disability journey (got my 1st denial 2 weeks ago) So I guess it's time to hire an attorney. Please keep us posted on the outcome. Take care and Happy New Year!
Posted 1/2/2011 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, everyone, for your help. I really appreciate it.
Posted 1/4/2011 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
I just spoke with someone about disability so I myself am starting the process. Good luck to you. I'm petrified if I ever have to speak to a judge or something because I downplay everything. I hope it doesn't get that far but if it does, boy do I hope I'm having the worst day of my life. :) My doctor will only approve the 12months for now but that's good enough for me to see if I can get my life back on track. So many doctors and issues coming up that I could never keep up with doctor's visits, work and taking care of my 2yr old. I just keep getting more and more problems that it's becoming ridiculous. I went to my gyne and told her my issues today and she is doing a pelvis ultrasound and bloodwork to make sure there is nothing else happening. If that all comes back normal then my female issues are related to my Fibro and there goes having a normal sex life on top of everything. I know I got off track but had to vent while it was on my mind. :) This fibro really can do a lot!
Posted 8/4/2011 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I recently had to apply for disability after retiring from my job due to heart and breathing problems along with sleep apnea, diabetes. I spent 3 days filling out the forms online and thinking Ill never be grated disability. The ss office called me twice. Once foe r corrections and second to tell me i did a wonderful job in filling out the paperwork. I did not have a lawyer and unbelievably I was aworded ssb to be reviewed in 5-7 years. I am 55. I hope this can help someone.
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