Social Security Disability

Hello all,

I applied for SSD approx two months ago and I know that first denial letter will be on its way soon. I have a very stressful job that requires alot of walking and mental stamina. I am currently on a medical leave and dread just the idea of returning to this job. My doctor stated that if I was even considering returning it would be no more than 5 hours a day. (I wonder if I can even do that much!).

Anyway, I not only have Fibro but a whole list of other medical issues including herniated discs and a pelvic lesion on my right hip that keeps growing and hurting.

If a person has more than one issue, is it easier for SSD to approve?

Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

I also had fibro, had this illness for at least 10 years before seeking help. I was diagnosed in 2010. I too had other illnesses and conditions and since have also been diagnosed with shogrens's sendrome and Lupus. My conditions at the time I submitted for SSDI was the fibromyalgia, degenerative disc and joint disease and IBS. I was approved the first time around. At that time I only really had one doctor that was on board with seeking SSDI the other's were not "convinced" that the illnesses could be as devastating as they were. I don't believe they really care too much what the opinion of the doctors are as much as they are interested in what your medical history and testing and the paper trail looks like. I was able to pull all of my records from 10 years earlier including chiropractors, therapists, etc as well as the records of all tests that had been done and all therapy that had been tried. I pulled the records myself. It did cost a small fortune, but I got everything in my hands. I had copies and faxed them myself to my rep at social security. Everything in chronological order. I also took the time to read and highlight where multiple doctors did the same test's with similar results and diagnosis. Where the complaints were the same. She could see this multiple times. I did everything I could to cross reference my paper trail. I also made sure I had exactly what they had in case questions came up. No questions were asked outside of the normal paperwork. I was approved short of 3 months, it was about 9 weeks.

Good luck to you.

 

Couchtater, I don't think SS got any records of all the CTs and MRIs that show my facet joint arthropathy, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. I'll make sure my lawyer has that info when I see him.

Linchu13- I am on disability and I had numerious health problems. I didn't use a lawyer, but it took 9 months to hear back from them. Getting a lawyer is the way to go. I am like Minnie mouse I got involved in my case. It was work and I didn't leave the Dr. Office unless we both went over the questions. Most Dr's are very busy and they tend to forget your limitations. I learned a lesson when I found out the nurses were filling in the questions and Dr's would sign it. These nurses would try to find the answers from your chart doing a poor job. They don't know how many hrs. you can stand and etc. I was so frustrated when I was looking over the sheet. It was mostly all wrong. Then I realized this almost got faxed to social security with wrong info. So after that I made a point to make appointment with my Dr. And sit down together filling the questions out. It cost you a visit, but all worth it.

I had many health issues, but they seem not to care on them. I think I got my disability through depression and anxiety. My psychologist is the one that got it for me. I had 20 years of documented depression. You need to not have discripencies between each Dr. They look for that. I was wondering if you have long term insurance? It was a life savor for me waiting to hear from social security. I was getting paid while I was waiting to hear from social security. I still receive long term with my social security.

Well good luck. Just hang in there and if you really feel like you can't work anymore then you deserve to get it. It has literally saved my life. I was knocking on death doors when I applied.

Congrats Kathy!! I hope I'm that lucky! If not, I have an attorney on standby. Please say a prayer for me.

Buddy- Congrats on your disability. Wow, I never heard someone get it that quick. What state do you live in?

ak angel,

I could not believe I was approved that quickly either. After reading on the forum of so many that had spent months and some over a year waiting, I really feel blessed! I live in the state of KY. I will say a prayer for each of you that you receive approval very soon.

couchtater,

This following is the list of illnesses filed in my claim: depression, chronic fatigue, carpal tunnel, GERD, fibromyalgia, anxiety, sleep issues and cervical stenosis. I also believe my age was a factor in the approval. I will be 55 in May. I am still in shock because I fully anticipated a long wait, a visit to their doctors and then going before a judge. Feel free to ask me whatever you want to. If I can offer even one tidbit that might help you, I am more than willing.

Best of luck to each of you. Please keep us posted on your journey through SSDI.

Regards, Kathy

This probably isn't going to make much sense but this is what I obtained from the SSA website (it is about as clear as mud):

How the programs work:

SSDI benefits base your benefit amount on your average lifetime earnings (or those of certain family members) when those earnings are insured under Social Security. However, if you receive a payment from worker's compensation, a public disability benefit, or a pension based on earnings not insured under Social Security, it may reduce your benefit; and
SSI benefits depend on financial need as determined by your income, resources, and living situation.


I haven't received my letter yet that advises what my monthly amount will be. I have been told that they take your highest 10 years of income and use that. However, I do not know if that is really true or not. Sorry, I wish I could be more help to you. Have you received a statement from SSA? The last one I received was in 2010 and it has an amount listed that I would draw if I became disabled. My attorney said that is should be pretty close to the amount on the statement. Hope this helps in some way!!

Best of luck,

Kathy

On my contract with my lawyer it said 25% of back pay and any extra expenses incurred during the collection of information and filing fees, maximum of $6000.

This is my second attempt at filling for disability. I was just recently diagnosed with fibro, but have two brain injuries as well. My neurologist thinks the fibro caused by the brain injury. I have a condition called mild cognitive impairment. It may or may not lead to dementia at some point. The brain injury in my opinion is enough to warrant SSDI, it causes depression, mood swings, an inability to understand conversations, communication issues, and memory loss that gets worse each year. Unfortunately, at 46 they believe I can just " pull myself up by my bootstraps", and shuffle off to a job working in a cafeteria. Prior to becoming ill, I worked as a bank manager and in outside sales for a bit. I was a sharp lady, with a caustic wit and sharp mind. I am now half of my former self mentally and physically. Working as a cafeteria worker is not only physically impossible, but demeaning.

I am now 47, and will turn 48 in April 2014. I am hopeful with the fibromyalgia and brain injury I will finally get approved. The pain is horrendous most days, and it is hard to find relief.

Love and light to us all...
L

Am in the same situation .. trying to get SSDI

I think no one should be expected to 'Lay on the floor ' because of their pain, muscle spasms, back pain, etc.. just insane..

Prayers for us all