I WON!! I WON!!
Today, I had my hearing. Arrived early, stood in a line for about 1/2 hour to go through the security check. Then, the judge was behind schedule, but not too bad. Got my briefing from the attorney....
About 45 minutes into the hearing, the judge said he had enough information and he was going to make a bench decision. I was really surprised to get a decision right then and there.
I walked out of that place with mixed feelings. Didn't like the label of being "disabled". I had a talk with God. I decided that my life isn't "disabled", it is just changing it's course. It is all part of adjusting to a new normal.
I am happy now.
Duchess
Congradulation! I'm Green. I think it is great that you won.
That is WONDERFUL!
I keep trying to add some words, but "WONDERFUL!" works so well.
Soycoffee
Congrats! Did you have to "testify" at all? Curious about the process.
Whahooooo! Congrats! I'm so excited for you! I'm sure that it is the biggest relief! :D
It also gives me and everyone else hope. I will be applying in a few months. I hear about how hard it is so I love success stories!
You now have a change a a new life in a way. I'm so glad you are happy!
I hope you go celebrate!
Tami
Congratulations. Friday will be the second time I have had to go in front of the judge. I got turned down twice, which is just part of the game. On the third appeal I got a court date. The subject of my length of sobriety came up. ( I am a recovering alcoholic and have three years in May.) Well, the government isn't paying out peoples social security if they have a substance addiction. You would think I would be in the clear. I wouldn't be alive right now if I was still drinking. I wouldn't have the support of my doctors. I would have nothing and no one at all. BUT thats not what the judge was really interested in. The government was wondering if the wreakage my body has become was caused by my drinking. They are examining a loophole they might be able to deny my social security. The stress is getting to me. I have knots in my neck that are spasming out. And I know I'm going to be fine eventually. They want people to give up. They make the process so drawn out that they hope you just go away, they try to drown you in paperwork. Don't let them. Find someone that cares to help you through when you have brain fog, If your as bad as I am- your going to need it. Don't give up and good luck!
I know just what you are talking about - the word disabled seems so .... final, even though you're glad that someone has recognized what you are going through.
But... You'll be getting some financial help, and eventually Medicare, and these are very good things.
Remember the "disabled" bit is about your work ability, not about YOU.
Congrats.
Shar- a note to you.
I have been on this board for 5 years now and have seen and read a lot. I cannot comment on your physical reasons for applying for social security, but I do want to make a comment that I think I've seen materialize on the board over the past few years.
When I first came on here, it was rare to see someone who said they got SS from their first filing. I was one who did get it on my first filing. I did not know I had SJS yet, so it wasn't that but because of botched eye surgery, I was losing some of my vision and it was harder and harder to work as a secretary. I was afraid to write that on the board very often because a person could take it as I was "bragging" or such about my quick success.
This has happened slowly and I hope other people have noticed it also, more and more people who file from this board have been surprisingly lucky in getting their claims ok'd sooner than ever before. This does not happen to everyone, of course, but SJS has become a recognized disease by the social security dept. Good luck on your next meeting and also to everyone who has filed and will file in the near future. Lucy
Congratulations, and I know it is a relief for you to have your approval. Now you can relax, and get medical help,etc.
susanep :)
Congratulations! :)
Thanks everyone for the well wishes.
Autoimmunity, I did have to testify. In the room sat the court recorder, a vocational specialist, the attorney and myself.
Sat at a table behind a microphone. Judge introduced himself, he recited the oath. He asked my atty. to give an opening statement. Name, birth date, address etc. verified.
Example of questions were: How many levels in the house? How many steps from 1st floor to 2nd floor ( bedroom)? How am I affected by walking up and down stairs? Do I live alone? Who does the cooking, laundry, etc.? Can I grocery shop? How many blocks can I walk and what happens to me? Describe Sjogrens. Was I still being treated for SJS, Lupus, Arthritis? Did I quit my job and why? Etc. Etc.
About 45 minutes into the hearing he asked the vocational person if based on the info and my prior work history if she thought I could do light duty work? She said no.
After about 10 more minutes of conversation between him and the atty. He said he had enough information and that he was going to make a bench decision today. Then, after careful thought and looking over the evidence once more he said that my disability claim was approved and I would receive a letter in the mail soon with the details.
So, there it is in a nutshell.
Success to all others that have filed or will be filing for benefits. We deserve them!
Duchess
Congratulations. I just filed my appeal a few weeks ago. No attorney. Will I have to go in front of a judge? I HATE talking to people about my condition - I hate sounding weak - and I feel like I'm telling lies...even when I'm not... you know what I mean? All the questions you were asked was on this humongous form(s) I had to fill out AGAIN last weekend. Did you have to do that too? They also sent me a cardiac questionnaire....I mean I've had a stress test done...but I'm not under the care of a cardiologist...I was like WTheck? Not sure why they sent me that. Anywhoo - Again - congrats!
Artsy - you probably will have to speak in front of a judge. I am no authority on this, but when I filed the second time, I felt that I needed someone to represent me. Someone who knew how to maneuver through the legal lingo. Wouldn't you know the judge and the attorney discussed some legal things that I knew nothing about. All I can say is that I am glad I had an atty. to represent me.
I also have difficulty speaking in front of people, but I knew I had to do this. This was it!! I answered the questions as truthfully as I could. Just told them how I felt. I believe that the judge does some homework also. I believe that he would know if what I were saying was in alignment with what he had researched.
The best to you!
Duchess
Congratulations, Duchess!
I'm on my second appeal and am waiting for an appointment to go before the judge.. I've been waiting since last July.. I got a lawyer after I was turned down the second time because I knew I couldn't talk to a judge alone..
Iris - Good for you. I wish you much success this time around. You certainly deserve it.
Duchess
Quote from: eyeamdry on February 28, 2012, 10:42:53 PM
Shar- a note to you.
I have been on this board for 5 years now and have seen and read a lot. I cannot comment on your physical reasons for applying for social security, but I do want to make a comment that I think I've seen materialize on the board over the past few years.
When I first came on here, it was rare to see someone who said they got SS from their first filing. I was one who did get it on my first filing. I did not know I had SJS yet, so it wasn't that but because of botched eye surgery, I was losing some of my vision and it was harder and harder to work as a secretary. I was afraid to write that on the board very often because a person could take it as I was "bragging" or such about my quick success.
This has happened slowly and I hope other people have noticed it also, more and more people who file from this board have been surprisingly lucky in getting their claims ok'd sooner than ever before. This does not happen to everyone, of course, but SJS has become a recognized disease by the social security dept. Good luck on your next meeting and also to everyone who has filed and will file in the near future. Lucy
I would hope that no one would see a win as bragging. It gives me hope that some judges do listen.
Congratulations!!! You have won a hard battle and deserve it! So happy for you!
Thank-you Gayle.