SSDI

[rnathans]

I have been off line for awhile due to computer problems but am finally back and want to give hope to those applying for SS disability. I applied in July of this year and amazingly was approved this past Friday. I did use a disability lawyer who helped with filing the application and forwarding relevant medical info to the adjudicator. I am sure it helped that my internist of seventeen years wrote a letter in support of my inability to work and that the most recent progress note from my neurologist described a worsening of my symptoms. Finally I do live in PA which does not automatically reject every one on the first try.

I must say it is a relief to feel validated, to know I will continue to have some income based on my many years of work and especially to know that in another year I will also qualify for Medicare. I cannot stress enough how much I believe working with a disability lawyer helped me get a good result so fast. Though as my lawyer commented when I thanked him my genuinely poor health was the major factor.

[navydad]

I Live in Pa, and also got it on the first try,, but I flooded them with doctor reports,, contacted my congressmen and state senators who looked into it,, wehter that had any influence Im not sure,, but my caseworker was really nice and worked with me

[Epson]

Welcome to the first try club, I think when you have a telephone book sized medical file, it's a lot harder to reject someone.  When I got my letter I fell out of my chair, but that happens to me every day

[navydad]

You are right Epson,, I faxed so much stuff to them I had to buy more paper,, along with the 3000 doctors reports

[eyeamdry]

Hi rnathans and congratulations on being approved for SSDI!!  We are seeing some positive results on the board lately about people being approved on first try.  I do not even pretend to know if this is a new trend, luck, or whatever.  I was approved 5 years ago and I got it in 10 weeks, no denials, appeals.  Inf fact I got a check before the phone call came. I did not have a lawyer.

I did go see a lawyer because I wanted one.  He told me no, but if I got turned down to come back and see him.  I paid him $150 for him to tell me that.  I hope people keep posting good results for their SS applications!  Lucy

[livewssj]

Glad to hear you were approved.  I applied in April and still waiting to see what happens. I don't have a lawyer at this time. If I am denied then I will get one.
I have been sick for so many years and finally got a diagnosis last year. Im not sure if I did everything right but we will see. I am a single mom with no support from
anyone. I will keep all of you posted...
Have a good nite

[eyeamdry]

Don't be afraid to call and see where you are in the system.  I did not do that, I guess I thought I would find out I wasn't approved.  Lucy

[Epson]

You can check the status of your claim on line.

[livewssj]

Hi, yes I have checked online they are still working on it. I think because my Rheum was the last docter to send back what they needed.

[rnathans]

Hi rnathans and congratulations on being approved for SSDI!!  We are seeing some positive results on the board lately about people being approved on first try.  I do not even pretend to know if this is a new trend, luck, or whatever.  I was approved 5 years ago and I got it in 10 weeks, no denials, appeals.  Inf fact I got a check before the phone call came. I did not have a lawyer.

I did go see a lawyer because I wanted one.  He told me no, but if I got turned down to come back and see him.  I paid him $150 for him to tell me that.  I hope people keep posting good results for their SS applications!  Lucy

Let's hope that SSDI is starting to recognize sjogrens for the devastating illness that it is for many of us. That is great that you got approved without a lawyer, though it seems like you got ripped off by having to pay the lawyer to turn you down. Disability lawyers are only supposed to get paid if you are approved and then they get paid their share directly by Ss
The lawyer gets 25% of back pay and you get 75%

[eyeamdry]

I signed up for short term disability when I stopped working.  That is through the company.  I filed about half-way through the six months for SSDI.  I got my first SSDI check right on time after the 6 month wait. If I'd had an attorney working with me, I had no back pay as I was on time, so I don't know if they would have gotten anything?

[LeoLady]

I hope I haven't waited too long.  I had to quit work 1/09 because I was in a 4-month flare and hated the new boss I was given - stress city!  Also had to take guardianship and move in our 5 grandchildren at the same time.

After a month at home I felt so much better that I filed for unemployment and was on that until 7/10, never finding anything I thought I could do with my health like it is.  In 2009, I was seen only once for a sinus infection and managed to get by on the meds I'd already been given.  In 2010, I've seen an oral surgeon to remove two MORE teeth and my rheumy.  My neuropathy has been on a steep incline and she upped by Gabapentin.  I also started Plaquenil in 4/10.

I'm afraid there's not enough recent medical activity for me to get SSDI.  I was diagnosed with Fibro in 2003 and dry eyes in 2002.  I was diagnosed with primary Sjogren's at a Sjogren's trial in 2008, hence the meds.  I haven't seen a neurologist for the punch biopsy yet either.  Also need to see an ophthalmologist.  Problem is, due to the kids, I can't afford a dang thing.  I can barely get my Restasis refilled.  I made the last box last 4 months!!  And I'm "paying" for it now.  Had to pry open my left eye this morning, and it's the juicy one!

I'm BROKE and need the SSDI income, but I can't afford the doctor's visits that will convince them that I qualify!!  Can't win for losing...

Hugs,

LeoLady