Social Security Denial : (

[slccom]

Artsy, did you mention the part about coughing all the time from talking in your original application? If not, then  you really need to mention it this time around. Also, if you did mention that, you need to highlight it in your appeal. If you did mention it, I would roll the dice and appeal without an attorney. You appeal should just need to show the talk about coughing all the time and the recommendation that you get a job doing telephone sales.

This is why it is important that EVERYTHING that limits you needs to be explicitly mentioned in your disability applications.

[Jackie]

Is social security an all or nothing proposition? For example, can you work part-time? If you miss teaching, could you possibly job-share? That way you would still be in the teaching loop, but not have to get so exhausted. Maybe you could just go in 3 or 3 days a week. Whatever works. I think there is value in working part-time, for you and for the students. Some people regret retiring completely. We need great teachers. Just an idea. I certainly don't know how you feel, but can tell you that part-time work has been great for me. I know it is good for me to get mental and social stimulation. I get partial disability through my job, which makes up for part of my lost salary. I am lucky to have a lot of flexibility.

Anyway, it never hurts to ask! And be sure about retiring before it is too late.

[warmwaters]

I would be grateful for the private LTD, but would definitely appeal. Many are denied the first time around. If you did not have a lawyer to assist you, it may be worth finding one.  Some insurance companies that supply LTD will even pay for your lawyer. The factors that you need to raise are your inability to work 40 hours a week, or if you are having problems with "basic life skills", which includes taking care of your home, or yourself.  The more there is in your medical records that substantiates your health issues the better.

One other thing you should know - there's a relationship between your SS and your LTD. For example, let's say that if you get SS, and they pay you $900 a month, and you get your private LTD, and it pays you $2000 a month.  You will still only get $2000 a month, as the $900 you get from SS is an "offset", and your LTD will pay the difference between what you get from SS and what they are contracted to pay you. In this example, they would pay you $1100.

HOWEVER, if you get SS, you will also get Medicare, which is really nice to have, especially if you don't have other medical insurance.

One thing you should know i

Well I made a deal with God before I even knew the outcome - saying if I got denied I would suck it up and try to go back to work in the fall - I am a teacher and I REALLY do miss teaching....I am currently surviving on private disability that would last till retirement age if I wanted.  But then I talked with my children and they said - well Mom - you might feel better now - that you have been resting at home - but what happens when you go back to standing and walking all day? You'll be right back to square one.  So I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO : ( Appeal? Win the Lottery? Be content with my private disability insurance? go back to work???

[Meld256]

Artsy,

I, too, am sorry to hear of your SSA denial.  Unfortunately, many of us are denied with the first filing. 

It's really up to you about going back to work, but as mentioned, if you do, it can hurt your chances of filing again later. 
It sounds as if you would be best off by appealing your denial right away with an attorney.
If you feel comfortable with the one you have for a worker's comp case, that's fine, too.  If not, I'd suggest you find a good attorney who specializes in Social Security cases.

The SSA looks at a person's age, work history, education, (among other things) and if you could still do the work you have done in the past in a 40-hr. work week.  If you are 50 or older, it sometimes is a bit easier to be approved.

My case was denied the first time, so I know how disheartening this can be.  If you truly feel you have a good case, be confident in it and speak with an attorney who can help with all the details.  If you have another hearing, they will be there to guide you.

I hope this helps just a bit. 
Melinda

[artsyamerican]

Thank you guys for all your support.  Yes I did know SS benefits would be considered in my long term disability payout but like you said - it's getting Medicaid that is my greatest motivation.  Currrently I have zero health insurance and I am petrified! My long term disability people will allow me to collect both in full the first 2 years - I guess to offset not having Medicaid....so that would be nice.