Social Security Denial : (

[artsyamerican]

Well today I got a letter in the mail saying I was denied SS benefits because even though (and I quote) " you have inflammatory spondylarthropy,  sjogrens, degenerative disc disease, Tarlov Cysts, MGUS and depression you can still answer questions and could work as a telephone salesperson!! LMBO!! REALLY???

[MissyLouWho?]

So, not only do you have to try to find a new job in this economy where NO ONE can find anything, you have to find a SPECIFIC job?  And hope it will be at a pay rate that will support you financially?  What a load of crap.  Sorry for that but come on. REALLY?? 

I can hear you now at a "place where they find you a job" (sorry brain fog took over, LOL)
"I need you to find me a job.  Not just any job, but one in phone sales that can pay enough to support me and my family and can accommodate all the special needs I have as someone with a long list of dibilitating health issues, with needs including but not limited to comfortable seating and time off for flares."

Where do people come up with their decisions?!

(((HUGS)))

[Joe S.]

My denial said "reapply on your 62 birthday and you will be approved when you are 62.5". Yes, the refusals are interesting. Maybe I should purchase a couple of kegs and bring this up to those nice young men that ride big motorcycles that say they owe me a really big favor? Not that I would.

[artsyamerican]

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???

[Daisy1234]

I would definitely appeal the SSDI decision.  A good majority of people are refused on the first try for SSDI and then get approved later.  You can always engage the services of an experienced SSDI attorney as that is probably the best way to get your appeal to succeed and they often work on a contingency if they believe your case is strong.

Best of luck,
Daisy

[Carebear]

Amy,

I agree with Daisy.  You should appeal.  Unfortunately that seems to be how things go.

I also think your children nailed it...you feel better because you are not working.  I know it's hard, but try to keep that in mind while you continue this process.

[mshistory]

Oh, good grief. You can answer questions so go answer phones!? I suppose when we apply for disability we shouldn't answer any of their questions now!?

[anita]

It's common to get turned down the first time.  Appeal for sure.  Are your doctors supportive?  If so, are they backing that up in their records?  That's where it counts.  If they are not 100% behind you and documenting that, it will be difficult to win.

Hold your head high!!

[eyeamdry]

Look at the doctors who may be the most sympathetic with you.  You don't need your doc's approval to get SSDI.  Any medical person you have seen can fill out the paperwork.  For me, I did not know I had sjogrens yet, but my eyes were damaged by Lasik surgery.  I worked as a secretary for 5 years with diminishing vision and dry eyes.  I was making mistakes and having problems reading.  My eye surgeon told me that "You will not get social security because of this."  Well, I did and did so with my first try.  So he was so arrogant and I spit in his eye. 

My GP had mentioned to me that "disability should be a breeze with your bad vision."  I remembered that and when I decided to file, I went to him first.  He set the tone for the other drs as I showed the other docs my GP's paperwork.  Your family and friends can also have input.  It's time for you to get an attorney.  Good luck.  You just do not know what is going to happen.  If I had listened to my eye butcher and most people, I would have never even tried to file.  I filed myself and was successful.  I am not bragging, just saying to you to persevere and do not let others get you down.  If you don't believe in your own disability, then others won't either.  Don't forget any mental health workers you may have spoken too.  Good luck Lucy

[Doxie]

Oh Amy, I am so sorry! That is very disheartening! But don't give up. They say it is better to appeal now that you've made the application.

If you try to return to work, it could end up hurting you in the future. I think your children are right, you are feeling better because you aren't working. You have to remember how lousy you felt while you were working.

I'll be in your boat soon. I'm a teacher/technology specialist.  After I heal from my hip replacement I'll go back to work for a few months, and then "retire" at the end of the year. I turned in my termination papers for the end of the year before I had my surgery. I'll be applying for disability in June (I just have to make 'til then) I'm scared to death, and know I may be in for a long battle with appeals etc. 

Stick to your guns. You know how you were feeling while working.  I agree with Daisy and the rest, appeal and get a good disability lawyer.

[Doxie]

Hey Lucy, thanks  for sharing your experience.  It reminds me that even though my Rheumy doesn't think my Sjogrens will qualify for disability, I think my back doc and others will help. I'm trying to learn all I can before I apply in June.

[engy]

Get a lawyer & appeal, good luck !

[artsyamerican]

Thank you guys - I think you are right. I already have an attorney handling my workmans comp claim - I guess I'll just add this to his plate.  Yeah...the more I think about it...telephone sales? That's laughable! I remember coughing all the time when I was teaching from talking all the time - not to mention the pain of sitting - or standing - or laying down for any length of time.  It just pisses me off coz now if I win - I'll have to share my back pay with any attorney.  It's like a game SS plays - and the only people who win at this game are the attorneys. Ugh

[Duchess]

You know, Artsy, I had the same thoughts as you. I have been home for a while and have started feeling better. On the good days I think about going back to work. Then something happens like: driving to the grocery store, picking up something heavy, doing housework for 2-3 hours etc. Then I am out for the next 2-3 days. Then I know that I am feeling better because my work load is lighter.

Hang in there. I am pulling for you!


Duchess

[Madison Granny]

I would definitely appeal.  i would also get a lawyer who specialize in disability law.  I haven't work since I got married so I can't apply for disability but I do know that SJS is disabling.