janiedelite Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 I had my SSDI hearing today and the judge gave a "bench ruling" stating that I was approved! My attorney said that only happens in 15% or so of her cases, but the judge said that it was obvious I was making considerably more money before I was disabled and doubted that I would have chosen such a decrease in income. Also, she grew up in Rochester, MN, and her dad was a neurosurgeon at Mayo and knew my neurologist! Also she said that my doctor's and PT records showed that I was extremely compliant, never missed appointments, and I kept lots of thorough records of my symptoms, appointments, and attempts to work. The vocational specialist who was present at the hearing said there was no job I could do at this present time.The judge had read all of my medical records, research articles on POTS, and my personal records prior to the hearing. The hearing lasted only 40 minutes, and was pretty much just a formality. There are certain categories for illness and disability, and she put me in the "peripheral neuropathy" category. I'll be reviewed in 24 months.I didn't have an IME prior to the hearing. The judge said there was an IME who was interested in rare diseases and he would have been excited to see me just because of my "rare" disorder. I don't think they sent me to an IME because I'd been to experts in my disease at Mayo.Woohoo!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firewatcher Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia3 Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 YAY! Congrats! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summer Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 I'm so glad it went so well for you!! I'm sure it feels great to have it behind you. Congratulations!Summer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkerbella Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 I'm so VERY HAPPY for you !!!!!BellaMia~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erikainorlando Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Great ....do happy for you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potsgirl Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 Woohoo, indeed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brye Posted February 19, 2010 Report Share Posted February 19, 2010 WHEW!!! Way to go!!! I found my approval very bittersweet! I was thankful that it was approved but it was a little depressing to me that I qualified for it!! Oh well! What a relief for you!!! Now you can focus your energy on getting well!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janiedelite Posted February 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 WHEW!!! Way to go!!! I found my approval very bittersweet! I was thankful that it was approved but it was a little depressing to me that I qualified for it!! Oh well! What a relief for you!!! Now you can focus your energy on getting well!!!Yes, I also found it depressing listening to the occupational therapist talk with the judge regarding the fact that I couldn't do any meaningful work. But I told the judge that I'm looking forward to either getting better or improving as much as I can. I'm thankful it's now behind me and I can focus my energy elsewhere. Thanks to all of you who sent congratulations! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxine Posted February 20, 2010 Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 Congratulations!I understand about being depressed even though you're happy about being approved. It was pretty shocking to hear my health problems are "progressive", and there's no job out there that I can do. It's bittersweet---------------it's great finally getting approved, but people need to understand we lose more then half our income, and it's depressing not being able to be in the working community anymore.I just hope they find better ways to help us, so we can all go back to work, and do the things we used to do.Maxine :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janiedelite Posted February 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 I just hope they find better ways to help us, so we can all go back to work, and do the things we used to do.Thanks, Maxine. And I'm right there with you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brownsea Posted February 20, 2010 Report Share Posted February 20, 2010 congrats thankful.xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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