Denied Disability-for the second time

[danelle]

Hi all, I told you I would update you when I got my decision on my reconsideration for SSDI. I was denied again. Needless to say, I am totally crushed. It will be a good year and a half now before I get a hearing.

Sometimes I wonder if it is even worth it all. I don't think I will win then because I sent in so much stuff(medical records, very detailed letter from my dr, letters from my sister and bestfriend, letter from my former boss, letters from my congressman, many articles on POTS, etc etc etc) I have had a neuro consult, a psychologist consult, and a pschiatrist consult that were set up by SSDI. Both my case workers told me that I did more than 98% of people who apply as far as havning everything complete and so detailed. Figure that one out. Obviously it doesn't help.

Don't know what else to do. My family cannot survive for that long, nor can my marriage. I am beyond desperate. We cannot get any kind of help from the governmental programs, etc.

I have been told to get a lawyer by some and not to fool with a lawyer by others. Yes, they can organize your stuff but it already is. I heard by SSDI that an attorney doesn't help your chances at the hearing level. Any suggestions here? I don't want to get one unless I have to and it will make the difference of getting the SSDI or not getting it.

Thanks for listening and please sent some luck my way, along with advice,

danelle

Sorry I have neglected everyone lately. I haven't been posting or anything. I have been neglecting my family and myself as well. I am just so down and feel useless --especially now that I didn't get the SSDI. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP

[MightyMouse]

Two suggestions--

first get a disability lawyer.

Second, with some help from Sophia, I added some disability resources in the pinned section at the top of the forum on answers to common questions. Check out the websites she provided there.

Nina

[danelle]

Thanks MM, so you DO recommend a disability lawyer. I know it is their specialty but what can they do special for me?-Sorry for asking such a stupid question.

I will check out the websites. I have been using some already but maybe you have some new ones. Thanks so much, I can't say that enough.

I just hope there is someway that my family will make it through this thing/

[steph37822]

oops

[Guest tearose]

Please do get a lawyer. I too went through the process and the system does not want to make this easy. I went through two applications and the hearing and still was denied. The judge found a small "loophole" to make it almost impossible for me to qualify now. I didn't "fail" my failed work attempt well enough! I am taking it to appeal but have given up hope it will turn around in my favor. The system is not functioning in the best interest of those of us who need it, but I must let go. I don't have any words of success but I do believe my family and I will survive this life struggle too. I hope you are successful but please don't count on it. I'll just have to be creative with some idea that will help the family financial situation. You will too if you must!

hang in there, tearose

[Sophia3]

Danell

Yes, yes a thousand times YES! Get a disability lawyer NOW.

Those that tell you not to are ignorant of HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS. THAT is where an attorney can SAVE YOU.

A disability specialist is TRAINED to jump thru the hoops of the legal system and are FAR FAR SUPERIOR to a person doing it alone.

I have posted NUMEROUS disability sites here and other places.

Please read the links MM posted.

There is no humanly way possible you could have the time, energy and know how that a good disability attorney has and can do.

I can't re-iterate that enough. I had an attorney spend 30 minutes on a cell phone to me back in 1990 telling me to try it first on my own because my paperwork was so diligent and two doctors verified my situation. So I did what he told me and got accepted the first time. He only said for me to try first since time wasn't of the essence and to save me money (I was still married at the time so money wasn't an issue back in those days) But by having some sense of who I was, had I been denied the first time, BOOM, I had me an attorney to call. I heard him speak at a support group for CFS and he was dedicated.

So get a good attorney and turn the appeal burden over to him/her.

Good luck.

[danelle]

Thanks for everyone's advice I have an appt with a great SSDI attorney at 10 in the morning.

Sophia, WOW, how did you do it on the first try AND on your own? I am willing to take on the huge task (with help from family) if it means I can save thousands-which I would. I will have plenty of time because here in NC the wait is about 1-1/2 yrs before you even get a date.

I understand completely what you are saying about the attorney though. After all, that is what they do for a living. I was just thinking about how bad we need all the money we can get.

If you don't mind my asking, how did you do it? Do you have lots of dx? Mine are POTS, fibromyalgia, CFS, depression, anxiety/panic disorder-those are the main ones.

I am going to keep my appt for tomorrow morning and see what they tell me but I would LOVE to hear what you did. You can either post it here or you can email me directly.

[khudsonwv]

Danelle, i received my disability in November... as for waiting so long for your hearing in front of the judge.... speak with the attorney about filing a request to expedite based on financial hardship. you will have to give detailed financial information - but i filed for this and my hearing was 3 1/2 weeks later. You may have to push your attorney to file this request because everyone says they need it - but if you truly show you are in finacial ruin they will speed it up. be prepared to show late notices etc. - anything and everything that shows your financial status. best of luck to you!!!

[MightyMouse]

Danelle, yes, no kidding, you probably need a lawyer at this point. The process is, as you've encountered, difficult. The lawyer will know how and when to manuver, and what will be the most effective and efficient way to get to the end goal: your approval of services.

If you cannont afford a lawyer, you might see if your local or state agencies for folks with disabilities know of resources for you.

Don't give up!!!

Nina

[lindaf]

sophia, i am so glad you are getting a lawyer. Most people get turned down at least once, but keep pushing. Pots is a relatively new field of medicine, and the system is ignorant about it. A good disability lawyer will be worth his weight in gold. Don't give up hope! linda

Edited March 2, 2005 by MightyMouse

[Sophia3]

Linda, I am not the one who started this thread.

I have my disability and am going thru a review..but if I get problems will call attorney.

somebody else was told NOT TO GET one upon her INITIAL application....I was just saying to jer to get one...I think you got my name mixed up with somebody else but thanks anyway!!

[blackwolf]

I'm not sure about the weblinks from MM( sorry, didn't read them all), so I'll just put in my 2 cents worth, ok 1/2 cent worth.

1. check with your local churches, see if they have a program to help, or know of one.

2. check with your local job service to see if they have a "physical evaluator" that specializes in giving you a complete ot and pt evaluation. This person usually must go to court with you and may, for a VERY small fee, represent you.

3. check with your state's Dept of social services and apply for any program you may or may not need, ie. food stamps, energy assistance(heating costs and electricity), phone service(local and collect calling), medical assistance.

Do you have kids, mabey in school, apply for school lunch discounts.

4.There are also local groups that cover most household bills for a period of 3-5 months. Do you have a local Head Start Program(preschool/daycare) they also have programs for people.

In rural areas, check with your local health nurse for assistance. You can also sometimes go thru the Dept of Agreculture, in those rural areas.

If you are in a larger city and if you have housing and redevelopment gruop and you rent or can prove that you could lose your home and it would be to physically demanding to move, you can apply for emergancy assistance.

Ok, that's all I have.

And if you need to, please use the local food pantry. They are there for that perpose. We, my hubby, myself and our 2 kids used them for several months. I now make it one of our monthly jobs to deliver one or two sacks of food.

And I would also say to get a lawer, just to be well covered. If in dought, check with the Dept of social services or look for a group that uses prorated fee/sliding fee/free services.

blackwolf

[danelle]

Thanks to you all for your suggestions. Blackwolf, thanks for being so precise about things to do.

I didn't get to my attorney's appt today because of snow but I will see her friday at 10 and I will update you on what she says.

Thanks for everyone opening my eyes for a battle I couldn't fight on my own. I really don't know what I was thinking.

You all are the best

[calypso]

Danelle,

I just wanted to say how bummed I am to hear you were denied again. I think that getting a lawyer who specializes in disability will save you money in the long run. Good luck with your appt. and keep us posted.

Amy

[corina]

Hi Danelle,

although I'm not in your country I wanted to let you know that after being denied the first time I got myself a lawyer and he helped me win my case. I was very relieved that he took over for me because at that time I wasn't able to stand up for myself anymore. It's their job and they are good in it. I really hope you can get the money to hire one who can help you out. Wish you all the luck in the world and go for it!!!

Corina

[Guest Mary from OH]

Danelle-

So sorry to hear your news sweetie!! But, remember, we are ALL here for you!! Get that lawyer and FiGHT!! You can win this!!! Keep fighting!!! As for the financial part, we will help you look for the resources you need.

Also, as someone said. You can file an expediated process after you "prove" your financial hardship. DO IT!!

We will all be your cheerleaders!! You need to learn what to document and how. Tell them how long it takes you to fill out the paperwork. Tell them you can't do it all at once.

Sorry I haven't been around much. I've been very sick. Now my migraines are reeking havoc on my life. I was in ER last night. They have me on Oxycontin now and it's not even touching it... I may have to go inpatient... But, I can't. I have a 5 1/2 year old who is sick and needs me. We'll see.

Take care and KEEP THE FAITH!!

[danelle]

Mary, I miss talking with you. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me when you have so much going on yourself. I really hate to hear that you are having such a hard time.

Maybe it is the time of year or something in the air, who knows?????

I sure hope that you and your daughter start feeling better. My prayers are with you, and please keep us posted on how you both are doing.

Many cyber hugs sent to you

Danelle