[Rickey]

Originally Posted by Samm

I agree Ricky. My case was a little different. I drove truck for 35 years and developed neuropathy in both feet due to diabetes. My Doc wouldn't pass my required Dept Of Transportation physical unless I saw a Neurologist. After 1/2 day testing, the Neuro Doc said I was unqualified to operate a commercial vehicle due to severe neuropathy and lack of reflexes.

When I 1st applied my caseworker said SSA takes it very serious when other federal agencies disqualify you from an existing job because of physical or mental conditions. Then added at age 56, no college, and lack of other skills that can be used for other types of work, my case was very strong.

I actually took a job working with disabled boys in a group home, after being disqualified from driving. So I did try to do something else. After a week, we agreed I did not have the stamina and control of balance to continue.

I included a copy of the denied DOT physical report with my medical questionnaire, and a letter from the boys home director, explaining why a mutual termination was agreed on.and SSA awarded it on 1st try.

Since there is really no possibly of improvement, at least not enough to ever drive professionally again, my Doc would likely never say I can return to work, at least to that line of work. Not to mention in that situation, he has to consider possible lawsuits if he approves me, and is wrong, and there's an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

The main thing with me, is my condition was deteriorating rapidly towards the end, while working . Since I've stop working, it hasn't gotten better and never will. But at least it has stopped progressing to any large degree

Then there is the severe arthritis in the back of the neck. It's not a constant pain, but the flare ups come on for no reason, no warning, at any time, and can last up to 5 days. At that point, I can't hardly get out of bed. Standing, sitting will be so painful it can literally drive you to tears.

Hi Samm,
We are pretty much in the same boat. When you get a chance, read the first post in this Topic. I was a truck driver myself and my seizure disorder almost cost me my life. Thank God no one else was in the way.

Thanks Rickey

[Samm]

Originally Posted by Rickey

Hi Samm,
We are pretty much in the same boat. When you get a chance, read the first post in this Topic. I was a truck driver myself and my seizure disorder almost cost me my life. Thank God no one else was in the way.

Thanks Rickey

I did, WOW. In fact I replied to it early on. Don't remember why I didn't follow up, but was surprised it went to 5 pages. I take it you haven't heard from your lawyer yet and his meeting with the ALJ?

I'm probably not too far behind you on the cervical neck arthritis thing. The Arthritis specialist said 2 years ago it was not possible to operate. But he said it wasn't considered debilitating, or prevent me from driving

Even though most of the pain meds were not allowed to be used while driving by the DOT, and during flare ups, the pain so intense, I could only drive 30-40 minutes, then had to lay in the bunk an hour. My truck had electronic logs, and that screwed that up big time.

I never did see what the Neurologist wrote in his report. But both my Doctor and SSA seemed pretty convinced by it. Since the very beginning, I've talked to the national SSA twice, and all I'll say is ever since I always call the local office now. They are much more helpful, more understanding, and actually talk normal rather than the typical "Lawyer speak"

Keep us updated

[Rickey]

I have found another flaw in there so called rules and policies. I found on the SSA site the rules the review board must follow when making a decision on a persons claim. The regulation states that the review board must consider ALL medical problem listed on the claim. They absolutely, positively DID NOT do this on my claim according to my lawyer. This is their own policy and they did not follow it. I requested a copy of the medical profile that SSDI has on me about 6 or 8 weeks ago, I haven't received so much as a post card from these gluteus maximus wipes. I could be wrong but I beleive I have the right to see what they have on me but they will not send it to me.

And there again, I can not for the life of me see why this stupid lawyer isn't trying to force them to reconsider my claim immediately. It's not my fault they didn't follow their own rules about whats on the claim form or the medical records.

[Samm]

Originally Posted by Rickey

I have found another flaw in there so called rules and policies. I found on the SSA site the rules the review board must follow when making a decision on a persons claim. The regulation states that the review board must consider ALL medical problem listed on the claim. They absolutely, positively DID NOT do this on my claim according to my lawyer. This is their own policy and they did not follow it. I requested a copy of the medical profile that SSDI has on me about 6 or 8 weeks ago, I haven't received so much as a post card from these gluteus maximus wipes. I could be wrong but I beleive I have the right to see what they have on me but they will not send it to me.

And there again, I can not for the life of me see why this stupid lawyer isn't trying to force them to reconsider my claim immediately. It's not my fault they didn't follow their own rules about whats on the claim form or the medical records.

Hey Brother, it shouldn't surprise you the way federal agencies deal with their own rules. All those years under the DOT. Here are rules, you are required to follow them to the letter with severe consequences if you fail to comply. At the same time, we only have the rules to pacify the public. If you all do follow the rules, collectively, the economy will collapse, and there will be consequences for following those rules as an industry. (Wink, wink) cheat, just don't let us catch you.