Congrats on the SSI! Amazed that you were approved on the first try. I applied, but was denied the first time even though they didn't look at all my medical reports because they kept "forgetting". I contacted an attorney about 6 or 7 months ago, and he has requested the SSI department reconsider and they actually are requesting more medical now and will set a hearing after that it is received. The attorney feels very good about my situation, as he doesn't understand the initial denial. I have been disabled basically since my first surgery in Dec of 2007, and have medical reports proving that I have been unable to work ever since (I had surgeries in 2008 that even required 6 months non-weight bearing), so that covers the one year disability requirement. I currently am unable to work, I had a spinal stim implanted originally in Sept of 10 and it had to be re-done due to lead migrations and my battery moving to where it was sticking about half an inch out and could not communicate with controller or charging system in Dec of 10. Since the Dec surgery, the RSD has flared/spread and now has affected my back, my arms, hands, fingers and both legs. Some days, I feel like it has affected my head, as I will get "jolts" in my brain and horrible headaches.

SSI initially said I could still perform a sedentary NO STRESS only type job. Now, I can't even sit for long (spine hurts badly where the implant, leads and battery is at), lay, stand or walk for long periods. Not to mention the dry mouth, confusion, anxiety, touchiness, and fatigue. Besides, has anyone really heard of a job that is sedentary with NO stress? I sure haven't...

Congrats again, and hope you have more good days then bad!