Hi everyone:

I found this site while searching for an association between spinal stenosis and PTSD. I have both. I have medication for the pain as well as medication for the problems associated with PTSD.

I have not worked since 2004 and will be having a social security hearing next month. I have an attorney but if anyone knows anything about attorneys they do not like to say much. It appears that I have a strong case. I am not applying for SSI it is for SSA. The same as if I were retiring.

Lately, I have been in a lot of pain. Like I said I have the meds but do not like to take them because of the side affects. To put it in plain English I am a mess.

If there are any people out there who have gone through the social security thing and can tell me about the hearing process I would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

...yes, I have those issues too: PTSD, DEQ-tendonitis (an RSI), cervical spondolosis, osteoarthritis/DDD, and a few other psych: depression, ADHD. Now, it turns out I've probably had multiple sclerosis for over 10 years. No wonder I'm exhausted.
RULE 1 for me is: not drink so I can manage pain better, sleep better, get better medical care/meds. Overall, I feel safer sober (but then that relates directly to my life traumas).
I like to learn about managing my head using podcasts, perhaps you'll be interested, it is free and private. Download and listen like audiobooks from the library (Dali Lama) and newscasts from the web (neuroscience or astronomy). I think you can get earn a college degree that way.
I have learned a lot about meditation, for ex. It helps w the PTSD, the ADHD, depression, fatigue, self-esteem, etc. It helps me stay quiet as I need to do. The PTSD subsided but I can still get triggerred. Seroquel helped w that. Neurontin helped w the cervical & bilateral hand pain/numbness. I take an anti-inflamm script for a lot of arthritis/tendontits that helps a lot too (but I still have to have my foot repaired surgically).
HERE'S A TIP: I think it is important to get good dental care--for me it seems to help stabilize spinal problems, calm irritated nerves, reduce inflammation in joints, and combat fatigue. This may be esp true if you grind your teeth. I neglected a crown or two and they really wore me down w pain and fatigue. Bad idea.
Good luck w the SSD, it was the only way I could get proper medical care. "It is the "combination of illnesses" that has made it..." Now, on SSD/medicare for 5 mos, was just diag'nosed w MS by MRIs of spine and brain also a spinal tap confirmed it. Being a vet, you probably get better medical care than I do. (Although recent news would tend to discount that.)
Now they say a lot of the (extraordinary) fatigue and other odd collection of serious symptoms of the last 10 years that disabled me was likely the undiagnosed MS generally, but I was exceeding my limits, getting exhausted and further injured, and getting spotty treatment on a piecemeal basis because I didn't think I could afford to get the medical care I needed. My psych & pain meds alone were too expensive. I was trying hard not to have any accidents, but I was wearing out trying to keep up.
The dx of MS surprised every doctor I spoke to. Boy, were the shrinks surprised, they were convinced I was just nuts. I was sure they were crazy and they scared me more, too. Put me on too much meds.
Now, W medicare and the proper medical care, I hope to address my healthcare needs properly, rehab, and get back to work...in time.
I'll be happier that way.