I just got the bad news that I was turned down for my SSDI...I know everyone gets turned down the first time..I need advice.

If it were me, now is the time to acquire an attorney who handles these kinds of cases.

I know it has to feel like just another blow to your world with RSD in it...Knowing that yes, the first time thru can't be a negative result is one thing but as with every thing else with our illness..we have to get back up..re-group and go at it again..I, like Jim..think its time for someone to back you on this process..I just applied in July for SSD but my employer has a group who assists me in this process, Allsup. Funny, next week I have a teleconf. with them to complete a 44 page questionaire... I rather they just pull up the 55 gal. drum and ask me to give my blood til it emptys me out...right then and there!

Good luck, Cindi..You will prevail because you will not give up nor weaken!!

Love, Kathy

Cindy my wife is going through the same thing. The best thing I can advice is get a attorney and pull all your current doctor records now. The reason is to see if your main doctors are on your side not on some sort of tangent somewhere in their head. This way you'll have time to steer them straight when it comes down to the admin-judge at SS.

Cindi.

I got turned down my first try too. (I think most of us do). I contacted an attorney, and he would not represent me (yet) because my w/c benefits are more than my monthly SSDI benefit. He advised me to file an appeal (you only have 60 days from the date of your denial letter), and once I get denied again I will have settled my w/c case. (hopefully) I won't have any monthly income from w/c and therefore will be able to collect monthly SSDI benefits. Don't let it get you down. Good luck, and let us know how it's going!

Kim

Cindi, Almost everybody gets denied he first time they apply. I think that they do this to weed out the people who are not really in serious need of SSDI. The advice that has been given here is dead on correct. Do file an appeal and find an attorney who specializes in this. They have the know-how and connections to get all of the records together and make sense of them. Often times there is a nurse on staff that can interpret them. Try hard to not be discouraged. My daughter is a social worker and worked for a long time with severely mentally ill patients and this was almost always the way it happened with their SSDI. Do not give up!! I did receive mine at the appeal. Good luck, Lisa

Cindi...

I am now in the waiting part for my first decision. I am expecting to be turned down.

The waiting is so difficult. My understanding is that almost 80% get turned down first time, but almost 80% get approved on appeal. Something is just not right about those percentages.

Thanks for all your replies...I am going to work on trying to find a disability lawyer tomorrow.

I agree with all the only additional info. I can give is to hire a disability attorney and let him start working for you by filing the appeal.When a disability attorney takes a case he can only charge $6000 which will come out of your settlement amount, so don't ever give a disability attorney any money yourself. They are mandated by federal law on fee's when fighting a disability case. You will also need current doctors records. If I remember correctly once you appeal you will be asked for current medical records at least from you treating doctor.

I hope this helps, I remember when I started the process I was very confused. Your case worker at your local Social Security Office where your claim is filed is a very key person in all of this also. I had a very nice person who worked with me.

Gabbycakes

I think I am about the only one around here I know of who got their SSDI for RSD on the first try. BUT that also could be because I was on SSDI from 1992 thru 1998. The reason I was on during the 90's was from an injury I had sustained in a car accident with a darn cow, no less *LOL* That injury was a neck injury & in no way caused RSD. I was off of SSDI from 1998 to 2004 when RSD brought me low. I have it in both feet. I was so disappointed when I ended up back on it again. I am so glad that I did have those 6 yrs of 'life' back. The only thing I had left from my first disability was Mediare. Back then they let you keep it for health insurance for so many years after you are off SSDI. I can't remember the exact number at this time but while I still had it a new law was enacted & I got to keep it longer & still had it when RSD brought me down. And yes, it sucks to have been disabled twice in one life time.

DebbyV