Congratulations! It took my wife some years before she was approved last nov-2. She will receive 3.5 years back pay but have not seen a dime yet. She has received her medicare coverage.

Really?? I wonder why? I was approved on Tuesday & got my back pay today.

As everyone else has said, I can't help but reiterate: KEEP YOUR RECORDS. Politely but firmly insist on copies of everything, even if you don't think you'll need it. We found our copier-printer-scanner to be very useful. We have scanned backups every every single record also.

We had many issues with doctors, hospitals, etc. not sending records, but since we'd gone personally and gotten so many, we were able to hand carry a huge stack (like 5 inches tall) over to our local Social Security office). I really think that made a difference.

Also if you haven't already, start keeping a log of every single doctor's appointment, therapy appointment, ER visit, etc., along with a complete list of every medical provider. You'll find it very helpful, and you won't have to go back through the painful process of recreating it later. (Ask me how I know.... )

If RSD/CRPS has gotten to the stage that it is preventing you from your daily duties, or you suspect that it may in the near future, I encourage you to at least begin investigating the process. It takes time (I have never heard of a case being approved as quickly as mine, in fact), but it's worth it in the end, especially when you've been paying into it your entire adult life.

I can only assume it could be some States may take longer and or her case goes back 4 years. Since she will receive 3.5 years back pay I guess this could hang things up perhaps. One reason, I was told, is SS wants to make sure she did not collect SSI or some other benefit such as WC, medicaid etc. in which she did not.

Oh, I bet that is it. I think I heard that SS is a federal program but it is administered by the individual states, now that you mention it.

That just stinks.

Congrats to you!! I am so glad that you are back to posting again, I really missed you. Lisa

Aww, thank you, Lisa! That makes me feel good.

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!

Congratulations Peppermint Patty! It is so good to hear of others with RSD/CRPS being approved for SSDI on their first try. Good Luck gram E. I pray your are approved on your first try and very quickly. Just to give you some hope, I was approved on my first try. My last day of work was Feb 29, 2008. I turned in my paperwork in mid-June and was approved in September and received my first check in October. My review period is 5-7 years. The paperwork was a nightmare but it does pay to be very thorough as others have said.
Cricket

Congratulations Patty....

I recently was approved for SSDI as well. I used a lawyer to represent me. Hurt to give up the maximum $6k right off the top of my backpay check, but I really did not think I would be approved initially, and felt I would need the lawyer for the appeals process.

The process for me went very quickly.

I met with the lawyer in September, 2010. She filed for me in October, 2010. I was approved in December, 2010. Amazingly quick, considering the horror stories I have heard from some others!

So the take-away is that the SSDI process can go well on occasion. Get all your ducks in a row. As mentioned, have every appt. and treatment documented.

Spend PLENTY of time on the documents Social Security requires you to fill out! Don't exaggerate, but don't minimize!

Good luck to all in the process!