Hey all....

I don't want to repost what I put in the Social Security section... don't think it is allowed to post the same thing in 2 sections. I'm not sure if anyone else looks at that section or just stays here in our group.

Anyway... I know quite a few of you are on SSDI and have went through the process. My hearing was on 3/4. I posted over in that section yesterday and am looking for some input. If you could pop over there and check it out I'd appreciate it!

Hi Shelly, appeal it. If and when you get ssd it goes back to the first day you filed but I don't know how that works if you are on w comp. It is nothing to be denied, keep on filing appeals. Best of luck Shelly. Hope you get the ssd and your problems are manageable.

Hey there! I went over to the SSD section and read your post. What happened at your hearing does sound very odd. I am sorry that you experienced that and sorry that I really do not have anything to offer. Thankfully I was approved SSD on first application and within three months so I do not have experience with appealing it and hearings. I just went through many appeals with STD/LTD which I know is totally different.

I know you will keep fighting and appealing and I wanted to wish you luck with it. I hope it eventually all works out for you.

Nanc

WOW! went over and checked out the post also......wow.....

Nothing surprises me with these guys. I had to go to two alj hearings, and all their doctors, and had all my ducks in a row as you have. At the first hearing the judge just looked at me, and then said much to the shock of everyone in the room. All of the medical records....including the ones from their doctors were thrown out as evidence! Denied!

When my attorney asked why the records were thrown out, the judge replied....look at him, he is healthier then all of us!

My problem was that I was into heavy weight training, and even after 5 years of not being able to work out, I still made the judge and everyone around look like a little pip squeak

Dont be discouraged, keep after it! It took 2 1/2 years to get back into court, and luckily the judge I seen had retired about 6 months prior, or I would have been in his court again.

Anyways, new judge.......new attorney.....we all are sitting there watching the judge look through the paper work. then she looks at me and says....what are you doing here? I didnt know what to say so I just looked at her with a puzzled look.

Then she asked me when did I think I was disabled, not when I applied, but when I thought I was disabled. I told her that I was disabled April 1st 2000, but....I kept working until finally the place I worked let me go in July 2001. But I didnt give up and tried to find work until March 2003, and finally gave up and applied for SSDI.

She said I love your honesty, and then set the date of disability to July 2001. So I was paid the back pay beyond the date of applying!

The VE and her aide looked at her and at the same time said that has never been done, and they dont know if she can do that...., she shushed them and said.. I am the judge here, and what I say goes!! So I finally was awarded SSDI in Sept 2009.

I had lost everything I own because I sold everything trying to live with zero income, and owed 7 months in back rent. Was so blessed to have a landlord that believed she would eventually get her rent....which she did LOL!!

So never give up.....even when you dont understand what the heck is going, and you feel like it is never going to happen for you. God is great, and is in your court. It could turn out to be one of the biggest blessings, like being given an award that goes back farther then you would even dream.

I know it seems like the deck is stacked against you, but never give up....that is exactly what they want you to do

One last thing.......

The judge said you should never have had to be in this court a second time. That she felt I was robbed of a fair hearing the first time. I guess everything about the first hearing was written down, and she was appalled that my life had been wrecked by a bad judgment call.

No retreat! No surrender!

This gives me some hope , I am afraid to reapply because of the four ring circus they put me through last time.

After reading the nightmares that some of you all went and going trough I feel good about my own situation...

Hi Shelley, I never had to deal with W/C or appeals for SSDI. I was blessed to have mine approved the first time. The people at the SS office did want me to come in to fill out paperwork and talk to me so I did. They were very kind and helpful. CRPS is listed as a disability that SS I believe acknowledges. I gathered all my medical records from all of my drs, documented all my dr appts and kept a log of my daily struggles with RSD. I also got a SSDI lawyer to help me with the paperwork, because some of it was hard to understand for me. Then I kept them updated on my dr appts and let them know of all the meds I take and how they affect me. If I were you I would get a lawyer who specializes in SSDI and one who works on contigency. If you are on WC, maybe get a WC lawyer too. Not sure about that one, sorry. And most of all, DON'T GIVE UP! RSD is REAL as we all know all too well, and you have every right to apply for help if you can't work because of it. I pray alot these days and will pray for you too that you will win your appeal. With Love, Renee.
PS - Make sure you try not to get stressed during your appeal. I know it is very difficult not to, but the stress will make your rsd flare up and you don't want that. Your health is most important. Take care my friend and good luck.

Thank you all for taking a look at it!

This process is so frustrating. I'm most scared to be denied by the ALJ and have to keep fighting. My long term disability insurance is set to end in September if my SS doesn't get approved Then I am in some real trouble.

Why is your LTD ending? Are you at retirement age? I thought all LTD benefits are supposed to last until you are at SSNRA (normal retirement age) as long as you still meet the criteria of being totally disabled.