Hi my buddies! I would like to know if I can go on Social security, due to this illness of RSD. I spoke with my surgeon who was the one who diagnoised me and he said he would send any records to whom ever I wished?? Is anyone else on this? can you tell me how to go about this?? Thank you so much! Love, Desi

I believe it is do-able because some have done it, but it usually is a looong fight. At least it has been for me.

I did get a letter from them saying to update my medical files in march, and that they would be contacting me for the second ALJ hearing. Havent heard anything so far, and on pins and needles waiting. Im kinda getting used to the wait though, as have been waiting nearly 3 1/2 years.

I would say go for it, the sooner the better

I wish you luck, it sure didn't work for me. I went through the whole SS process twice with no success. I finally got my SSI the third go-round... but that's only because I now have aids too.

Every person who ever applies for SS will get turned down the first time, as far as I can tell. Just stick with it, don't let them wear you down and cause you to give up.

Thank you Allen and Rogue, your the "BOMB" (The Best) Love, Desi

Desi,

Yes, you can apply for SSD because of your RSD. As you've been told it is a long fight...who well I know It took almost 2 years for me to get approved. I was denied twice and finally had a hearing before an ALJ. The hearing went very smoothly for me...I was prepared for a fight but within 20 minutes, I was approved.

I would suggest that you get a atty who specializes in SSD. I retained one after being denied the 1st time. I know if I hadn't had an atty I more likely than not wouldn't of been approved. I was told by the ALJ, that the reason that I had been denied was because of my age ( I was 46 when I applied). He also told me that if he had seen my medical records sooner ( he had been out of the office until the day of my hearing), that I never would have had to go through the hearing...he would of approved me just on my records.

Keep strong...They try to get you so discouraged, that you'll give up the fight...Be prepared for a lot of paperwork...it's all worth it in the end.

Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

cjay

Hi ya Cjay! thanks for replying back to me. I looked in the phone book who handles such cases, and it said :If we don't win your case" you don't pay us anything.! thanks again! Love, Desi

Desi,
I must be the strangest person here. I got it 1st time out and it took about 6 wks. Ok..let me explain. I had all the flesh from the top and bottom of my foot. , and was on a vacpac that sucked at my foot 24/7 for 2 months. that was after 11 days in the hospital. My pod doc sent all the records and all to ssd. I had had about 8-9 surgeries in 3 years. there are several things to know. One, they are very forgiving if you are over the age of 50...they think that 50 and over really can't be trained in a new job. also, I applied online. I always say not to lie on the application, but when you apply, think of the worse day and use that. if today you can do the laundry, but yesterday you couldn't, use yesterday. they determine the date you became disabled, count the first 5 months as waiting. you don't get paid for them. then on month 6, it starts. the other good thing is once you are considered disabled for 2 years you automatically get medicare. I'll get mine starting this Dec. Apply for it..you have nothing to lose.
Mary

Oh, Good golly, Mary, You have been through too much!! I truly am so sorry! wow!! If anyone deserves SSI .. it is you!! Thank you for the info. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers sweetie! Love and "Gentle Hugs" to you, my friend! Love, Desi

Hi Desi,
Yes you can get ssd but be prepared for the fight of your life. Both my husband andi became disabled at the same time. it took 2 yrs to get it. during this time we had no money coming in and now we are losing our house. the best thing i can tell you is don't let them get to you. go in person and let them see how you are. when i did talk on the phone with then i had better luck with a man than a woman. they still give me a hard time saying i owe them 3 thousand dollars. i didn't fight it because i was afraid it would screw up my case, just don't give up you deserve it. i didn't use a lawyer, i just fought as hard as i could. good luck

love sue k.

HI DESI,
yes, you are elligible if you cannot work and you have medical doctors to say that. it is tricky. i got it first try also though. when you fill out forms, describe your worse possible days, don't describe the good days ... if you have any. and be very descriptive. use extra lines and paper if necessary. the more info they have, the better chance you have to get it.
good luck. Joan