Okay BB. Got your point.

I got my letter today, it don't say anything about a review. It just says that they found me 100% disabled because of severe osteoarthritis, seizure disorder, severe hearing loss and a couple of others. It says that I would be paid back-pay to August 2009 when I actually had to quit working. And I would receive monthly benefits checks. I don't know if this means a review or not but it says I am insured until Dec 31 2013. My file has been sent to another office for payment arrangements.

About a review, I am not really worried about it. My orthopedic Dr. said today my thigh bone is fracturing where the implant is attached to it. He has know idea why or what to do about it at this point. He is going to talk with some specialist from UAB Birmingham and see what they can do.

I just had a reconsideration of a not favorable ruling a couple of days ago. My attorney says that the signs are good but nothing is certain until I receive a notice and some money. I've been 3and a half years without my social security. I was retired out by a health care company and given a disability pension, so I'm not in dire need, but I was counting on that SSD money to get by, and it's been rough without it. The SSA sent me to their dr., who said that because I can raise my hands up that I can work, despite the fact that I only stopped working after I got my migraines. I put up with the back and neck injuries for 2 years and kept working. It was the migraines that broke the camels back. The first hearing, the judge wrote that I "lay around all day watching tv" because I testified that I can't do much except lay down and sit in my recliner. This reconsideration hearing seemed to go better, the judge didn't ask the vocational expert any questions, and my attorney says that's a good sign. He was clicking his computer while listening to my testimony, which I assume was him looking through my medical records, and at one point about a half hour in, stopped us and said he had enough information to make his decision. I had 4 pages of written stuff because I'm forgetful due to my meds and wanted to go through all of the meds one by one so he could see how much I take. I can't see any reason that the judge would stop my testimony early unless he was going to rule in my favor. I really hope so, i've been waiting over 3 years for my benefits. Even more than the money, i need the medicare. I have health insurance through my employer, but there is a 2000 dollar copay and deductible tied to it because i moved out of state to florida after retiring. I have to fly every 2 months to new york for back treatments (used to be monthly), and emergency stuff breaks the bank. Please keep fingers crossed for me.

congrats Rickey!!!! I pray I get approved now also. That is wonderful news!

Congrats.....Where were you in your appeal process? Reconsideration or ALJ?

Hello ricky,
i am so happy for you. One less thing stressing over (the silent killer). Relax. It saddens me you needed a lawyer. I on the other hand am here for reasons that we share dealing with ssd agency. I could throw in my opinion in on ones expertise and manor in which one conducts oneself, however i shall refrain from doing so. In my situation i had no choices in some matters. After my first surgery i returned work two weeks after. After a year it turns out i did not fuse. Second surgery i took a 2 consecutive 6 month leave of absence due to medical reasons with no pay. I took a major hit doing this, but it allowed my health insurance to remain in effect. I also have a 13 year old. I have 7 years on the job and do not play politics. I started at bottom salary scale, haven't moved much in 7 years, i know how to work, only i just physically can't. I work for my former city i lived in for 45 years. I am now in a situation, my second leave is up at the end of this month and became approved only 5 months ago with no retro payout because of a life insurance my parents had taken out when i was a child. I took it over at 18 and since then taken out cash value. Know made a decision with my family at my side helping me with the pros and cons. I do get ssd (because my intent was to return to work. But am unable to return back to work because i suffer with a multitude of problems to quote my neurosurgeon. I am bed ridden at the moment waiting for my meds to kick in so i can attempt to do simple tasks with minimal pain as possible. I am on spinal disorders. I will most likely loose my job along with most importantly my insurance. I am ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. I have a copy of 98% of my medical records. These past 3 years sucked so much more from my life. I lived more than half my life span. My children are 30, 28, 27 and 13teen and am a 1st time grandmother, i have no option i must take care of me. It will be interesting, from the municipal level up to state agencies.

Again, congrats. Wish you comfort.