[amytherain99]

My husband is 56, has Depression, anxiety panic disorder, and PTSD. He resigned a year a go due to these problems.

Already applied, they are starting to gather some DR notes--form Residual Function Forms, Mental forms that Dr.'s have agreed to fill out. Cant seem to find out where we are in the pipeline, let alone get them to answer phone.

I have had some Attorney's said they will take him NOW but not impressed. (dont want to go into details)

Anyone know anyone that was helpful in going through this in state of Florida?

We applied in begining of November. He is also 420 lbs, with all sorts of other heath problems. He has enough credits--20 yr Army Vet and 15 years in civilian sector. Please anyone??

[LIT LOVE]

Originally Posted by amytherain99

My husband is 56, has Depression, anxiety panic disorder, and PTSD. He resigned a year a go due to these problems.

Already applied, they are starting to gather some DR notes--form Residual Function Forms, Mental forms that Dr.'s have agreed to fill out. Cant seem to find out where we are in the pipeline, let alone get them to answer phone.

I have had some Attorney's said they will take him NOW but not impressed. (dont want to go into details)

Anyone know anyone that was helpful in going through this in state of Florida?

We applied in begining of November. He is also 420 lbs, with all sorts of other heath problems. He has enough credits--20 yr Army Vet and 15 years in civilian sector. Please anyone??

I'd suggest checking out Allsup.com although you'd be hiring a non-attorney rep (they have attorneys on staff).

Or, you might want to see if you can find a nonprofit agency that will help for free.

Even if an attorney will represent him at this point, few will put much effort into it unless he's already accrued potential backpay.

[ginnie]

Yes I do know of a good attorney assistant. He got me all the way to my hearing and never let me down. Lit Love may have forgotten I am in Florida. Where? PM me, and I can give you all the information I have. Never met a kinder man, more willing to help. Hope you are in my area. ginnie

[LIT LOVE]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Yes I do know of a good attorney assistant. He got me all the way to my hearing and never let me down. Lit Love may have forgotten I am in Florida. Where? PM me, and I can give you all the information I have. Never met a kinder man, more willing to help. Hope you are in my area. ginnie

No, I didn't forget. I think it's generally a bad idea to hire an attorney that early, unless they're working for a non-profit. The last person in a similar situation--asking for a referral for a spouse that needed help--ended up being approved very quickly on her own if you recall.

[ginnie]

Actually it was my PCP that said for me to get an attorney or assistant. In my case this worked out well as he was with me from the beginning. He also knew I didn't have a lot, nor would I be receiving a lot. For my peace of mind this helped me through the 7 surgeries before my hearing. People have the right to choose to do it themselves and apply, or do it the way I did with someone much more knowledgeable than I was. Having both options available I believe is important. ginnie

[LIT LOVE]

Originally Posted by ginnie

Actually it was my PCP that said for me to get an attorney or assistant. In my case this worked out well as he was with me from the beginning. He also knew I didn't have a lot, nor would I be receiving a lot. For my peace of mind this helped me through the 7 surgeries before my hearing. People have the right to choose to do it themselves and apply, or do it the way I did with someone much more knowledgeable than I was. Having both options available I believe is important. ginnie

An attorney that is being paid a percentage of back pay has little incentive to put effort into the process early on.

The fact that your attorney was not successful until the hearing level is not a ringing endorsement that he sped up the process.

Should most people hire an attorney at the ALJ stage? Yes.

For someone like the OP, choosing a non attorney rep or utilizing a non profit is preferable IMO. And it's just that, IMO. I hate to see people assume an attorney will hurry things along when many do the opposite.

[Mz Migraine]

Originally Posted by amytherain99

My husband is 56, has Depression, anxiety panic disorder, and PTSD.

He has enough credits--20 yr Army Vet and 15 years in civilian sector. Please anyone??

If I'm not mistaken, vets get priority when it comes to applying for SSDI. At least that was the way it was 10 yrs ago. Is your husband's medical condition military related? Vets use to get put on the top of the pile. There use to be "military disability" also. Has your husband applied or at least looked into it?

As for getting an attorney or a rep at the beginning of an SS application process, you should do some investigation/research in this matter. Do what is best for your husband & you (since you appear to be handling his SS process). What is best for one does not mean it will be best for all. All we can do is recommend, suggest and support you from beginning to end.
Also, suggest that when you get time, read all of the stickies at the top of this site. Wealth of info there.



GOOD LUCK!




P.S. I am not in Florida. Sure wish I was!

[don1956]

im about the same age as your husband.and i to am disable vet like him.it was not service related again like him.but just the same a vet ,57 and disable.who cant work and now had no income.but lucky for me i did happen to find a "VA"addministration dept.in my area who were more than helpful.one thing i did learn about them is that all "VA"are not /run the same!! they are run and control different.believe it or not.i went to 3 till i found the right one!!.the 3rd one was the best one and the biggest.they have a wide range of dept.one is legal and they have immediate access to "SSD"...iknow it shocked me to.they helped me a tremendous amount and maybe you to.just keep searching for the right one and let them know what you are going thru..they want to help!..like us here

[JoanieP]

Hi, there, first I just would like to say a big "thank you" for your husband's service...!!! I am so very sorry he is suffering and will keep you in my prayers.

I too have applied for SS just before my brain tumor was resected 7 weeks ago. At this time, I have not requested help from an attorney, because I do understand that the process is so very long...and usually the first application is denied. There are several types of "immediate" medical needs that are approved, but alas, neither of ours are in that title.

Since I also have Celiac Disease, some of the people I am in contact there have suggested using the Florida system of assistance to those who are considered disabled in trying to achieve a job. Oh, I am too new to put the link in but it is for Rehabilitation jobs in the State of Florida. Google can probably help get the right link. It is per area by different counties in the State.

I intend to try and contact them now that I had to quit my job since my speech and memory still have not totally healed. They had to remove some good brain tissue to extract the whole tumor...this has elongated my healing. Also, I had to quit my job although I was on FMLA because I cannot drive due to seizures I have had...by law in FL after any seizure, a 6 month period applies, and although I am on anit seizure meds, right now I have to wait until June...unless I have another seizure in the meantime...ugh!

Hoping and praying that your life's journey becomes better with your husband's health. Joanie