Hi I’m new here,
In September 2012 I was diagnosed, I will share the doctors words…” a diagnostic consideration is multifocal motor neuropathy. With evidence of denervation to his TA, I discussed with the patient the possibility of a more diffuse process such as motor neuron disease or ALS.”
On October 28, 2012 I was fired from my job. First time for me, and I was never given a reason. My boss at that time was a friend I went to school with since 7th grade. I had been completely honest with him about my situation. No job = No money = No insurance = No more doctor, and here I sit 1 ½ yrs. later, completely lost and no compass to find my way.
In March 2013 after months of looking for a new job, I was hired by a local factory. The job was contingent upon successfully passing their physical. I did not pass, the doctor said “you would not make it here even 2 weeks.” She went on to say “I see you have a CDL, I would not pass you for that either. And if I did it would only be for 6 months.” I had already made that decision in 2012 myself, and now I was hearing a doctor say it.
In March 2012 I was still driving a flatbed semi when I knew I had to stop. I was having a lot of problems with the chains, binders, tarps and my shifting was off, basically everything was off. I could not explain any of it; but I was not going to wait for an accident. I gave my notice after securing a job with my friend. (I thought) Before all of that I was a carpenter until 2009 when that got to be too much.
After being denied the factory job I applied to a Voc. Rehab. I was on their waiting list about 4 months; I met with a counselor 4 times. And about 5 months later I was walked to the door and told “good luck”. She did not know what to do with me. I don’t think she understood my situation, I’m not sure if I really do either.
I did apply for SSDI, I got a denial letter today. As I said before I am completely lost. I have been asking for help all I get is more confusion. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Darren

I moved your post here, it sounds like it is the best fit for what you need right now.

Denials first time out are fairly normal so don't despair..

Part of the reason for your denial was likely due to your not having recent medical records. Having the support of your doctor/s to apply for SSDI will not guarantee approval, but without that support it sure can make approval more difficult.

If you can qualify for Medicaid, apply asap. If you have too many assets, than I would recommend investing in insurance--even if it means selling non-essentials (like a vehicle) or liquidate an IRA, etc.

Request that the Voc Rehab Counselor provide you with a letter, if at all possible, stating your limitations from your disability mad it impossible for her to find any type of work which you could manage. (Did you supply anything from her to SS btw? Did she do any testing? Send you to any doctors?)

Did you provide SS with the report from the factory doc?

Have you asked your friend if he would provide a letter to SS stating he needed to terminate you due to your declining health?

Were you receiving Unemployment when you applied? Depending on the state you live in, there maybe a conflict doing both at the same time.

Most importantly, file a timely appeal.

If that is true, you need to file a claim w/your local EEOC.
http://www.eeoc.gov/employees/charge.cfm

ASAP (within 30-60 days of the initial denial) I suggest that you file for Reconsideration. http://www.ssa.gov/online/ssa-561.html
If you are denied Reconsideration time to start looking into hiring an attorney or a SSDI advocate. Make sure either only handles SSD claims/cases. Most if not all can be found in your local Yellow Pages.

If you have not already done so, strongly suggest that you read the stickies at the top of this website. Wealth of info (info overload) there.

Good luck!

Reconsideration has been eliminated in some states. Your denial will state if your appeal will be for Reconsideration or for a hearing before an ALJ.

While you need to get your appeal in a timely fashion, generally 65 days from the date of the denial letter, you also will need time to gather new medical evidence. This link has a very good explanation of how to most effectively examine your denial letter and how to prepare your response: http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis...ideration.html

Thanks for the reminder. I keep forgetting SSD made a few changes in the last few years.