I just got my Fully Favorable Decsision today!!!!!

Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!!!!!!

I guess persistance does pay off after all. I was really ready to give up this time, but held on to a thread of hope.
So everyone fighting, keep at it, there is light at the end of the tunnel

I filed my claim in April of 2003, and am just now makin it.

Congratulations. I filed in february of 2003 I got a call from my attorney last week he said my case is now being put on the Judges calendar. Unfortunately he said he thinks it wont be until November before I get my hearing. I'm so nervous can you give me any advice for the hearing?

Beverley

This was my second hearing, and there were a few things that my attorney told me to do that really helped the judge to believe me.

When asked a question, even if from your attorney, answer looking at the judge. Dont over answer questions, because they can ask more questions to get information, but if you offer too much info it cant be taken back.

Dress clean and neat, but dont dress like your going to a job interview. Just wear what you normally wear everyday. Ask your attorney for a list of the most common questions asked, and then write the answers down. You might say the answers out loud a few times so that you are comfortable with them. Let your attorney see your answers a few days before the hearing, this way he can help you answer truely and correctly and not go off on a long tangent.

If I can think of any more I will get over here and post it up.

Above all dont worry to much, as that usually cause us more pain

I wish you all the luck in the world, and will be prayin for ya.

I am very happy for you that you won your case.Your situation sounds similar to mine.I applied for ssdi 2003.Was denied intially and at the reconsideration.
Waited until 7-07 to have my ALJ hearing.The decision was unfavorable!
My medical files were shuffled from one hearing office to another because they kept changing which office my hearing would be held.
My medical exhibt didn't have all my records.
My attorney filed an appeal to the review board.Now I am waiting once again.

What was the time frame from the ALJ denial to hearing back from the appeals
counsel?And then how long after that until your 2nd hearing?
Just curious what I might expect.
Thanks MC

Hi MC

I heard back from the review board in march, and they gave me 90 days to submit new medical records etc. This was about a year from the first hearing. Then I got a letter about 30 days before the hearing to be held in august. The decision came about 2 weeks after the hearing, and was dated august 30.

I have received the SSI back pay, and got a notice of award for the SSDI, but they say they are sending another after calculating, and deducting for the state disability I received in 02 - 03. I did call for information on medicare, and they told me what the ssdi backpay amount will be.

The amount I receive from ssdi isnt the amount I hoped it would be, but I can live with it. I had a 10 year blank spot in my earnings where I took in foster kids, and didnt pay into social security.

One of the things that really helped me in the hearing was that they called my son in and asked him questions. He gave me the ride there, and we didnt know they would call him in. It was hard for me to hear the answers he gave because I never realized how much he missed the old me.

That is when I lost composure. As I broke up from what I was hearing, and looked around the room at everyone. Their faces showed true concern, and they asked if I needed a moment. I told them no, I would be alright, it was just hard to hear from someone else. I really never realized how much our disabilities effect those around us.

I hope your hearing comes fast, and that they decide in your favor. Dont give up. I know it is hard to live, but well worth the fight.

That is so great Allen , congratulations!!

Congratulations Allen : Good to hear some positive news.

Thanks for sharing Jeffn.

congrats! I am waiting on my letter and check now!

You are correct, LTD can (and often does) refuse benefits even if a person is collecting SSDI, as they each use their own criteria when deciding a claim.
They are supposed to factor in the weight/credibility of a favorable SSDI decision when deciding claims, but rarely do.

I've been on SSDI and LTD for many years now, my problem is that as soon as my dependent aged out from collecting off my SSD record (which in turn means the LTD carrier now has to pay much more) the carrier suddenly decides to cut me off regardless that my health situation is much worse than when I went on claim years ago, as well as very medically documented. Of course they deny the increase in benefit amount has anything to do with the denial which is common for them to do.

I've been through appeals (always successful and benefits reinstated) in the past always over some BS reason to cut me off, having done so, this time I'm no longer letting their delay tactics work and I'm currently in the process of a lawsuit in order to have benefits reinstated.
The appeal process is just something I no longer have any energy for, that's why my attorney is handling the matter for me.
It's a long story and one I can't get into due to my filing, but I will never let them win as that's what they are hoping for.

Please ignore the reply that I posted above, that reply was actually intended for another thread. Sorry it must be the meds