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!

To MC : You may want to go down to the Social Security Office and request a complete copy of your file or have your Attorney make that request for you.

This would give you the opportunity to review your file and make sure the medical evidence meets one of the Social Security Disability Listings.

I have four file boxes of medical reports plus 3 legal binders all tabbed and dated and I keep a running file on my desk top.

It is very important to keep a hard copy of all information you provide the SSA.

Don't get blind sided or sucker punched. Be prepared be pro active know what's in your file and keep your own hard copy.

I know it's hard when your sick and not feeling well.

Good Luck: Jeffn

PS: Looks to me like you have the opportunity to make sure all your i's are dotted and your t's crossed. I would take advantage of this.

Thanks Jeff,
After my Alj denial letter and before my lawyer filed the appeal....
I called ssa to request a copy of my file.A few days later I went to the local ssa office.I was given a CD of my file.
It was exactly as I thought.Medical records up to a certain point.Almost as if the records stopped shortly after the reconsideration before the hearing.
No wonder I was denied.
I also have a audio of the Alj hearing on that cd.My attorney didnt seem very pleased with that!I am not sure why....
The appeal has been filed to the council in virginia.I hope that this battle will
soon be resolved.I appreciate your interest and compassion.MC