Re: SSDI Appeal Hearing~any advice appreciated!

[Guest guest]

Dear

I have SSDI, have been on it for over 3 years now, and have most of the same

things going on as you-except for fibromyalgia. But, it all boils down to what

state you live in as to how long it will take, as well as everything else. I was

50 when I got it, it only took 3 months for me, I had no lawyer, just my

paperwork from the drs. and my statement. I have a friend who had to use a

lawyer, and went in front of a judge, she lives in another state, and she's 40.

I have 2 years of college, I don't understand how that is pertinent to getting

SSDI though. My friend went to court, it took her over 3 years to get through to

that point, one reason was because of her age, they say it's easier to get the

closer you are to being 50 or older. When my friend went to court, they

questioned her husband also, it was done separately from her. Mainly about how

she does function around the house, and what she could or could not do, and I

guess also to see if their stories

match. She just dressed pretty normally, nothing real fancy or dressed up, and

she wore make-up, again-nothing extreme. Just be yourself, and if you use a

cane, walker, wheelchair or whatever, use it. But don't try to use it if you

don't normally, they'll see right through it. If it's documented, it's ok. After

she went through with court, they told her it could take awhile for the

decision, but it actually got approved quickly after she went to court, and she

got her award letter with her back pay.

I live in Vegas, and there is not a larger population in Nevada, so that may be

one of the factors in my getting approved so quickly.

According to my dr.,most people as they get older, all will get a bit of DDD, so

I wouldn't really put an emphasis on that. Your lawyer should be able to answer

all your questions, after all, that's what you will be paying him for. All my

problems are back and neck though, and I got approved on just those issues, I

would think having fibromyalgia would be something they would regard favorably.

I don't know if I've helped you any, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for you,

and wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Jeannie

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

At 09:01 PM 3/25/08, you wrote:

>Hi,

>I have my SSDI appeal hearing scheduled for April 10th. I have a good

>lawyer and 1, possibly 2 doctors fully supporting me on my claim.

>

>But, I'm still worried because I've heard it's very difficult to win

>with spine issues & fibro and also I'm only 35 and have 5 years of

>college (I was told they really look at age & education). Are any

>members on SSDI?

> Any other info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so

>much!!

>

>Hugs,

>

After a 2.5 year wait I won my case on appeal in March of

last year. You seem in good shape you have a lawyer and supporting

Doctors. I was told the most important things were Medical records,

medical records, medical records. You get the point. I gathered all

of my records, made 3 copies, and bound them in a 3 ring binder. 1

copy each for the judge, my lawyer, and myself.

If your case goes like mine you will not answer any or very

few questions. The lawyer answers the questions. I was told to

offer nothing up unless asked directly, then to only off a short

direct answer, any embellishment could be used against you. It also

helped me besides medical records, I had records from a therapist and

psychiatrist stating I was depressed, and the pain and depression

effected my ability to think clearly and work. Also I suffered from

nightly sleep depravation which would impair my ability to keep any

regularly scheduled job, no matter how part time.

I was 47 at the time, but also had a degree in electronics

and very much computer experience. I was afraid they would say I

could do computer work, but I can't, If I spend more than 15-20

minutes at the PC it hurts my back, and I generally get a nauseating migraine.

I was going to go unshaven and looking like I didn't sleep,

which often is how I look. But I decided against it. I dressed nice

like going to church, but not a suit or tie. I did wear a back brace

which I do use often, and used a cane, which again was for real, not a prop.

I was told at the end of my hearing that the judge

recommended I be approved. I understand that is not the norm and the

have up to 30 days to give you the results. I was doubly blessed

that day. At first I was scheduled for an appointment at 10am. I

got a call that morning asking if I could come in later at 1:30pm. I

was worried and thought it spelled troubled. In Fact it was a God

Send. At first I was scheduled for the Hanging Judge who rarely

approves applicants. I got moved to the Judge with the highest rate

of approval. So again, I learned to trust God.

Biggest thing is to have as much supporting medical records as

possible. Also try to have the most recent ones. I had a bankers

box full of medical records, but many were from 2-8 years old. All

of the records had to be from when I applied for SSDI, not when I was

initially hurt. So I had to get all new MRI's and Doctor records

together in less than a month. We worked real hard at it, and begged

and pleaded for Doctors, especially the one who performed my failed

surgery to squeeze us in. In the end he knew that he was unable to

help me since the operation in 2000, and I also sat in his waiting

room until he saw me. He basically wrote a letter agreeing I was

disabled. Hope this Helps. I know there are others on here who

should be able to offer up some other guidance. Good luck and Good

Blessings to you, Dave Reading, PA

[Guest guest]

Hey ,

Dave has given you tops advice--- records are vital-- Dr's and therapists.

Dave gave you the best rendition of how my case went too. I had a box of records

and my paperwork was in tact, precise and neat, signed by all Dr's.

I did not have a lawyer. It was myself and a friend that represented me.

So when the decision came, I did not have to give the lawyer any money for his

services.

I get about 600 a month and my Dr's visits are paid for as are my medications.

Good luck and we will be all pulling for you,

Prayers and best wishes,

Annie

Cruikshank <d.cruikshank@...> wrote:

At 09:01 PM 3/25/08, you wrote:

>Hi,

>I have my SSDI appeal hearing scheduled for April 10th. I have a good

>lawyer and 1, possibly 2 doctors fully supporting me on my claim.

>

>But, I'm still worried because I've heard it's very difficult to win

>with spine issues & fibro and also I'm only 35 and have 5 years of

>college (I was told they really look at age & education). Are any

>members on SSDI?

> Any other info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so

>much!!

>

>Hugs,

>

After a 2.5 year wait I won my case on appeal in March of

last year. You seem in good shape you have a lawyer and supporting

Doctors. I was told the most important things were Medical records,

medical records, medical records. You get the point. I gathered all

of my records, made 3 copies, and bound them in a 3 ring binder. 1

copy each for the judge, my lawyer, and myself.

If your case goes like mine you will not answer any or very

few questions. The lawyer answers the questions. I was told to

offer nothing up unless asked directly, then to only off a short

direct answer, any embellishment could be used against you. It also

helped me besides medical records, I had records from a therapist and

psychiatrist stating I was depressed, and the pain and depression

effected my ability to think clearly and work. Also I suffered from

nightly sleep depravation which would impair my ability to keep any

regularly scheduled job, no matter how part time.

I was 47 at the time, but also had a degree in electronics

and very much computer experience. I was afraid they would say I

could do computer work, but I can't, If I spend more than 15-20

minutes at the PC it hurts my back, and I generally get a nauseating migraine.

I was going to go unshaven and looking like I didn't sleep,

which often is how I look. But I decided against it. I dressed nice

like going to church, but not a suit or tie. I did wear a back brace

which I do use often, and used a cane, which again was for real, not a prop.

I was told at the end of my hearing that the judge

recommended I be approved. I understand that is not the norm and the

have up to 30 days to give you the results. I was doubly blessed

that day. At first I was scheduled for an appointment at 10am. I

got a call that morning asking if I could come in later at 1:30pm. I

was worried and thought it spelled troubled. In Fact it was a God

Send. At first I was scheduled for the Hanging Judge who rarely

approves applicants. I got moved to the Judge with the highest rate

of approval. So again, I learned to trust God.

Biggest thing is to have as much supporting medical records as

possible. Also try to have the most recent ones. I had a bankers

box full of medical records, but many were from 2-8 years old. All

of the records had to be from when I applied for SSDI, not when I was

initially hurt. So I had to get all new MRI's and Doctor records

together in less than a month. We worked real hard at it, and begged

and pleaded for Doctors, especially the one who performed my failed

surgery to squeeze us in. In the end he knew that he was unable to

help me since the operation in 2000, and I also sat in his waiting

room until he saw me. He basically wrote a letter agreeing I was

disabled. Hope this Helps. I know there are others on here who

should be able to offer up some other guidance. Good luck and Good

Blessings to you, Dave Reading, PA

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thank you Jeannie! I do know the closer you are to 50 the easier it

is to get approved. I don't understand what level of education has to

do with it either, but I guess that is a large factor i determning if

you can do anything in the national economy. Thanks for the well

wishes and I'll let you know how the appeal goes.

Hugs,

>

> Dear

> I have SSDI, have been on it for over 3 years now, and have most of

the same things going on as you-except for fibromyalgia. But, it all

boils down to what state you live in as to how long it will take, as

well as everything else. I was 50 when I got it, it only took 3

months for me, I had no lawyer, just my paperwork from the drs. and

my statement. I have a friend who had to use a lawyer, and went in

front of a judge, she lives in another state, and she's 40. I have 2

years of college, I don't understand how that is pertinent to getting

SSDI though. My friend went to court, it took her over 3 years to get

through to that point, one reason was because of her age, they say

it's easier to get the closer you are to being 50 or older. When my

friend went to court, they questioned her husband also, it was done

separately from her. Mainly about how she does function around the

house, and what she could or could not do, and I guess also to see if

their stories

> match. She just dressed pretty normally, nothing real fancy or

dressed up, and she wore make-up, again-nothing extreme. Just be

yourself, and if you use a cane, walker, wheelchair or whatever, use

it. But don't try to use it if you don't normally, they'll see right

through it. If it's documented, it's ok. After she went through with

court, they told her it could take awhile for the decision, but it

actually got approved quickly after she went to court, and she got

her award letter with her back pay.

> I live in Vegas, and there is not a larger population in Nevada, so

that may be one of the factors in my getting approved so quickly.

> According to my dr.,most people as they get older, all will get a

bit of DDD, so I wouldn't really put an emphasis on that. Your lawyer

should be able to answer all your questions, after all, that's what

you will be paying him for. All my problems are back and neck though,

and I got approved on just those issues, I would think having

fibromyalgia would be something they would regard favorably. I don't

know if I've helped you any, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for

you, and wish you the best of luck.

> Sincerely,

> Jeannie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Never miss a thing. Make your home page.

> http://www./r/hs

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks a lot Dave! I hope it's the case that my lawyer does all the

talking! From meeting with my lawyer though I don't think so because

I remember him saying the judge is going to want to hear from you why

you can't work, what a day is like for you, ect. Thanks for the

advice regarding saying just what's necessary; I'm a babbler, so I

really need to work on that! I can see how my babbling could give the

judge mixed information. Thanks again and I'll let you know how the

hearing goes.

HUgs,

>

> >Hi,

> >I have my SSDI appeal hearing scheduled for April 10th. I have a

good

> >lawyer and 1, possibly 2 doctors fully supporting me on my claim.

> >

> >But, I'm still worried because I've heard it's very difficult to

win

> >with spine issues & fibro and also I'm only 35 and have 5 years of

> >college (I was told they really look at age & education). Are any

> >members on SSDI?

>

>

>

> > Any other info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so

> >much!!

> >

> >Hugs,

> >

>

> After a 2.5 year wait I won my case on appeal in March of

> last year. You seem in good shape you have a lawyer and supporting

> Doctors. I was told the most important things were Medical

records,

> medical records, medical records. You get the point. I gathered

all

> of my records, made 3 copies, and bound them in a 3 ring binder. 1

> copy each for the judge, my lawyer, and myself.

>

> If your case goes like mine you will not answer any or

very

> few questions. The lawyer answers the questions. I was told to

> offer nothing up unless asked directly, then to only off a short

> direct answer, any embellishment could be used against you. It

also

> helped me besides medical records, I had records from a therapist

and

> psychiatrist stating I was depressed, and the pain and depression

> effected my ability to think clearly and work. Also I suffered

from

> nightly sleep depravation which would impair my ability to keep any

> regularly scheduled job, no matter how part time.

>

> I was 47 at the time, but also had a degree in electronics

> and very much computer experience. I was afraid they would say I

> could do computer work, but I can't, If I spend more than 15-20

> minutes at the PC it hurts my back, and I generally get a

nauseating migraine.

>

> I was going to go unshaven and looking like I didn't

sleep,

> which often is how I look. But I decided against it. I dressed

nice

> like going to church, but not a suit or tie. I did wear a back

brace

> which I do use often, and used a cane, which again was for real,

not a prop.

>

> I was told at the end of my hearing that the judge

> recommended I be approved. I understand that is not the norm and

the

> have up to 30 days to give you the results. I was doubly blessed

> that day. At first I was scheduled for an appointment at 10am. I

> got a call that morning asking if I could come in later at 1:30pm.

I

> was worried and thought it spelled troubled. In Fact it was a God

> Send. At first I was scheduled for the Hanging Judge who rarely

> approves applicants. I got moved to the Judge with the highest

rate

> of approval. So again, I learned to trust God.

>

> Biggest thing is to have as much supporting medical records as

> possible. Also try to have the most recent ones. I had a bankers

> box full of medical records, but many were from 2-8 years old. All

> of the records had to be from when I applied for SSDI, not when I

was

> initially hurt. So I had to get all new MRI's and Doctor records

> together in less than a month. We worked real hard at it, and

begged

> and pleaded for Doctors, especially the one who performed my failed

> surgery to squeeze us in. In the end he knew that he was unable to

> help me since the operation in 2000, and I also sat in his waiting

> room until he saw me. He basically wrote a letter agreeing I was

> disabled. Hope this Helps. I know there are others on here who

> should be able to offer up some other guidance. Good luck and Good

> Blessings to you, Dave Reading, PA

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am mostly a lurker here. I primarily post in Spondylolisthesissupport,

and I keep a resource of information in the Spinalsupport " LINKS "

section. I apologize if I am not following protocol here. I don't see

very well with trifocals, so I like to use larger types.

From what I hear, three times is a charm for most people applying for

SSDI. First, you apply by yourself and you will be promptly denied

contingent upon your level of illness, age, other SES, etc... Then,

you'd hire a lawyer for your second and third time.

My sister has catastrophic non-hogdkin's lymphoma followed by GVHD and a

series of infections. She could not survive without blood transfusions

three or four times a week. She has been really sick for the last eight

years battling the ravages of the wretched cancer. She got on SSDI the

first time.

My B-I-L on the other hand has lumbar spondlylolisthesis, CTS, DDD, and

diabetes. He is unable to work. He is fifteen years younger than my

sister. He got denied the first time, and has hired an attorney for his

second attempt.

I don't know if you have seen any of these websites below. If not, they

may prove useful.

My heart goes out to you. I really know what you are going through.

You are in my T & Ps.

Good luck.

CJ

DISABILITY CLAIMS -The Resource for Disability Legal Issues. Becoming

disabled has a huge impact on your family's financial future. This site

provides some common sense do's and don'ts in an attempt to address the

legal concerns of employees who have become or are about to become

disabled.

http://www.disabilityclaims.com/ <http://www.disabilityclaims.com/>

DISABILITY RESOURCE ON THE INTERNET.

An annotated subject guide to the best disability resources on the

Internet. The site contains thousands of links, available alphabetically

and by topic. The DRM Regional Resource Directory lists local agencies

and organizations arranged by state and topic. There are also several

very helpful FAQ's: Finding Disability Information on the Internet,

Evaluating Disability Information on the Internet, Ascertaining an

Organization's Legitimacy, Back to Basics, and Alphabet Soup.

http://www.disabilityresources.org/

<http://www.disabilityresources.org/>

DISABILITY SECRETS: SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSD, SSI) AND

DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE & BACK PAIN.

This information may help claimants with representation, as well as

claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney

representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability system

works can make the difference between winning or not winning the

continuing disability benefits and backpay to which a person is

entitled. To win a claim for ongoing and past due benefits, claimants

should learn about the disability process to improve their chances of

winning ssd or ssi.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/degenerative-disc-diseases-social-secur\

ity-disability.html

<http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/degenerative-disc-diseases-social-secu\

rity-disability.html>

DISABLED: Resource Guide for Persons with Disabilities.

Digital Federal Credit Union STREETWISE Consumer Eduication Program. The

Internet is crammed with literally thousands of potential resources for

persons with disabilities. Information providers range from advocacy

groups to individuals, from research organizations to manufacturers and

vendors of specialized equipment. StreetWise's goal is to simplify your

search for reliable information on a variety of useful topics. They've

selected and briefly described sites that represent good places to start

your research on each topic.

http://www.dcu.org/streetwise/ability/index.html

<http://www.dcu.org/streetwise/ability/index.html>

Hi,

I have my SSDI appeal hearing scheduled for April 10th. I have a good

lawyer and 1, possibly 2 doctors fully supporting me on my claim. I

have DDD, bulging/herinated discs in lumbar & cervical, facet disease

in lumbar & cervical, si joint dysfunction,fibromyalgia,and frquent

migraines. It appears my med records are informative for the judge

and my primary doctor and a couple family members wrote supporting

letters to the judge.

But, I'm still worried because I've heard it's very difficult to win

with spine issues & fibro and also I'm only 35 and have 5 years of

college (I was told they really look at age & education). Are any

members on SSDI? Got denied at the appeal level (almost everyone gets

denied at first app. & reconsideration)? Do you have any advice how I

should answer the judge's questions? Well I know honestly of course,

but what kind of questions should I expect? What should I wear? Will

it look bad if I wear make up? How long did it take for you to get a

descion? Any other info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so

much!!

Hugs,

[Guest guest]

Hi ! I know that this hearing coming up probably has you

freaking out! I was worked up into a complete panick over mine.

I was injured in '99 at 35...after years of being denied (with an

attny) and having my file lost by SS including my records, then

having to resend everything to them I finally got a date with the

judge. My attny said to wear casual dress clothes. Not jeans, no

sneakers...a pair of dress slacks and shoes..but nothing with a heal.

I think I wore my neck brace and had my back brace on under my

clothes so IF they wanted to see it, it was there. I was told

specifically NOT to come in with a tan (It was Feb. last year so it

was pretty nice and sunny out here), Do Not wear make up (although I

think I had a little mascara on...didn't want to scare anyone!) and

don't come in with hair done nicely and perfect. My hair is long, so

can't do much with it anyway. When I showed up he looked me over and

asked me if I had a rubber band...I didn't...so he searched the

office and gave me one and requested that I put my hair in a pony tail

(no mirror to do it with). I think one of the most important things

we had was both my pain doc and pcp filled out the SS Form

questionairs all about my physical and mental state and if I could do

any type of work. Did you get something for your doctors to fill out?

Mine both did it right then in front of me during the appt's I

scheduled. I was shocked when we saw the judge, my hubby was asked to

stay in the waiting room and they never called on him. The lawyer did

some small talk with the judge, then explained my case and presented

our 'evidence' supporting it (the records etc.) I was told also to

not say more than what I am asked...don't give up anything more even

if you think it might be helpful. The judge only asked me a few

questions...the only one I remember is him holding my long list of

medications and he questioned IF I was indeed taking all of these and

I answered him, yes...the majority of them on a daily basis (his eyes

popped out...I'm used to that reaction, it was over a dozen meds.)

It was over in about 10 minutes...the judge banged his gavel and said

I was disabled...I was still sitting there stunned when my lawyer got

up and was saying it was time to leave. I was like...That's it???

It's over?? He said Yes, we won, it's done...I'm that good!

After that you just wait for your award letter and then work on

getting the correct amount that you are owed....then go for medicare,

prescription assistance if needed...and so on.

I've got the same things that you do, cervical and lumbar problems.

You have my sympathy for your pain!

All the best to you for your hearing!

Did I miss any questions?

Hugs!

Debbie C.

>

> Hi,

> I have my SSDI appeal hearing scheduled for April 10th. I have a

good

> lawyer and 1, possibly 2 doctors fully supporting me on my claim. I

> have DDD, bulging/herinated discs in lumbar & cervical, facet

disease

> in lumbar & cervical, si joint dysfunction,fibromyalgia,and frquent

> migraines. It appears my med records are informative for the judge

> and my primary doctor and a couple family members wrote supporting

> letters to the judge.

>

> But, I'm still worried because I've heard it's very difficult to

win

> with spine issues & fibro and also I'm only 35 and have 5 years of

> college (I was told they really look at age & education). Are any

> members on SSDI? Got denied at the appeal level (almost everyone

gets

> denied at first app. & reconsideration)? Do you have any advice how

I

> should answer the judge's questions? Well I know honestly of

course,

> but what kind of questions should I expect? What should I wear?

Will

> it look bad if I wear make up? How long did it take for you to get

a

> descion? Any other info would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so

> much!!

>

> Hugs,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you CJ!! I really appreciate the info and links; I will

definetly check them out! Thanks for the t & p's also, that means si

much to me! Take care!

hugs,

>

>

> Hi ,

>

> I am mostly a lurker here. I primarily post in

Spondylolisthesissupport,

> and I keep a resource of information in the Spinalsupport " LINKS "

> section. I apologize if I am not following protocol here. I don't

see

> very well with trifocals, so I like to use larger types.

>

> From what I hear, three times is a charm for most people applying

for

> SSDI. First, you apply by yourself and you will be promptly denied

> contingent upon your level of illness, age, other SES, etc... Then,

> you'd hire a lawyer for your second and third time.

>

> My sister has catastrophic non-hogdkin's lymphoma followed by GVHD

and a

> series of infections. She could not survive without blood

transfusions

> three or four times a week. She has been really sick for the last

eight

> years battling the ravages of the wretched cancer. She got on SSDI

the

> first time.

>

> My B-I-L on the other hand has lumbar spondlylolisthesis, CTS, DDD,

and

> diabetes. He is unable to work. He is fifteen years younger than my

> sister. He got denied the first time, and has hired an attorney for

his

> second attempt.

>

> I don't know if you have seen any of these websites below. If not,

they

> may prove useful.

>

> My heart goes out to you. I really know what you are going through.

>

> You are in my T & Ps.

>

> Good luck.

>

> CJ

>

> DISABILITY CLAIMS -The Resource for Disability Legal Issues.

Becoming

> disabled has a huge impact on your family's financial future. This

site

> provides some common sense do's and don'ts in an attempt to address

the

> legal concerns of employees who have become or are about to become

> disabled.

> http://www.disabilityclaims.com/ <http://www.disabilityclaims.com/>

>

> DISABILITY RESOURCE ON THE INTERNET.

> An annotated subject guide to the best disability resources on the

> Internet. The site contains thousands of links, available

alphabetically

> and by topic. The DRM Regional Resource Directory lists local

agencies

> and organizations arranged by state and topic. There are also

several

> very helpful FAQ's: Finding Disability Information on the Internet,

> Evaluating Disability Information on the Internet, Ascertaining an

> Organization's Legitimacy, Back to Basics, and Alphabet Soup.

> http://www.disabilityresources.org/

> <http://www.disabilityresources.org/>

>

> DISABILITY SECRETS: SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSD, SSI) AND

> DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE & BACK PAIN.

> This information may help claimants with representation, as well as

> claimants who are not represented by an attorney or non attorney

> representative. Understanding how the Social Security Disability

system

> works can make the difference between winning or not winning the

> continuing disability benefits and backpay to which a person is

> entitled. To win a claim for ongoing and past due benefits,

claimants

> should learn about the disability process to improve their chances

of

> winning ssd or ssi.

> http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/degenerative-disc-diseases-social-

secur\

> ity-disability.html

> <http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/degenerative-disc-diseases-social-

secu\

> rity-disability.html>

>

> DISABLED: Resource Guide for Persons with Disabilities.

> Digital Federal Credit Union STREETWISE Consumer Eduication

Program. The

> Internet is crammed with literally thousands of potential resources

for

> persons with disabilities. Information providers range from advocacy

> groups to individuals, from research organizations to manufacturers

and

> vendors of specialized equipment. StreetWise's goal is to simplify

your

> search for reliable information on a variety of useful topics.

They've

> selected and briefly described sites that represent good places to

start

> your research on each topic.

> http://www.dcu.org/streetwise/ability/index.html

> <http://www.dcu.org/streetwise/ability/index.html>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie, Thanks so much for the support and info about your

hearing! I hope mine goes that quickly, but I don't think it will. My

lawyer said the judge I have likes to ask lots of questions, even

surprising the lawyer asking things he's never heard of, ahhh, that

should be fun! I know for sure I have my pcp's support, I'm hoping my

pain Dr's too. I know my pain Dr is on my side so to speak but he had

told me it's hard to objectively say how long someone can sit, stand,

ect, so I don't know how he filled out the papers. Thanks again and

I'll let you know how the hearing goes.

Hugs,

>

> Hi ! I know that this hearing coming up probably has you

> freaking out! I was worked up into a complete panick over mine.

> I was injured in '99 at 35...after years of being denied (with an

> attny) and having my file lost by SS including my records, then

> having to resend everything to them I finally got a date with the

> judge. My attny said to wear casual dress clothes. Not jeans, no

> sneakers...a pair of dress slacks and shoes..but nothing with a

heal.

> I think I wore my neck brace and had my back brace on under my

> clothes so IF they wanted to see it, it was there. I was told

> specifically NOT to come in with a tan (It was Feb. last year so it

> was pretty nice and sunny out here), Do Not wear make up (although

I

> think I had a little mascara on...didn't want to scare anyone!) and

> don't come in with hair done nicely and perfect. My hair is long,

so

> can't do much with it anyway. When I showed up he looked me over

and

> asked me if I had a rubber band...I didn't...so he searched the

> office and gave me one and requested that I put my hair in a pony

tail

> (no mirror to do it with). I think one of the most important things

> we had was both my pain doc and pcp filled out the SS Form

> questionairs all about my physical and mental state and if I could

do

> any type of work. Did you get something for your doctors to fill

out?

> Mine both did it right then in front of me during the appt's I

> scheduled. I was shocked when we saw the judge, my hubby was asked

to

> stay in the waiting room and they never called on him. The lawyer

did

> some small talk with the judge, then explained my case and

presented

> our 'evidence' supporting it (the records etc.) I was told also to

> not say more than what I am asked...don't give up anything more

even

> if you think it might be helpful. The judge only asked me a few

> questions...the only one I remember is him holding my long list of

> medications and he questioned IF I was indeed taking all of these

and

> I answered him, yes...the majority of them on a daily basis (his

eyes

> popped out...I'm used to that reaction, it was over a dozen meds.)

> It was over in about 10 minutes...the judge banged his gavel and

said

> I was disabled...I was still sitting there stunned when my lawyer

got

> up and was saying it was time to leave. I was like...That's it???

> It's over?? He said Yes, we won, it's done...I'm that good!

> After that you just wait for your award letter and then work on

> getting the correct amount that you are owed....then go for

medicare,

> prescription assistance if needed...and so on.

> I've got the same things that you do, cervical and lumbar problems.

> You have my sympathy for your pain!

> All the best to you for your hearing!

> Did I miss any questions?

> Hugs!

> Debbie C.

>

>