Re: SSI turned me down

December 19, 2010

Most people get turned down for SSI the first application. I did not, and was

approved quickly a few year ago, and am still on it. Your best chance of being

accepted is by using an attorney who specializes in SSI, and there are many.

Binder & Binder is the most known national firm, and they'll help anyone

absolutely anywhere. However, I believe that you are better off with a local

attorney, if one is available. Here's a place to start searching:

http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/Social-Security----Disability

These attorneys charge a fairly large amount, something like 25% of your first

check, which could be several thousand dollars. Because I had applied in an

extremely well organized manner, and was accepted immediately, my local law firm

only charged me $750.00. All they did was have their name on the application,

the rest I did on my own. First thing I did, was to talk to a great woman at my

local SS office, who was very helpful. Just explain to whoever you talk to about

all your problems and see what they recommend. If you don't like the person, get

off the phone and call back a few hours later, hoping to get someone more

helpful. These people are not there to try to save the government money, but to

help the applicant, just like the VA is there to help the Vet. Now, it is

imperative that you list every Doc that you see, and hopefully you will have

more than one. I had a GI Doc, my primary care guy, as well as a shrink. These

Docs were never called by SSI and didn't have to write anything on paper, but

the fact that they were listed on the app was enough to let them know that I was

being treated by various ailments, all of which I discussed elsewhere in the

application. There are two separate but equally important aspects of your health

that you must stress: First, the physical problems you are having - every single

one of them. Secondly, and this is what many forget to add, is that you MUST

discuss all the mental aspects of the disease and how they affect you. For me,

this included inability to sleep, pain in all my joints, utter fatigue meaning I

was unable to do any chore for more than 15 minutes, anxiety causing " panic

attacks " , huge memory problems, confusion, anger, and depression, to the point

of leading a meaningless life. All these problems I attributed directly to both

the HCV itself as well as the reactions to the chemotherapy type treatment of

Ribavarin and pegolated intron. I said that I would love to be able to work, but

that I was totally incapable because of several factors, both physical and

mental. I could not lift anything heavy, could not bend over without pain, could

not walk without pain, etc. Plus, I was incapable of thinking rationally and

that my wife had to take care of absolutely everything, from making lists,

making me take my meds, shopping, all chores, paying all bills and dealing with

all my Doctors, too. They will not give you the benefits just because you have

the disease, but they will accept you if you prepare and explain it all in an

organized manner, which means that you will need help preparing the app, as your

mind is not able to. Use a date of your inability way beforehand, as you can

receive payments past due. I received over $17,000 once approved, due to my year

and a half of prior disability. Don't delay, as the sooner you reapply, the

sooner you can get the money plus Medicare, which is a life saver in itself.

Rethink your application, and start making lists of every problem you have

(problem taking out the garbage?), separated by the physical and mental sides.

With proper data, Doctors listed, and sincerity, you should be approved without

too many questions. You'd think that just having the disease would enable you

for benefits, but hell no! So, get to it, Good Luck, and please keep us informed

as to your progress!

>

> I applied for SSI disability and just got turned down. So I'm starting round

two. I'm looking to be pointed in the right direction to prepare better this

time.I've had HEP C 1A for 9 years now and can't work anymore. Please send me

info, thanks,

>

December 19, 2010