Social Security

May 14, 2002

what i don't get is my friend who has ms, has a neighbor that claims ra,lupus

and ms. the girl was talking about her today and saying that no one at work

believes her. no one calls her from work. i tried to explain to her that the

symptoms are so alike, it is hard to tell sometimes what you do have. lord

know's i've been told a few before. it just threw me off. i figured if anyone

would understand she would. kathy in il

August 14, 2002

Hi,

My name is Betty. I am new to the group. Just airing

out. I have RA and Fibromyalgia. I applied for SS 6

six ago and was turn down. So I went back to work

against my husband and doctor wishes. In those six

years I have knee surgery and both feet need surgery.

And also develop Fibromyalgia. But you do what you

have to do to keep everything that you work so hard

for. That is where SS will get you. They are there to

force you to go back or lose it all. My doctor told me

that SS hire people just to turn you down. They have

no medical knowledge at all. I am now applying again

(have no choice). My body has had it. I have work in

manufacturing for over 20 years. I think that I went

about getting SS the wrong way after reading some of

the group’s letters. I have not been turn down yet but

it’s only been 3 weeks. I just turn in all the doctor

names, labs and written report from myself why I feel

I cannot work. I am now getting all the information

from each doctor myself, getting letters from family

members on how RA has change my life. I am also

getting letters from co-workers on how they help me do

my job. I will be preparing in case they turn me down.

My doctor also told me if I was an alcoholic or had a

mental problem that I stood more of a chance of

getting SS. (Maybe will start drinking). He said our

disease is not recognized as disabling yet. (Funny

isn’t it) Well just gripping, so glad you guys are

around.

Thanks Group

luluandleon2@...

__________________________________________________

August 14, 2002

Hi Betty,

Welcome to the group. I have Still's Disease, RA, SI Joint

Dysfuntion, Osteoporosis and Scoliosis. I am sorry that you have been

turned down for SS but as many have stated in their posts, don't give

up.

Take care and welcome again.

Al in IL

>

> Hi,

> My name is Betty. I am new to the group. Just airing

> out. I have RA and Fibromyalgia. I applied for SS 6

> six ago and was turn down. So I went back to work

> against my husband and doctor wishes. In those six

> years I have knee surgery and both feet need surgery.

> And also develop Fibromyalgia. But you do what you

> have to do to keep everything that you work so hard

> for. That is where SS will get you. They are there to

> force you to go back or lose it all. My doctor told me

> that SS hire people just to turn you down. They have

> no medical knowledge at all. I am now applying again

> (have no choice). My body has had it. I have work in

> manufacturing for over 20 years. I think that I went

> about getting SS the wrong way after reading some of

> the group's letters. I have not been turn down yet but

> it's only been 3 weeks. I just turn in all the doctor

> names, labs and written report from myself why I feel

> I cannot work. I am now getting all the information

> from each doctor myself, getting letters from family

> members on how RA has change my life. I am also

> getting letters from co-workers on how they help me do

> my job. I will be preparing in case they turn me down.

> My doctor also told me if I was an alcoholic or had a

> mental problem that I stood more of a chance of

> getting SS. (Maybe will start drinking). He said our

> disease is not recognized as disabling yet. (Funny

> isn't it) Well just gripping, so glad you guys are

> around.

>

> Thanks Group

> luluandleon2@y...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

August 14, 2002

Hi Betty:

Welcome to the group - gripe away, we all understand

where you are coming from! RA is a very frustrating

disease and, unless you are the one who has it, really

cannot be well understood. You have to live it to

really get it - some of us don't look " disabled "

(whatever that means - don't know how to phrase this

right) so it is very hard to get people to understand

the pain we live with every day. From what I have been

reading on this board, many people with RA have a lot

of trouble getting SS - there are some in this group

who have a lot of advice for you on that count I am

sure. Best of luck to you and let us know how your SS

struggle goes.

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

August 18, 2002

Welcome Betty. Sorry it's been so rough getting SS. Many people have been

forced to work while in such pain. It sounds like you are preparing well

and hopefully you won't have so many problems. If you are turned down, a

lawyer may be helpful. I was lucky and got it the first time when I was 30.

I'm now 48, so things have changed I guess.

I'm surprised your doctor said RA isn't considered as disabling. According

to the SS website, it is a recognized disability. The problems is that the

severity can be so different for everyone. Some people have a mild case and

others are totally disabled.

a

>

> Hi,

> My name is Betty. I am new to the group. Just airing

> out. I have RA and Fibromyalgia. I applied for SS 6

> six ago and was turn down. So I went back to work

> against my husband and doctor wishes. In those six

> years I have knee surgery and both feet need surgery.

> And also develop Fibromyalgia. But you do what you

> have to do to keep everything that you work so hard

> for. That is where SS will get you. They are there to

> force you to go back or lose it all. My doctor told me

> that SS hire people just to turn you down. They have

> no medical knowledge at all. I am now applying again

> (have no choice). My body has had it. I have work in

> manufacturing for over 20 years. I think that I went

> about getting SS the wrong way after reading some of

> the group’s letters. I have not been turn down yet but

> it’s only been 3 weeks. I just turn in all the doctor

> names, labs and written report from myself why I feel

> I cannot work. I am now getting all the information

> from each doctor myself, getting letters from family

> members on how RA has change my life. I am also

> getting letters from co-workers on how they help me do

> my job. I will be preparing in case they turn me down.

> My doctor also told me if I was an alcoholic or had a

> mental problem that I stood more of a chance of

> getting SS. (Maybe will start drinking). He said our

> disease is not recognized as disabling yet. (Funny

> isn’t it) Well just gripping, so glad you guys are

> around.

>

> Thanks Group

> luluandleon2@...

>

> __________________________________________________

>

September 22, 2005

Hi Mandy,

Yep, something's not right here with the SS denial - I am supposing the

resident has been trying to apply for SSI - which has specifics for the

aged, blind, disabled, etc. Can you email me personally, and maybe give

me a bit more info - like what State you are in...then I can check a

few things out. No way should this woman have to get an attorney. I'll

be glad to see what's up, just email me gfijig6@... and give me

the State you are in to start.

~ Gretchen

December 30, 2006

They were going to deny my disability until I sent a letter from my

pschciatrist. Then I was approved.

Janet

December 30, 2006

They denied me, I had to wait 18 months for an appeal at which time I

was denied again.

The letter I got said I need to file a civil action. So If I drop the

ball at this point all the back pay I would be due is lost. Not sure

how to do this so I guess I am going to have to get a lawyer.

Wonderful that someone as severely impaired as I am, will have to pay

a lawyer one third of the settlement if I want anything at all. Mind

you I haven't gotten a red cent from these louses in the last ten

years I haven't been able to work. Nor was I able to put disabled on

my tax return when they hosed me for the capital gains on my

investments and rental properties I sold. Nor was I offered any break

on my property taxes even though my house sat empty for four years

because I couldn't go in it without getting sick.

I sure hope their is a hell, (not very optimistic) so that the people

that have worked so hard to make sure the cracks stay open for me to

slip though get their just rewards.

On Sat, 30 Dec 2006 15:53:28 EST, you wrote:

>Hi Everyone,

>I have applied for my social security and the paper work is beginning to

>arrive. If anyone has been through this process and been successful or not will

>you please e-mail me. I have many questions and need some advice since they

>have already scheduled appointments, for me, with two different Drs.

>

>Thanks,

>Sue

December 30, 2006

One of my friends went thru the ss procedure recently. They will probably send

you for a psychiatric interview as well. You can prepare for the shrink part by

reading " the psychiatric interview in the Merck Manual. " I think you have to

know how to count backwards 7s from 100--ending up at the number 2, etc. You

need to know the presidents starting with Bush and working backward as far as

you can. You can't too cheerful or too sad but rather must strike that perfect

balance in between. I think they ask you what you do with your time also.

Shrinks are a mixed up bunch themselves and most of them can not think outside

of the box.

I have another friend who is a make up artist. You may want to browse Google

for ways to make yourself appear sickly--ie white face powder and darkening

powder below your eyes. You don't want to look the picture of health. Be

careful with this, you don't want to appear obvious.

You could also google the medical portion probably.

ssr3351@... wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I have applied for my social security and the paper work is beginning to

arrive. If anyone has been through this process and been successful or not will

you please e-mail me. I have many questions and need some advice since they

have already scheduled appointments, for me, with two different Drs.

Thanks,

Sue

December 31, 2006

Sue,

I'm sorry but I disagree with this last post, either you are sick or

you aren't. YOU FAKE NOTHING and you don't put on an act for anyone.

Your tests speak for themselves. Many of these SS doctors are not

familiar with this type of illness or disease. You can call and ask

beforehand if they have ever treated this type of condition.

You speak the truth, how this has affected you and your family, when

they ask and you answer each question accurately to the best of your

ability. For those that are not aware, you fake it, lie or try to

deceive in any way, you will get caught. These systems are setup to

catch those who fake. In the long run it will make it that much more

difficult for another individual to collect SS. They are not going

to go by your word alone anyway, they should be reviewing all your

records. I know, been there, done that. Just a word of caution for

the wise. SS does not care what caused your conditon or conditions,

all they care about is that you have been diagnosed with certain

conditions or illnesses. My wife has been granted SS 100% disabled,

mentally & physically.

KC

> Hi Everyone,

> I have applied for my social security and the paper work is

beginning to

> arrive. If anyone has been through this process and been

successful or not will

> you please e-mail me. I have many questions and need some advice

since they

> have already scheduled appointments, for me, with two different

Drs.

>

> Thanks,

> Sue

>

December 31, 2006

I know so many people who have faked it to get ss and it is such a

shame because it casts doubt on all ss recipients and applicants.

From my experience from taking care of my great aunt, I got people

applying for job to care for her, who did not want their pay reported

because they were on ss, even though the job entailed fully lifting my

aunt, and other strenuous work. Most frequently their disability was

that they had young kids and no father and found that disability paid

better than welfare.

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> Sue,

>

> I'm sorry but I disagree with this last post, either you are sick or

> you aren't. YOU FAKE NOTHING and you don't put on an act for anyone.

> Your tests speak for themselves. Many of these SS doctors are not

>

December 31, 2006

I am not telling you to fake it. My friend had enviornmental allergies and

lived in a small podunk town and figured she better look sick. I did not say to

fake it by any means but for goodness sake don't go all dolled up into the

interviews and you better pass the psychological test or else they will say you

are just crazy. It never hurts to know what they are going to ask. It is like

studying for a test. She got her disabilty--going back for 8 years, the courts

lowered the attorney's fee, etc. She was not faking and was truly sick. If you

are sick, you will just have a little knowledge and power to play in a game

where the deck is stacked against you.

barb1283 <barb1283@...> wrote: I know so many people who have

faked it to get ss and it is such a

shame because it casts doubt on all ss recipients and applicants.

From my experience from taking care of my great aunt, I got people

applying for job to care for her, who did not want their pay reported

because they were on ss, even though the job entailed fully lifting my

aunt, and other strenuous work. Most frequently their disability was

that they had young kids and no father and found that disability paid

better than welfare.

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2c@...>

wrote:

>

> Sue,

>

> I'm sorry but I disagree with this last post, either you are sick or

> you aren't. YOU FAKE NOTHING and you don't put on an act for anyone.

> Your tests speak for themselves. Many of these SS doctors are not

>

__________________________________________________

December 31, 2006

It sounds like a very stressful process. I have never tried because I

heard it is so difficult and I was not ready for all that stress. I

can remember when my father had a major stroke and he basically had

to learn to talk and feed himself all over and he was turned down the

first time. I know people do get it eventually some of the time. I

need to save my funds to get a safe place and can't waste my money on

doctors, etc. I have heard you should get a lawyer to help.

> > Hi Everyone,

> > I have applied for my social security and the paper work is

> beginning to

> > arrive. If anyone has been through this process and been

> successful or not will

> > you please e-mail me. I have many questions and need some advice

> since they

> > have already scheduled appointments, for me, with two different

> Drs.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Sue

> >

December 31, 2006

I get angered at what Barb has seen and have witnessed this type of

abuse myself. And when someone is REALLY physically impaired the way I

am they ALWAYS look at me like I am a scamster. They give me that

look like their too smart to be fooled by me and I better get up a

littler earlier in the morning if I'm going to pull one over on them.

Shame on my friends and relatives whom have known me all my life and

KNOW this isn't the case. The irony is any one of them would fly

right though with shining colors if they were in my situation. It's

all about what you appear to be, not what you are.

I agree with both KC and Jane. You don't scam someone but just like

you have to put your best foot forward in business (code for hype your

product to the hilt) you have to do the same to get past these fools.

That's why their are so many people abusing the system while others

who haven't made it their career to work these systems can't seem to

get the help they so DESPARATLY need.

On Sat, 30 Dec 2006 19:27:32 -0800 (PST), you wrote:

>I am not telling you to fake it. My friend had enviornmental allergies and

lived in a small podunk town and figured she better look sick. I did not say to

fake it by any means but for goodness sake don't go all dolled up into the

interviews and you better pass the psychological test or else they will say you

are just crazy. It never hurts to know what they are going to ask. It is like

studying for a test. She got her disabilty--going back for 8 years, the courts

lowered the attorney's fee, etc. She was not faking and was truly sick. If you

are sick, you will just have a little knowledge and power to play in a game

where the deck is stacked against you.

December 31, 2006

I do get SSDI but what a nightmare to get it. What finally worked was a

letter from my pschiatrist.

Janet

December 31, 2006

I'm not applying for ssi but thanks. My job is allowing me to work

parttime, so I am doing that in order to keep my skills up. Not

getting dolled up, I agree. Bronzers and blushers and lipstick that

women wear can make a sick person look robust but that is way

different than having a makeup artist make you look sick so please

nothing like that. I'm trying to get better myself and trying to keep

my job of twelve years.

--- In , jane mosher <janeannmosher@...>

wrote:

>

> I am not telling you to fake it.

January 1, 2007

, I'm really sorry you were denied and I actually don't have my hopes

up about my own. I agree with you about there being a hell. I say slowly

roasted over a roaring fire wouldn't be good enough!!!

Sue

I sure hope their is a hell, (not very optimistic) so that the people

that have worked so hard to make sure the cracks stay open for me to

slip though get their just rewards.

January 1, 2007

I probably can't count backwards in 7's or name all the presidents. That's

what really concerned me when I first started getting sick. I was a teacher

and couldn't spell 5th grade words on the board or remember my students

names!!!!! I was even having trouble teaching a lesson which scared me to

death.

One of my friends went thru the ss procedure recently. They will probably

send you for a psychiatric interview as well. You can prepare for the shrink

part by reading " the psychiatric interview in the Merck Manual. " I think you

have to know how to count backwards 7s from 100--ending up at the number 2,

etc. You need to know the presidents starting with Bush and working backward as

far as you can.

January 1, 2007

Thanks, KC, I agree with you and I don't intend to fake anything. I know I

can't count backwards by 7's even if I practiced. They need to know that I

can't do it!! I might be able to name a few presidents but not many. I remember

Dr. Shoemaker asking me a math question and I couldn't do it. Honestly, I have

a had time remembering what I go into the next room for and have to write

notes for my notes!!!

I they think I'm crazy then so be it!!

Sue

January 1, 2007

It's really sad that people are in this situation and I feel really sorry

for them

I don't have to fake anything, I'm sick and can't work, period! I don't

even go

to church anymore because the incense and perfumes make me too sick. As for

counting backwards, by 7's, you can forget it! I live with joint & muscle

pain and

force myself to do things but it isn't easy. If I go to the grocery store &

my husband

isn't home I have the cold things bagged separately and leave the other

stuff until

he comes home.

Sue

I know so many people who have faked it to get ss and it is such a

shame because it casts doubt on all ss recipients and applicants.

From my experience from taking care of my great aunt, I got people

applying for job to care for her, who did not want their pay reported

because they were on ss, even though the job entailed fully lifting my

aunt, and other strenuous work. Most frequently their disability was

that they had young kids and no father and found that disability paid

better than welfare.

January 1, 2007

I know I'm not crazy but I do know that I can't count backwards by 7's or

remember too many of the presidents unless I try to memorize them. My short term

memory is shot but that doesn't make me crazy does it?

I am not telling you to fake it. My friend had enviornmental allergies and

lived in a small podunk town and figured she better look sick. I did not say

to fake it by any means but for goodness sake don't go all dolled up into the

interviews and you better pass the psychological test or else they will say

you are just crazy.

January 1, 2007

Thanks, , I have a SS company helping me. I know I couldn't possibly do

it alone. I'm keeping my fingers crossed but honestly expect to be denied.

I don't want to get my hopes up and be let down because I've been there and

it

hurts too much.

Sue

It sounds like a very stressful process. I have never tried because I

heard it is so difficult and I was not ready for all that stress. I

can remember when my father had a major stroke and he basically had

to learn to talk and feed himself all over and he was turned down the

first time. I know people do get it eventually some of the time. I

need to save my funds to get a safe place and can't waste my money on

doctors, etc. I have heard you should get a lawyer to help.

January 1, 2007

You're right !! The right people don't get the help they need. The

system really

stinks. I'm just going to be myself and tell the truth. I take a lot of

pride in my appearance

and always have but maybe on the days I see the Drs. I just won't wear ANY

makeup or get too

dressed up.