Re: SSDI benefit denials

[Guest guest]

I don't know if you guys read my e-mail also. I got denied for the 2nd time on

Nov. 29th and now met with a lawyer and wish I would have done this the first

time.

Sounds the same, my primary doctor doesn't know about CMT and thinks I can be on

a regular work clock, which I can't. Then again, last year I asked her for a

note saying I could go to college for 6 hrs a day (not including the 2 hr drive

there) and things have changed dramatically since.

My neurologist knows how it is, but I don't have the insurance to see her at

$150.00 a visit, but if my primary O.K.'s it, then it's alright.

I'm telling you, just going through the system is taking the biggest toll on me.

Talk about stress! That's what I tried to impress into the attorneys' way of

thinking. I started to cry explaining what's been going on and how many hours

it took me just to get up to her office on time.

I had to wake up 4 hrs in advance to get ready. I told her it hurt to take a

shower because of the water hitting my legs. She actually got tears in her

eyes. We'll see what happens and Gretchen was right, it will probably take 2

years. They just got done doing cases from 3 years ago because I live in the

Keys and they don't come down here very often.

[Guest guest]

,

Have you considered going to a MDA clinic? The neurologist visit

would be covered by your insurance or free if you have no insurance.

Anyway, my advice (from my experience with SSDI) is to get a good

supportive doctor who will be willing to help you and to write a

letter to the Administrative Law Judge explaining your symptoms &

why CMT. prevents you from substantial gainful employment.

It's bad enough that most Drs. only know very little about CMT and

that we have to educate them. Just having a CMT diagnosis is not

enough, you have the burden of proving that you are unable to work

anymore because of the symptoms you have.

Thankfully, I was approved a couple of weeks ago after 16 mths. from the denial

letter.

You need a good lawyer also.

I think that what really helped my case was the form my Dr. completed explaining

my symptoms & why I couldn't work anymore and he also wrote a narrative

explaining CMt and how it affected me.

Also, I wrote a letter to the judge explaining CMT and how I was affected. I

believe that this along with my medical records is what helped the judge to

decide to approve my SSDI. If you would like more info. on the form I used, just

let me know.

Holly

[Guest guest]

I am trying to get my disability also. I was denied on September

2005. But all the attorneys tell me that they will not take my case

until, I am denied by a judge. I really don't understand why that

is. It is so frustrating. I have had my disability since 1978 when

I was 12 years old.

My situation is so hard to understand but I will try and explain it

here.

See my husband makes too much for us to go on his income so they say

they need to go on my income. But see I have not worked enough in

the past 10 years to receive SSI. But I applied back in 1997 and I

have enough work history from 1987 to 1997 so they are going to use

that.

But they need proof showing that I had the disability before

1982. I found it but am waiting for my hearing before the judge.

Plus I have two children that were born before 1997 that they said I

could get back pay for. However it's just so frustrating to play the

waiting game.

I would like to know some of your opinions about what I should do??

Thanks

Sue

[Guest guest]

Holly,

Thanks so much for the information. Yeah, this time I'm going to make sure I've

got all my ducks in a row. My daughter had to remind me when I lost total

feeling in my right hand 4 years ago and that lasted for almost 6 months and

that's also when I learned " ON PAPER " I had CMT. Too much in such a short

amount of time and I think I blacked alot out purposely so I could get by. I

didn't realize the MDA clinic takes care of CMT patients. I'm on Medicaid now.

My printer is broke right now, but I would like to have a copy of your form.

I'll let you know when it's fixed.

Thanks so much,

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I am confused. Are you applying for SSDI, SSI or both? They are 2

different programs, with different requirements. I would suggest

looking for another attorney who will take your case. You do not want

to attend a Hearing without an attorney who can represent you, in any

case. If one attorney says he won't take your case, move on to

another. Was your first attorney a member of Nosscr.org? If not, I'd

suggest first thing Monday morning, you call (800) 431-2804 (toll free

Nosscr phone) and ask for practicing member attorneys in good standing

in your area, then find one and go for a consultation and take copies

of all your files.

~ Gretchen

[Guest guest]

,

If you haven't already, you need to check out the Social Security

website.

http://www.ssa.gov/

You mentioned that you are on Medicaid. You might qualify for SSI,

which is a total different program then SSDI. The website below is a

benefit screening tool to help you see which you qualify for. There

seems to be a lot of confusion on here about SSDI and SSI

https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps12/best/benefits/

Just let me know when you get your printer fixed and want the form

my attorney used. Hopefully you have a good attorney. I know how

you feel. It is a long and frustrating process appealing a denial.

I wish you well.

Holly

[Guest guest]

Sue,

Even when we were seperated, we still kept the same bank account because we had

enough trust in each other and it wasn't a big deal (we also didn't have any

money per say to worry about in it).

The first thing I was told was to drop the account. The least you have the

better off you are in a way. I'm not saying to lie, I didn't, but it seems you

get more help if it's not on paper. Like I said, I in no way lied, but it was

stupid little things that prevented me and still do from getting help. The

first time, since I was working on tips, I was literally making $200.00 per year

to get any help. There is a fine line.