Dealing with Social Security

[Steve]

The first time I applied was shortly after I was diagnosed with my Spinal AVM back in 2004. I had a job at the time and was declined because I "was working and had too much money".

I didn't appeal the denial because at the time it was true. However, knowing what I know now, my condition should more then qualify me for disability and I should have been able to receive disability benefits and stop working.

I have applied again for SSDI in 2008. They declined me saying that my "back problem" was not severe enough. I was disgusted and broke out into laughter at the sheer ignorance of their response. After spending almost 2 weeks filling out forms for the application, running around trying to get medical records and things needed, they had obviously not done their damn job in researching the condition to know that it wasn't even CLOSE to a back problem.

I have appealed their decision and am going FULL FORCE with VENGENCE. I am doing everything I can to hit them hard with all the medical reports, evidence and research I could get my hands on. I also acquired an attorney.

I could be paralyzed or dead at any time because of my condition. I don't have the luxury of time and comfort to sit around for years waiting for the government to understand a black and white FACT that I'm disabled. These government jokers are not going to prolong my misery. I've heard all the horror stories about people being declined over and over and sometimes taking upwards of 6 years to get disability benefits from the government. If they think they are doing this to me, they have another thing coming. I have contacted my senator and also a letter to Oprah. If they are going to deny me for what is an absolute miserable fact, then I am going to make a total ASS out of them for doing it.

[Steve]

The attorney I was speaking to declined my case. Stating that they didn't think the judge would find me disabled because of my condition and age.

Wow...

Why is it that all these people/programs that exist to help someone in this kind of situation don't put forth the effort to understand the situation and provide help?

My answer: Money.

[Steve]

Okay, I was finally approved for SSD. (Yay! About damn time)

Out of everything I learned about Social Security, these are the most important.

You must not be working currently.
You must not have any type of significant income.
You must have medical records that prove your condition.
It is also a good idea to be seeing a doctor on a regular basis.
You must have doctor support saying that you should not work. Preferably from 2 medical doctors.
You must be able to prove why it is dangerous for you to be working or why you cannot work.
If you are denied, ALWAYS appeal. Always continue fighting for your benefits and do not miss any appointments.


As a side note, you can obviously see that it is an angering and emotional experience to have to deal with. I express my emotions as I do because I believe it's important for people to understand the raw complexities of the experience as it happens. I hope you have found this useful.

[kennyb]

I also applied for ssi in May of 09. They told me I wouldn't be elegible for benifits until October 09. There is a five month waiting period.
During this time they sent me to see one of their dr's. He did a regular check up and nothing else. In August I was declined.
I then contacted a lawyer that specializes in ssi cases. They don't take all cases but they said I have a valid request. They win 98% of all cases. THey have appealed and we are still waiting to hear back. They said the appeal would probably be denied and then they will ask to go before a judge. This could take up to a year, but the good news is that my ssi benifits will be retroactive from 10/1. I'll keep you informed on any progress.
Ken