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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAfter 4 years of waiting...I have been approved for SSDI!!
This is a huge deal for me and my family. What it took to get here was sacrifices by my family I wish I'd never had to ask...But I made it with a roof over our heads and for the most part food in the kitchen....
Food stamps & thankfully I was able to get some financial help from a few of my relatives.
And now I can actually live without fear of loosing our home-because of the system Republicans want to dismantle.
I'm still in shock frankly but wanted to share...
End of the world my arse!...
BEST DAY EVER!!!!
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LiberalFighter
(50,942 posts)Only because, we have many of our retirees that are really not old enough to be retired and then I heard a little detail as to what it entails.
I'm thinking it requires the right documentation from both employer and doctor(s). The paperwork and dealing with the paper pushers takes time. I'm not going to put any blame on anyone without knowing the facts but likely they are doing their job as it should be and as best as they can. Especially when it involves several parties that have to be included.
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)All the documentation you wouldn't want to see (from Loma Linda Hospital & physical therapists). First time claims are, as a matter of course, denied, If the disabled person is determined and holds out, they eventually get the qualification. After my 4th denial, I engaged a lawyer, wrote the medical evaluation myself, and had my doctor sign it. The judge actually quoted from it in the qualification letter.
Along the way I learned: it depends on where you live; how much you will collect; your age and first time applications are denied. Learned all that from a retired SS Administrator.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)oh..and in 2 years, if you are not old enough now, you will get Medicare A and CAN apply for Medicare B insurance.
congratulations! I know how much relief you and your familiy are feeling!
Boxerfan
(2,533 posts)But heck yeah I''ll take it...My lawyer so if I hadn't he would have taken me aside.
And I can't argue-Thats when my condition was documented & stabilized(permamnent).
I wish I could celebrate now...My 2 daughters are not getting presents from my wife & I this year & it has been very hard on them.
We will have a late but very happy celebration to be sure...
freshwest
(53,661 posts)rl6214
(8,142 posts)
Moosepoop
(1,920 posts)On SSDI, Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after the first check is issued -- regardless of the date that the disability was determined to have begun or the date the claim is retroactive to.
Still, finally being approved is wonderful news!! 
rl6214
(8,142 posts)You are eligible for Medicare 24 months after the date you are determined to be disabled plus five months so if you are awarded disability 24 months after you apply, then five months later you get Medicare. I just got my disability last month after waiting exactly two years. I got my first check and back pay and my Medicare will start in march. I already have my Medicare card in my wallet.
Awknid
(381 posts)None of us should have to worry about those things. I'm glad for you and your family.
LeftofObama
(4,243 posts)I know the relief you feel. I went through it too. Mine took less than a year, but I was on pins and needles wondering how I was going to make it. I will be getting Medicare in April so that's another load off my mind.
I wish you the best!
niyad
(113,323 posts)
alfredo
(60,074 posts)after my forced retirement.
It took me three years of fighting with the Post Office to get justice. The union had my back. Their advice was golden.
I'm glad you won your fight.
rl6214
(8,142 posts)alfredo
(60,074 posts)rl6214
(8,142 posts)Not to mention everything I had to sell just to pay the bills.
alfredo
(60,074 posts)nice to case workers helped me to get approved the first time I applied.
In my case I got the opinions of two neuro surgeons that have a well known hatred for each other to agree on a diagnosis. My case worker was impressed. My family doctor was a "company doctor for a short period of time. He knew all their tricks and helped me navigate the bureaucratic maze."
Keep extensive records
Get good medical evidence
Be determined
Be truthful
Be willing to seek allies
Keep your cool
Mr.Bill
(24,300 posts)It only took her e few months to get approved for disability. This illustrates how difficult it is to work through the system. It should be as easy for everyone to get qualified as it was for my wife. The only difference between her and those who take years to get qualified is that she dealt with this system every day at her profession. That kind of skill and knowledge should not be required to make the system serve the people it was intended to serve in a timely fashion.
alfredo
(60,074 posts)
renate
(13,776 posts)I'm so happy for you! 
Shrike47
(6,913 posts)I know what a lengthy process it can be and how often people who, it seems to me, clearly can't work, are turned down.
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)I went to the doctor and said we have a problem. I was diagnosed with Bronchiectasis and I was rewarded my first time out.
It took about 10 months from applying and being OKed. Perhaps it's because I live in Cleveland and the office here is well staffed. I didn't even have to call in chits from my political friends.
They don't even check on me every two years anymore.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)I think due to several factors:
We live in less populated zone, there was never a waiting line at the Soc. Sec. office.
( but the state disability ( SSI) offices DO have crowded waiting)
His disability was indisputable AND he happened to be assigned to a Dr. from Iraq who was very familiar with
the type of original injury and subsequent disability. the doc said he had no idea how Mr. D. had managed to even work for many years considering his problem.
So doc ok'd 100% disability.
We got 24 months back payments, to date of his last job, a hefty sum and much needed.
that was 7 years ago.
Never have heard from SS again about any reviews. I do not think they "re-visit" 100% disability.
haele
(12,659 posts)Social Security asked for all the original documents his lawyer still had boxed up in a storage location, and he was lucky his lawyer remembered and sent her intern out free of charge to pick up his file and deliver it. She had forgotten to give us the entire file after he had been awarded 100% disability and the claim settled. Remember to keep your file, just in case!
They sent him to a different doctor than his own specilizing in his physical disability as part of the review - the doctor took one look at his hands and said "you're getting worse, aren't you?". That interview took 15 minutes and the doctor told him not to worry.
So, Laz is still 100% disabled. Of course we knew that, as he's probably going to have to start looking at motorized wheelchairs to get around in stores or at the zoo in the near future.
Haele
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)Fortunately, I have all paperwork saved.
Hell, I even my tax returns fromn the 1970's......
but...the dr. paperwork I do not think was ever to sent to us...
I do know that with SSI, they make people re-certify, by the simple process of dropping them from the rolls.
was wondering if there was going to be a mass Soc. sec. dis. re-certification, as an excuse to save money.
Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)
newfie11
(8,159 posts)I got mine in 5 months without an attorney . But I live in a rural state, I was58 years old, my job was physical and the only type of work I had done in 40 years. I was old enough that I don't have to be reevaluated .i had all my doctors reports and sent them in with the application.
Congratulations to you. I know the relief you felt after opening that envelope.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)and his SSDI will turn into regular Soc. Sec. payments.
I am sorta assuming they are not going to bother with his age bracket and an unarguable permanent physical disability.
If they do, we have our local doc records for the past 3 years.
newfie11
(8,159 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)Flatulo
(5,005 posts)I think the younger you are, the more difficult the application process will be, the thinking being that younger people have a better chance of recovering.
The more objective medical data you have, the better. MRIs, CT scans, etc. - things that aren't going to be open to a wide range of interpretations.
I had two herniated disks, stenosis, and grade 2 spondylolisthesis, as well as radiculopathy. I had several neurosurgical and orthopedic consults, and no one disagreed.
I'd be screwed for sure without this. I would literally have to take enough oxy to kill a horse in order to work an 8 hour day.
On edit - they've listed me as permanently disabled, so there will be no reviews.
The downside to all this? I'm in fucking agony most of the time.
AAO
(3,300 posts)Sorry about your agony. Probably not a very good trade-off, I'm thinking.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)except for my back. My doctor says I'm going to live to 90, in pain every minute.
In a few years they're supposed to have spinal implants widely available, so I may be a candidate for disk replacement. Until then, no one will even operate on me. They say its 50/50 they'll just make me worse, and this is consistent with everyone I know who's undergone spinal fusion. It's really hit or miss.
At least no one ever accused me of being a malingerer. I worked until I literally could not put in another day.
PATXgirl
(192 posts)For the past five months I've had near constant pain, numbness and leg-cramps any time I stand for longer than 10-20 minutes. I've tried everything to treat it myself to no avail. My current insurance added a permanent exclusion to my policy and won't pay for ANYthing related to my back so I'm in a quandary deciding who to go see for relief. Since it will be costly and all out of my pocket. I'm self-employed and haven't really been able to work normally for most of that time
3years ago I had a disk herniation in L4 & L5. The dr mentioned some signs of stenosis and arthritis. Told me things were just going to get worse. So I'm thinking its related to that.
Would you mind if I asked you a few questions about what road you've taken in getting treatment?
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)a grade 2 spondylolisthesis.
Current treatment is morphine sulphate 2X, plus every three months I get steroidal injections, either epidural or trans-foramenal. I've also had radio-frequency neuroablation, where they try to kill the nerves with radio frequency energy.
Unfortunately, degenerative disk disease typically does not get better. The epidural injections cost around $3000 per visit, so you really need insurance coverage. I'm afraid you're going to have a tough time ahead of you. Maybe you can at least afford to get some pain meds? What I take is available in generic form.
I'm fortunate enough to have a pain management center nearby that has taken me on. Pain management is an ongoing regimen of various treatments, including meds.
Prior to my going to the pain management center I had tried physical therapy (made the pain worse), acupuncture (no effect) and chiropracty (complete quackery and a ripoff).
AAO
(3,300 posts)It's hard for me to imagine constant agony. I want to believe you can get a reprieve now and then.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)an hour or so at at time.
AAO
(3,300 posts)Wishing you the best. Hope you keep hanging in there. None of us know what is waiting for us down the line, which is why I am curious about these things. Take care!
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)helps.
When I was still working, things were looking very bleak for me. My job as an engineer required me to sit as much as 14 hours per day. I was getting desperate and didn't know where to turn. My primary care doctor was of no use at all. I had been going steadily downhill for a long time, and he would just shrug and say "You're getting old. Nothing can be done."
Getting referred to a pain management center was a life-saving move. These people understand pain, especially back and are very compassionate.
AAO
(3,300 posts)
PATXgirl
(192 posts)Just saw my primary care physician yesterday and all he wants to do is run tests and more tests to see what's causing the numbness and cramping. His major concern yesterday was that I wasn't up to date on my mammogram or Pap smear...and there was an off chance that breast cancer could be causing the pain. REALLY? Uhhh, hello...nerve impingement due to a previous herniated disk? I told him I can't afford a whole battery of these tests right now but I need something to change so I can function again.
Last time, when the herniation first happened, they were able to give me steroids for inflammation and muscle relaxers to stop the spasms in my back. Between that and exercise I was able to get the inflammation and pain to a manageable level, get stronger in my core to get back to moving around.
Right now it feels like I'm living life in 10-20 minute windows. There are days when everyday activities that you take for granted, like standing in a shower, washing dishes, taking the dogs out, doing the laundry, going grocery shopping are now things i just have to push through or broken into manageable segments between bouts of extreme Charlie horse type pain in my hips and calves and both legs going numb from the tips of my toes to my hips.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)experience is that primary care physicians are completely and utterly useless (and even harmful) when it comes to back problems. They tend to be trained in internal medicine, but their egos won't let them refer you to a specialist. Of course insurance companies and HMOs will hate spending the money on an MRI (they only cost a grand), and may even tie your doctor's compensation to how little he can spend on your problem. They'd prefer that you just go away.
My doctor was prescribing 800mg of Ibuprofen for a ruptured disk. All that much ibuprofen was doing was eating a hole in my small intestine. It didn't even touch the pain, not even 1%. When I told him this, repeatedly, he just shrugged and said there was absolutely nothing he could do.
I sincerely hope your Primary guy is better than mine was.
PATXgirl
(192 posts)Bypassed what I went in for and segued into tests he decided I needed instead.
Just trying to figure out who to go to instead. There is a "spine clinic" here and I saw him last time. He is the one who ordered the MRI 3 years ago. Basically said yep, you've got 2herniated disks, some arthritis and stenosis and things are probably just going to get worse. He suggested some type of decompression therapy that he offered through his clinic but after 4 or 5 weeks of waiting for them to work me into their schedule, I was feeling better and did my own exercises. Why I had to wait was beyond me, their office was always empty when I went in for visits.
Anyway, just trying to decide what type of doctor to see next.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)will become more frequent and longer in duration. I was where you are now for about 10 years. It's also possible that you won't get worse, but keep on working on your core strength without injuring yourself if possible.
My job required me to sit for ridiculously long periods without a break. If you can, take frequent stretch breaks. Also, ice is your friend. Even though heat may feel better, it will not help the inflammation. And that's what your feeling. The nerves become inflamed by the rubbing of the bulging disk, as well as the reduction in the foremen due to the arthritis.
I sincerely wish you the best of luck with your back.
One last thing - every one I know who has had spinal fusion is sorry they did. Even the orthopedic surgeons who perform this operation are backing away from it and reverting to meds. I would stay away from any doctor who recommends it unless a second and even third opinion back him up.
PATXgirl
(192 posts)I hope you are also able to find some form of relief and future treatment. The disk implants sound like an exciting possibility. I'll be keeping an eye out for news on that treatment.
BobbyBoring
(1,965 posts)I have the same situation and am fortunate to have a great LIBERAL PM doc. The one thing I really fear is Big Brother will start shutting down more of them. They've closed 4 in my area in the past 2 years. The illegal Oxy use here really causes problems for those of us that are in real pain. No one has enough $ to buy my scripts, but a lot of people just sell theirs. STUPID!
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)prescription painkillers. In Massachusetts you can soon expect your doctor to be required to share your prescription information with the police and registry of motor vehicles. If you're pulled over, you can be arrested for operating a vehicle while under the influence of perfectly legal meds. Since I am on morphine 24/7, I could theoretically be banned from ever operating again, even though I am not impaired in the least.
A whole 'nother huge revenue stream is about to open up.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)Some people who shall remain nameless swear by it for pain.
and I have a question..you said there will be no reviews because of permanent disability....
pls. share where you got that info.
cause it is good news for Mr. D. if true.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)It makes my heart race and my paranoia spike. I've been told I'm wound too tight for pot, and I guess I can't argue with that. Funnily enough, my brother and sister are quite enamored of it, and since my brother lives in Colorado, he can now partake at will.
I have so much nerve impingement on both the spinal cord and the left side radicular nerves that I am in a pretty high level of pain more or less constantly. My foramen are so narrowed by disk compression and arthritis that spinal fusion, the usual treatment, is not recommended because it would have a low chance of success. I take controlled release morphine 2X daily, which gets the pain down to a 2 or a 3, but if I lift even a gallon of milk my back will often go into spasm, which if you've ever experienced it, is excruciating almost beyond belief. There aren't enough drugs in the world to knock out a good muscle spasm.
I get cortico-steroidal injections every three months or so at the Worcester, MA Pain Management Center. The shots also help a lot, but they just don't last very long. The procedure involves sticking a half-dozen long needles right into your back and injecting medicine in. It's not nearly as much fun as it sounds.
I now walk with a cane, and can only go a few blocks, but I am valiantly keeping moving. I can't sit up or stand for more than 30 minutes or so without my back going into spasm from the nerves getting irritated. I can swim, and do so every night.
I've been to one of the top orthopedic surgeons in Boston at the Beth Israel Spine Center, Dr. Kevin McGuire. He's telling me to hang on a few more years and wait for spinal implants to become a) more widely available and b) covered by insurance. But even then, I have so much arthritis that there will always be pain from the stenosis. Until then, I try to keep moving by doing light housework and grocery shopping/cooking. I also swim every night, which helps with the pain.
Regarding my SSDI award, the award letter usually has a paragraph somewhere in the middle where they grade your disability as 1) likely to improve, 2) may improve, and 3) will not improve. Each category has a review period associated with it. I was placed into category 3 and told that there will not be a review due to the severity of the impairment. They may also factor in my age, which is 57. Normally the review period for category 3 is 5 to 7 years, which would put me well into the eligibility age for retirement benefits anyway.
Thanks for the pot suggestion though. I may try it yet again. Massachusetts has decriminalized possession, so there's no legal impediment, and we just approved medical pot by referendum. I just need to find the right recipe.
Thanks for the concern, and I wish Mr. D the best of luck with his pain. It really sucks the life out of you. It's a real challenge to not snap at people when the pain is real bad.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)that there are different kinds of pot, some of which do not produce paranoia.
Haven't found one yet that does not increase my heart rate, so I don't smoke anymore, because I am taking meds to decrease the rate...duh.
No one warned me the body turns on you as you age...grrrr.
I want the 70's back!!!!!!!!!!
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)firenewt
(298 posts)adjudicator for Social Security. I still have friends working in the system. What I was told is scary for those applying for disability. Claims are being automatically denied without ever being looked at. This holds true until you finally get to the appeals judge. He was somewhat surprised I hadn't been approved previously. So, to all those stuck in the system, hang tough and don't give up. I had to get an attorney but it was worth the cost.
Christmas will be a bit brighter for you and yours.
wellstone dem
(4,460 posts)And if your kids are under 18 they will also get benefits, which will also go back two years. If it goes back two years, you should soon be eligible for Medicare as well. Check on that. And depending on your income and resources you may be eligible for Medicaid and other state benefits. So ask your lawyer about that as well.
GreenPartyVoter
(72,377 posts)
Heathen57
(573 posts)and congrats on the relatively short time it took.
Mine is currently in Federal court with another year before I see another court date. I've been declared permanently disabled but the judge decided to change the date of onset so I am not eligible for any money.
Been at it since 2003 so we are coming up on 10 years.
I can understand how much it can help. My wife got hers and it was all that has kept us from being homeless.
JimDandy
(7,318 posts)Sorry it took so long. As a tax payer I am glad that the money goes to help people who need help. Merry, merry Christmas to you and yours. 
libodem
(19,288 posts)Took me forever too. It was such a relief to come back off the edge of doom into a safety net.
YOHABLO
(7,358 posts)
sueh
(1,826 posts)southernyankeebelle
(11,304 posts)the request and they turned you down.
Historic NY
(37,449 posts)almost 5yrs . You will get it retro. I was relieved when it came paid off all my bills.
1-Old-Man
(2,667 posts)Kaleva
(36,307 posts)
I remember what a great feeling it was the day I went to the post office to get the mail and I saw what looked like a check from the SSA. I had applied for disability 3 months earlier and I had been told by many it could take years to get approved. I opened the envelope and it did contain a big check. I got home, told my then wife and I called the local SSA office and the lady said I had been approved and I was going to get the notification of the approval shortly.
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)
Bozvotros
(785 posts)A certain percentage who qualify give up when denied. Insurance companies have routinely used denial of legitimate claims to cut reimbursement costs. I think SSDI may do this too but it may just be that they want more data. This means shelling out more money for appointments, tests etc. just when it may be hardest. Usually people go several years trying to work, quitting and losing jobs, hoping things will magically get better before they realize or accept that they aren't fit any longer.
My wife who has a certain severe inflammatory joint disease worked until her mid 50's when it had reached the point where she couldn't use her hands for several hours every morning. She applied for SSDI and was promptly denied. She was so disgusted and hurt she refused to appeal. We argued alot about that. But she was unable to hold any job that required manual dexterity, repetitive motion or ability to grip....or standing too long.... or having to hustle from spot to spot. There are damn few jobs that don't require one of those and they usually go to someone young. Not some women in their mid 50's whose knuckles are as big as a football player. When three years later she finally reapplied for SSI they certified her disability back to when she first applied. But since she had not appealed she simply got back pay to the time of her second application. That cost us about 30,000 and created a whole set of problems that we are still recovering from.
Sometimes the denial is one "soft" letter from one provider. If you get your records from them you can sometimes spot it right away and ask them to write another. Or find another provider in the same specialty. Just don't give up.
Oh... and congratulations. I know how much it can mean and how hard those years must have been. Happy holiday to you.
pengillian101
(2,351 posts)"End of the world my arse!...BEST DAY EVER!!!!"
So happy for you 
Such a relief, eh?
VOX
(22,976 posts)My health issues resolved over time and was able to get back into the swing of things, but jeez, had that safety net not been there, I most probably would have died -- one way or the other.
Having walked that agonizing mile, I feel for every soul who needs help and is out of options. Thank God we live in a country that still (in spite of right-wing efforts to the contrary) has a modicum of compassion, even if you have to fight for it.
So glad that it came through for you. Now relax and enjoy the holidays! Cheers--
SheilaT
(23,156 posts)to an attorney who did Social Security Disability Claims appeals. She only took the cases she knew stood an excellent chance of being approved on the appeal. I did learn some interesting things.
Basically, you have to be unable to work at all to get approved. The older you are, the easier it is to be approved because the assumption that's out there for younger workers that they can retrain, is reduced for the older person.
And at the risk of sounding quite callous, the best thing (if you want to call it that) is to go blind. Those claims get processed very quickly.
Anyway, it's good to hear your claim finally was approved.
DonCoquixote
(13,616 posts)took about 5 years for me, and onyl because my lawyer got my case judge in atlanta rather than Florida.
glinda
(14,807 posts)sorefeet
(1,241 posts)who scammed for SSDI got it in 4 months. Just went thru a one year investigation and the said he will continue to recieve SSDI. He told me he scammed them. SSDI sent him to the same doctor that said he was disabled the first time. He also grows and sells marijuana to the tune of $1000 bucks a week side money. He refused all test and takes zero medication. Anyone got any federal connections. I smell a rat.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)has become strained, they are very, very cautious in awarding benefits. All the fraudulent MDs have been shut down, and you need a tremendous amount of objective medical data to be approved. Just saying that you're suffering from this or that isn't enough anymore.
Even when you are approved, they will continue to monitor your medical state, which means constant visits to doctors and documenting everything.
Purveyor
(29,876 posts)that advertise on TV.
'Allow' first time submitted. Now pulling in 2800 a month and doing drywall jobs on the side just because he is 'bored' and needs to get out of the house and his 'old lady'...
Indeed this is happening, in spades.
Silver Swan
(1,110 posts)For information see:
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/48/~/reporting-social-security-fraud
The more information you can provide, the better. It's best if you can give at least the name and date of birth of the person you suspect, so SSA can identify them.
Not all reports are investigated, but many are. Of the ones investigated, some are closed because it is determined they are not worth prosecuting, but some are referred for prosecution.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)my entire career. I made well over 6 figures for the past 15 years and I don't get that much.
I always hit the earnings peak, so theoretically I'm getting the maximum amount possible.
Dark n Stormy Knight
(9,760 posts)to do with Boxerfan.
Congrats, Boxerfan. SSDI is there to help people like you, and I'm so glad you're getting the benefits you need and deserve.
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)any doctor visits. Also get copies of any MRI disks, blood tests, etc.
Your full time job from now on is to document your medical condition.
allan01
(1,950 posts)congrats! 
took my team and i 5 years of constant denials, and apeals. i finaly asked for a administrative law judge .yes if you are denied or jerked around ,constanly apeal . none of the high priced lawyers and so on never came to bat for me . a outfit called drail and its local head and the county mental health system came on board too. . bang on job there .
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)It is a tiring, frustrating process. Did you get your Medicare eligibility qualification letter as well? Medicare is why I kept after my claim for 5 years. At the time, the Medicare card meant as much to me as the money.
I know the feeling of having that weight finally lifted. It is a great relief. I am very happy for you and your family.
mgardener
(1,816 posts)If I had been a single mother, I would have lost everything. I am thankful for my SSI and my Medicare.
I was disabled at the age of 45, quite unexpectedly. But I had been working P/T since I was 16.
My oldest was in College and my daughter and son were in high school.
I volunteer in my community to try and give back.
Even though I am in pain, I feel very fortunate.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)We were lucky, it only took two years for my wife to get it. But it damn near broke us. They do the waiting game on purpose, they want you to give up and go back to work.
Bennyboy
(10,440 posts)Three years in and third try. I have no idea what I am going to do.
dlwickham
(3,316 posts)you get an attorney and you get approved
rl6214
(8,142 posts)There are very strict guideline for who qualifies and who doesn't, unless you have one of or a combination of illnesses list by SS, you won't get approved regardless who you have representing you.
dlwickham
(3,316 posts)my claim was denied twice until I got an attorney
my claim was approved in less than 6 months afterwards
nothing had changed in the time between my last denial and the time I got my attorney
rl6214
(8,142 posts)And that is the way it is designed, they want people to get discouraged and drop out. Mine got to the administrative law judge review, which is probably where yours got to as well. Seventy percent of the initial apps gets denied, then it goes to review if you request it where another 70% are denied and then those go on to the ALJ review where another 70% are denied. That's an awe full lot of denials and then you still have to meet the criteria listed under their impairments
Here:http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
dlwickham
(3,316 posts)the system is set up so people get discouraged
I guess mine went to the admin law judge but I don't think it would have made it that far without my hiring an attorney
as for the criteria, I'd say most of that is fairly fluid
I could claim XY, and Z as grounds for my claim and get approved but someone else could claim the same thing and have a similar medical history and still get denied over and over again
I wasted so much time when I should have hired an attorney right off the bat but most people don't know that; they wait until they're denied
rl6214
(8,142 posts)And when you get to the ALJ it's still a crap shoot because you never know what sort of judge you are going to get.
Glad it worked out for you, best of luck to you.
Moosepoop
(1,920 posts)I am so happy for you!! 
Response to Boxerfan (Original post)
Tiredofwaitingforssd This message was self-deleted by its author.
marble falls
(57,097 posts)your first visit will be free and a lot of times that first meeting will net results.
Free internet anonymous legal advice is worth every penny.