Hi,
My name is Leeann and I am a 54 year old widow.
I have had many tradegedies in my life time. My brother committed suicide in 1973, my Mom died, in my arms, in 1986, my adopted son committed suiced in 1987, my dad died in 1989, and my husband, due to a motorcyle accident, died in 2000. To make a long story short, I seen my husband's motorcycle accident, when he got hit on his motorcycle by a car, I seen his motorcycle, go up in the air, one way and I seen my husband, go up in the air, another way.
Since my husband's death, I have developed High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Arthrititus, 3 degenerative discs in my back, Various aches and pains throughout my body, and severe depression. I have a lot of trouble sleeping. And due to my severe back pain, I am unable to work as a Secretary any longer. I relive seeing my husband's accident every day. I am, currently, seeing a Physiciatrist for my depression, he has diagnosed me with PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder. I, also, had to endure the tradegedies of Hurricane Katrina (2005).
I have applied for Widow's Benefits and Disability Insurance Benefits and was turned down for both. I, then, applied for a Notice of Reconsideration and, again, was turned down. I am now deciding whether to Request For Hearing By Administrative Law Judge.
I was hoping for some advice. Does anyone have an idea as if my case has a chance of winning? I would appreciate, any and all, advice.

Thanks,
Lee Ann

The stage that you are at is where the majority of the cases are won. It also depends on your medical history and if you have doctors that support your claim. Are you doing to a doctor regularly? Do you have a lawyer? You won't have to pay a lawyer any money up-front and will only have to pay if you win your case.

Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Katrina, my doctor doesn't practice here any longer. I, also, don't have any hospitalization. I am going to a Psychiatrist on a regular basis. SS already has ex-ray results of my degenerative discs. And my Psychiatrist diagnosed me with Manic Depression Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I do have a Lawyer and I will put her name as my Attorney when I send in the Request For Hearing By Administrative Law Judge.

Leeann

I hope your attorney specializes in SSDI cases only...If not I would recommend you seek out one that does. You need an attorney that can work the system to your benefit
Hang in there and don't give up
Sending you many :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel:'s

Thanks so much for your advice.... :)