When you have written a letter to your local senator or congressmen what exactly do you state in it?
Thanks Cindy

Hi there ! I originally from Bedford, OH. I'm in AL now but I wrote to my congressman and senators. Just tell them who you are, that you are a voter and when you filed...what stage of this game you are in...how long you've been waiting etc. They will send you a letter for you to sign..they have to have this to be able to inquire for you. In AL my congressman gets an update from the appeal "court" telling them how far along I am in the process. They also let my attorney know. The national line (1-800 #) will tell you how long it is "reported" to take in your area. However, I get better information from my congressman...good luck ! I filed in 06, got denied, got a lawyer, filed appeal in Jan 07...based on what the congressman's office told me I should be getting a hearing date very soon. HOOOOOORAY

Thanks for the info. My daughter is in Mobile attending college. Small world.

I saw my attorney on Monday and he informed me that I got an ON THE RECORD approval. No court for me...Woo Hoo ! I totally agree with you about writing to your senator and congressman and whoever else you can think of. I even sent an e mail to our local TV station. I got information all along this nightmare from my congressman....Lord Bless Him ! It's not over yet. I was told that the
"paperwork" was sent to the payment center in Birmingham and there's no tellling how much longer it will be. Meanwhile.....it's still beans and weinies for us. :)

Good for you!!!! I wish that was my case but I am still waiting and contemplating returning to work out of necessity. I am so happy to hear that your wait is over. I am still waiting after 22 months for a hearing. I love a happy ending.

Don't you give up, my friend. I filed in Aug. 05 and had to give up about a year of back pay but to have an income is a blessing so they can keep the year! I've seen you on this board alot and you know what every one says: Don't give up....it's very frustrating, I know, I came VERY close to throwing in the towel. As I said in another thread, this board has become my "life line". If not for the encouraging words, I know I would have said heck with it (but not so nicely...heehee). You hang in there. My attorney here in Mobile said that they are trying "push out" the cases that they know are good. They are determined in this state to our backlog down. So hang in there. You may get it sooner than you think ! I did.:)

Realistically, I know I am not able to hold any job now. I just get so discouraged. Just in the last 4 months, I have been assigned to a different Rheumatologist, had to have several heart tests, one- a stress test, I failed miserably; had to relocate and put my furniture in storage as I cannot afford my own place any more; have called numerous times to set up an attorney requested psychological evaluation with no return of my call from the very psychological office I have used the past year and told once again by my attorney's office I am still 6 months out for a hearing date to be set.

How can one be optimistic when everywhere you turn is a stumbling block? I am so tired of dealing with all the red tape and constant pain. I feel like I am just existing and have no chance to do other than that in the foreseeable future. I just get so tired of being let down. I know the stress of all this is inevitably causing even futher health problems, it is a no-win situation.