happygirl440
02-27-2008, 10:26 PM
I seen my PM today for a regular visit and attached to my file was the papers from SS. The Dr said they will be done today and returned to SS. So now how long after SS gets the papers back from her does it take for the decision? Also, can I get a copy of what she filed? I am in the reconsideration phase. The first time around the PM never filled out any forms. I filed 6/07 got denied 12/07 and then immediately filed for the reconsideration.
Thanks, Cindy
Thanks, Cindy
Sponsor
Executor
03-01-2008, 11:59 PM
If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? Older patients, especially those over 50 are usually approved fairly quickly. Simply put, they cost the Gov't less, so they'll approve them to help keep their approval rate up. SS can't deny everyone, so the approve the older ones. Conversely, they'll drag out younger applicants hoping they'll give up or recover. Obviously, younger patients are much more costly on the system.
If you are younger than 45, I would recommend a personal advocate or disability lawyer. Not only are these people experts at how the process works, but have tons of experience on how to handle unique situations that invariably pop up. The longer your case goes, the more important it is to have someone with experience. One of my old college friends is now a disability lawyer and he says there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how cases are approved. In fact, all sorts of rumors are out there as to why. He's seen applicants with very routine cases approved the first go around while people who are severely paralyzed get denied. Many, many people have died from their condition while waiting.
From a business ONLY perspective, most disability cases turn into a lifetime worth of payments and benefits. Thus, it stands to reason that SS would be very tough on approval. The days of early rubber stamping people are over. I read a post on this site some time ago where someone said they worked for SS and would be disciplined if they approved too many applicants. However, they can't deny everyone the first go around due to regulatory conditions, so some are approved. I've heard and read a conspiracy theory that it is complete random selection (first round approval).
If you get a lawyer, there are many today that are former SS employees and judges. Obviously, these folks know the system better than most and are probably worth the investment.
Lastly, your supporting physician is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the process. At some point, one will become your official "supporting physician"....The one who signs off on your condition. The firmer and more convincing this person is, the better off you will be. In fact, at some point, your Doc will be sent a form and asked to answer questions in a spreadsheet and they wil be:
- "can this person work."
- "If so, what type of work."
- "Is this person disabled"?
- "Is his/her condition permanent"?
You get the idea. You can absolutely get a copy, and would recommend you doing so....Tell the Doc you'd like a copy so you can follow up on your own and help streamline things. You'll probably also need to stay on the Doc as disability paperwork / process is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" things. SS can get very frustrating and take a while. Thus, you'll need to have very frank and open conversation with your supporting Doc to ensure he/she will be 100% in your corner.
it's a long and difficult process, but one that is well worth it you are ill. Good luck and hope this information helps.
Executor
If you are younger than 45, I would recommend a personal advocate or disability lawyer. Not only are these people experts at how the process works, but have tons of experience on how to handle unique situations that invariably pop up. The longer your case goes, the more important it is to have someone with experience. One of my old college friends is now a disability lawyer and he says there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how cases are approved. In fact, all sorts of rumors are out there as to why. He's seen applicants with very routine cases approved the first go around while people who are severely paralyzed get denied. Many, many people have died from their condition while waiting.
From a business ONLY perspective, most disability cases turn into a lifetime worth of payments and benefits. Thus, it stands to reason that SS would be very tough on approval. The days of early rubber stamping people are over. I read a post on this site some time ago where someone said they worked for SS and would be disciplined if they approved too many applicants. However, they can't deny everyone the first go around due to regulatory conditions, so some are approved. I've heard and read a conspiracy theory that it is complete random selection (first round approval).
If you get a lawyer, there are many today that are former SS employees and judges. Obviously, these folks know the system better than most and are probably worth the investment.
Lastly, your supporting physician is the MOST IMPORTANT part of the process. At some point, one will become your official "supporting physician"....The one who signs off on your condition. The firmer and more convincing this person is, the better off you will be. In fact, at some point, your Doc will be sent a form and asked to answer questions in a spreadsheet and they wil be:
- "can this person work."
- "If so, what type of work."
- "Is this person disabled"?
- "Is his/her condition permanent"?
You get the idea. You can absolutely get a copy, and would recommend you doing so....Tell the Doc you'd like a copy so you can follow up on your own and help streamline things. You'll probably also need to stay on the Doc as disability paperwork / process is one of those "out of sight, out of mind" things. SS can get very frustrating and take a while. Thus, you'll need to have very frank and open conversation with your supporting Doc to ensure he/she will be 100% in your corner.
it's a long and difficult process, but one that is well worth it you are ill. Good luck and hope this information helps.
Executor
happygirl440
03-02-2008, 01:46 AM
Thanks for the reply.
I am 43.
Cindy
I am 43.
Cindy
Executor
03-03-2008, 12:15 AM
Yes, I'm afraid you'll be on the radar screen as a large payout, so hang in there and stay with it. You have the same likelihood as anyone else of being approved, but it will just take longer....Unfortunately. One of my close friends was 41 when approved and it took her almost 2 years.....And she had to go all the way to the ADJ judge. What was so interesting about it was that when they had the hearing, the judge basically rubber stamped it and said it should have never taken that long and that the hearing was wasting everyone's time....Just one of those pieces of information that lead me to believe that they string younger people out.
Best of luck to you and please let me know if you have any more questions.
Ex
Best of luck to you and please let me know if you have any more questions.
Ex
Monty44
03-03-2008, 07:22 PM
I was approved at age 44 on my first application. If you have the supporting documentation, you will be approved. Send a letter or fax to every doctor you see or have seen that have anything even remotely connected to your disability requesting copies of your record. By law, they must provide them. Once you have everything collected (or at least most of it), send it directly to your claim adjuster. If there are any changes or new procedures, operations, or diagnosis get copies of the report and send them in yourself. The more information supporting your disability the better.
Executor
03-03-2008, 11:42 PM
Those approved on the first go try and in the phase is very rare. According to the SS website, the average length of time per applicant is over 12 months. You are very lucky.