I appled for disability after being told Id need a 3 level ACDF which was May of 07.I had the surgery November 15 07.Im still in great pain and still have numbness and weakness. I am now recieving shots in neck and back.Im on some scary medication also. I believe I may have other bad discs in mid spine Ill be having xrays next week. Any advice? I do have a disability advocate no court date yet.By the way I am 45 years old I know they do concider age in making their decision.

Just make sure you keep SS updated on your medical care and scripts and if you see a new Dr or have a new problem.
Cindy

I may be close to your situation. I'm 43. I had a double fusion and now Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. I have 3 herniated discs in my neck. I have one thoracic herniation. They took out a disc when they did the fusion. I also have Narcolepsy. I have a tear in my elbow. I'm in horrible pain. I'm on heavy duty meds. With all that, I got denied twice. My next step is a hearing before the judge. Just signed the paperwork a few weeks ago. Court dates are backed up 400 days. So another year to wait. My atty says I will get approved when I go before a judge. It seems so far away.

They deny you when you are our age because they feel we are young enough and will find a job doing something and drop our claims. I retired from my job with a disability pension. So, I couldn't work if I were able to.

Thank you for your replies.When you say to keep SS updated on medical care and scripts do I do that myself or wont my advocate do that for me if I keep her imformed? I also was denied twice already.Im now waiting for court hearing probably around Febuary.They say you almost always get denied twice is that true?I guess thats their way of trying to get you to give up.Hessie28 did you have to go to pain management after your surgery by any chance.

They deny you when you are our age because they feel we are young enough and will find a job doing something and drop our claims.

Also, young applicants are a big payout....In general. So, they deny younger applicants in hopes that they don't fight, or because they are younger, they recover or improve enough to work.

Hang in there Hessie....Your lawyer is right....You will be approved since you were approved by your companies policy...I was in the same boat.

Regards,

Ex

SS ordered a record from my surgeon and didn't get it from them till after my denial....

I take all new medical evidence/doctor records to my local SS office myself, that way I know they have it.

Cindy

So Im relying to much on my advocate huh. I thought theyd do it all.duh.What kinds of things do I need to keep updated xrays ,tests, dr. appointments ,scripts what else procedures and such?