gayle4102
07-18-2008, 07:35 PM
Hi everybody! First of all, I have been lurking, and reading all the posts, and have learned so much - thanks everyone for all the good information.
It seems I did things a little bit backwards. I went to an attorney first. I wanted to make sure I had a case. His secretary said he would get my medical records, and get back to me in 3-4 weeks. Well, it only took 3 days. As soon as he got my MRI, he called me in and told me I had a very strong case.
I filed in May 2008, got my first denial in June 2008 and denial on my reconsideration in July 2008. Now, he is filing for an AJL hearing.
From everything I have heard, and read here on this forum, this is happening way too fast. These first two steps are supposed to take months, or maybe even years - not weeks. Is something wrong when it happens this fast?
It seems I did things a little bit backwards. I went to an attorney first. I wanted to make sure I had a case. His secretary said he would get my medical records, and get back to me in 3-4 weeks. Well, it only took 3 days. As soon as he got my MRI, he called me in and told me I had a very strong case.
I filed in May 2008, got my first denial in June 2008 and denial on my reconsideration in July 2008. Now, he is filing for an AJL hearing.
From everything I have heard, and read here on this forum, this is happening way too fast. These first two steps are supposed to take months, or maybe even years - not weeks. Is something wrong when it happens this fast?
Sponsor
littlelady2852
07-18-2008, 10:25 PM
Yes thats too fast.. May i ask you what are your health probems ? I applied in March of this year and had to go for spinal xrays and another doctors visit.
Karen
Karen
Executor
07-19-2008, 12:48 AM
I have to disagree. If he's a disability attorney, he knows what he's doing. Follow his lead. Those with attorneys have different time lines than those without.
Good luck.
Ex
Good luck.
Ex
gayle4102
07-19-2008, 12:00 PM
Thank you for your quick answers. The denials came so fast, I got the feeling they were not even reading my paperwork and medical reports - just stamping 'NO' on it, and sending it back.
All my problems are in my back. The main problem is a disc that has herniated so far out, that it compromised the root nerve to my left leg. It happened so fast: I was fine one day, and they next day in the ER in horrible pain and could not walk. It has left me with nerve damage to my leg, and pain in my leg and lower back.
The MRI also showed two more herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis in my spine. I had no idea I had this ticking time bomb in my back. I am single, 57 years old, and I have not worked since this happened.
And yes, my attorney specializes in SSDI cases.
All my problems are in my back. The main problem is a disc that has herniated so far out, that it compromised the root nerve to my left leg. It happened so fast: I was fine one day, and they next day in the ER in horrible pain and could not walk. It has left me with nerve damage to my leg, and pain in my leg and lower back.
The MRI also showed two more herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis in my spine. I had no idea I had this ticking time bomb in my back. I am single, 57 years old, and I have not worked since this happened.
And yes, my attorney specializes in SSDI cases.
littlelady2852
07-19-2008, 12:34 PM
Gayle,
I am so happy that you got it so fast.My problems are in my back also. I have a Arachoid Cyst on my spine. I have noticed the past few days. My legs seem to be getting weaker and tingling and pins and needles in my legs.Also the most terrible pain in my upper spine.
Maybe i will get mine quick , if i get turned down on my first try i will contact me a good ss disability lawyer. Maybe i need to start looking now.
Karen
I am so happy that you got it so fast.My problems are in my back also. I have a Arachoid Cyst on my spine. I have noticed the past few days. My legs seem to be getting weaker and tingling and pins and needles in my legs.Also the most terrible pain in my upper spine.
Maybe i will get mine quick , if i get turned down on my first try i will contact me a good ss disability lawyer. Maybe i need to start looking now.
Karen
gayle4102
07-19-2008, 06:10 PM
Hi Karen,
Yes, when I filed at the SS office, the lady who took my info was surprised that I already had an attorney. She said most people don't get one till they have been turned down.
It never occurred to me that having an attorney from the start might speed things up - maybe that is why it is moving so fast.
It will be interesting to see when I get the AJL hearing, and see if it takes the two years, that seems to be the norm.
I hope you get good news, Karen!
Gayle
Yes, when I filed at the SS office, the lady who took my info was surprised that I already had an attorney. She said most people don't get one till they have been turned down.
It never occurred to me that having an attorney from the start might speed things up - maybe that is why it is moving so fast.
It will be interesting to see when I get the AJL hearing, and see if it takes the two years, that seems to be the norm.
I hope you get good news, Karen!
Gayle
littlelady2852
07-19-2008, 06:27 PM
Thanks so much..
Karen
Karen
gayle4102
07-23-2008, 06:06 PM
I recieved a letter today from the ALJ office, saying that my application had been recieved. Then the lawyer's office called, to see if I had recieved my copy of the same letter they recieved.
While I had the lawyer's secretary on the phone, I asked her if what I had read was true - that the average waiting time for a hearing is 17 months. To my surprise, she said no - that the average waiting time for a hearing is 8 months, and many times, not even that long.
Perhaps it is true - that those with an attorney have different time lines.
While I had the lawyer's secretary on the phone, I asked her if what I had read was true - that the average waiting time for a hearing is 17 months. To my surprise, she said no - that the average waiting time for a hearing is 8 months, and many times, not even that long.
Perhaps it is true - that those with an attorney have different time lines.
wldfowlr
07-28-2008, 11:12 AM
Did the attorney actually have you do anything?.....have you had an RFC done, or any type of other test, besides the MRI?.....It seems strange to me, but if you had a "strong" case, why were you turned down so fast?....At which of the five qualifications stages did you fail the "test" for SSDI?
Also, what is your financial agreement with the attorney?...Is he paid on your BACK PAY?
Maybe I am just suspicous by nature, but the time line you described is unrealistically fast.....I spend hours on end surfing the "boards and blogs", and have never seen what you just described....
I hate to sound negative, but pose that question to a few "unbiased" online attorneys, and see what they say.
Also, what is your financial agreement with the attorney?...Is he paid on your BACK PAY?
Maybe I am just suspicous by nature, but the time line you described is unrealistically fast.....I spend hours on end surfing the "boards and blogs", and have never seen what you just described....
I hate to sound negative, but pose that question to a few "unbiased" online attorneys, and see what they say.
gayle4102
07-28-2008, 01:34 PM
Hi Wldfowlr,
I have had an MRI, X-rays, tests done by a spinal surgeon, a physical therapist, my family doctor, and a spine doctor. Since I am still seeing the spine doctor once or twice a month, he is the one who did the RFC.
The reason my attorney felt I had a strong case after seeing my MRI, is because one of my conditions that showed up on the MRI, meets the listing in the SSDI Blue Book. Silly me, I thought that I would be approved instantly - but have since found out that many, many people with severe disabilities are denied the first two times. (even if they do meet the listing in the Blue Book)
My payment agreement with the attorney is the standard one: 25% of the back pay, with a cap of $5,300. If I don't win, I owe him nothing.
I have never heard of a timeline so fast either, which is why I started the thread. His secretary did tell me that it moves a little faster in Texas, than other states - but this was just too fast.
Maybe it is like Executor said: Those with attorneys have different time lines than those without.
I have had an MRI, X-rays, tests done by a spinal surgeon, a physical therapist, my family doctor, and a spine doctor. Since I am still seeing the spine doctor once or twice a month, he is the one who did the RFC.
The reason my attorney felt I had a strong case after seeing my MRI, is because one of my conditions that showed up on the MRI, meets the listing in the SSDI Blue Book. Silly me, I thought that I would be approved instantly - but have since found out that many, many people with severe disabilities are denied the first two times. (even if they do meet the listing in the Blue Book)
My payment agreement with the attorney is the standard one: 25% of the back pay, with a cap of $5,300. If I don't win, I owe him nothing.
I have never heard of a timeline so fast either, which is why I started the thread. His secretary did tell me that it moves a little faster in Texas, than other states - but this was just too fast.
Maybe it is like Executor said: Those with attorneys have different time lines than those without.
wldfowlr
07-28-2008, 05:32 PM
Hi Wldfowlr,
I have had an MRI, X-rays, tests done by a spinal surgeon, a physical therapist, my family doctor, and a spine doctor. Since I am still seeing the spine doctor once or twice a month, he is the one who did the RFC.
The reason my attorney felt I had a strong case after seeing my MRI, is because one of my conditions that showed up on the MRI, meets the listing in the SSDI Blue Book. Silly me, I thought that I would be approved instantly - but have since found out that many, many people with severe disabilities are denied the first two times. (even if they do meet the listing in the Blue Book)
My payment agreement with the attorney is the standard one: 25% of the back pay, with a cap of $5,300. If I don't win, I owe him nothing.
I have never heard of a timeline so fast either, which is why I started the
thread. His secretary did tell me that it moves a little faster in Texas, than other states - but this was just too fast.
Maybe it is like Executor said: Those with attorneys have different time lines than those without.
I pray for you that this attorney is doing the right thing....I did not mean to sound so negative....after I read that, it seemed so negative, but at the same point, I just find it so hard to believe it would move THAT fast.....
With all that documentation, it would seem the investigation would have taken longer...even though you may have still been turned down, a month IS FAST...anyway, sorry if I sounded so negative.....
I have had an MRI, X-rays, tests done by a spinal surgeon, a physical therapist, my family doctor, and a spine doctor. Since I am still seeing the spine doctor once or twice a month, he is the one who did the RFC.
The reason my attorney felt I had a strong case after seeing my MRI, is because one of my conditions that showed up on the MRI, meets the listing in the SSDI Blue Book. Silly me, I thought that I would be approved instantly - but have since found out that many, many people with severe disabilities are denied the first two times. (even if they do meet the listing in the Blue Book)
My payment agreement with the attorney is the standard one: 25% of the back pay, with a cap of $5,300. If I don't win, I owe him nothing.
I have never heard of a timeline so fast either, which is why I started the
thread. His secretary did tell me that it moves a little faster in Texas, than other states - but this was just too fast.
Maybe it is like Executor said: Those with attorneys have different time lines than those without.
I pray for you that this attorney is doing the right thing....I did not mean to sound so negative....after I read that, it seemed so negative, but at the same point, I just find it so hard to believe it would move THAT fast.....
With all that documentation, it would seem the investigation would have taken longer...even though you may have still been turned down, a month IS FAST...anyway, sorry if I sounded so negative.....
BrittleBones
07-28-2008, 08:47 PM
From what I've heard, the time it takes to get your case through Social Security Disability depends largely on the state where you live and how backed-up they are with claims. When I applied for SSDI, I had broken my back in 4 places, shattered my calcaneous (heel bone), fractured my arm and my wrist and had undergone 8 major spinal and foot surgeries. I was in constant pain, was in a wheelchair, and had all my docs telling the SS Administration that I would not get better. I was still denied 2 times and had to go to the final hearing. I was approved at that stage. Since then I've had about 6 more surgeries for fractured vertabrae and two fractured hips and a fractcured femur and the SS Admin STILL bugs me every few years to go through all the verification crap all over again!! I just don't understand why some folks with major disabilities get denied and those who have a hangnail get approved on the first go around! Not that you don't have a very legitimate claim - this has nothing to do with your particular case - I'm just making a general observation. Good luck and all the best - Memere
gayle4102
07-29-2008, 05:18 PM
I pray for you that this attorney is doing the right thing....I did not mean to sound so negative....after I read that, it seemed so negative, but at the same point, I just find it so hard to believe it would move THAT fast.....
With all that documentation, it would seem the investigation would have taken longer...even though you may have still been turned down, a month IS FAST...anyway, sorry if I sounded so negative.....
No problem, Wldfowlr. I started this thread because I wanted to know what others thought, because I also find it hard to believe it would move that fast. I know I should not complain that it is moving so fast, but like you, it made me suspicous.
Now that I am waiting for a date with the ALJ, it will be interesting to see how long I wait.
With all that documentation, it would seem the investigation would have taken longer...even though you may have still been turned down, a month IS FAST...anyway, sorry if I sounded so negative.....
No problem, Wldfowlr. I started this thread because I wanted to know what others thought, because I also find it hard to believe it would move that fast. I know I should not complain that it is moving so fast, but like you, it made me suspicous.
Now that I am waiting for a date with the ALJ, it will be interesting to see how long I wait.
gayle4102
07-29-2008, 05:21 PM
From what I've heard, the time it takes to get your case through Social Security Disability depends largely on the state where you live and how backed-up they are with claims. When I applied for SSDI, I had broken my back in 4 places, shattered my calcaneous (heel bone), fractured my arm and my wrist and had undergone 8 major spinal and foot surgeries. I was in constant pain, was in a wheelchair, and had all my docs telling the SS Administration that I would not get better. I was still denied 2 times and had to go to the final hearing. I was approved at that stage. Since then I've had about 6 more surgeries for fractured vertabrae and two fractured hips and a fractcured femur and the SS Admin STILL bugs me every few years to go through all the verification crap all over again!! I just don't understand why some folks with major disabilities get denied and those who have a hangnail get approved on the first go around! Not that you don't have a very legitimate claim - this has nothing to do with your particular case - I'm just making a general observation. Good luck and all the best - Memere
Thank you for the good wishes, Memere. Getting denied the first two times and winning at the hearing stage seems to be a commom theme. I am happy you finally got approved.
I think we all have heard of people with a hangnail who get approved the first time, and it makes the rest of us so frustrated.
Thank you for the good wishes, Memere. Getting denied the first two times and winning at the hearing stage seems to be a commom theme. I am happy you finally got approved.
I think we all have heard of people with a hangnail who get approved the first time, and it makes the rest of us so frustrated.
bryce51
07-31-2008, 02:35 AM
I applied for SSDI in April. I also hired an attorney right from the start. I was hoping he could guide me throught the process.
I received my award letter last week. That is only three months from the time I applied. Not sure if it was because I had hired the attorney or not. I don't think he did much but who knows. I filed online so didn't get much help from him there.
I will not receive any back pay because of the 5 month waiting period.
According to the contract I signed from the attorney he will get $500. That is ok with me. Small price to pay to have this off of my mind.
I couldn't believe it went that quickly. I thought it was too early to even receive a denial letter.
Can't say if he was the reason it went through so quickly or not.
Good luck to everyone.
bryce
I received my award letter last week. That is only three months from the time I applied. Not sure if it was because I had hired the attorney or not. I don't think he did much but who knows. I filed online so didn't get much help from him there.
I will not receive any back pay because of the 5 month waiting period.
According to the contract I signed from the attorney he will get $500. That is ok with me. Small price to pay to have this off of my mind.
I couldn't believe it went that quickly. I thought it was too early to even receive a denial letter.
Can't say if he was the reason it went through so quickly or not.
Good luck to everyone.
bryce
wldfowlr
07-31-2008, 03:13 AM
I applied for SSDI in April. I also hired an attorney right from the start. I was hoping he could guide me throught the process.
I received my award letter last week. That is only three months from the time I applied. Not sure if it was because I had hired the attorney or not. I don't think he did much but who knows. I filed online so didn't get much help from him there.
I will not receive any back pay because of the 5 month waiting period.
According to the contract I signed from the attorney he will get $500. That is ok with me. Small price to pay to have this off of my mind.
I couldn't believe it went that quickly. I thought it was too early to even receive a denial letter.
Can't say if he was the reason it went through so quickly or not.
Good luck to everyone.
bryce
Hi Bryce.....did you have any CE'S or an RFC done, or was your submitted medical evidence enough to win your case?
90 days is well w/in reason in my opinion....
I received my award letter last week. That is only three months from the time I applied. Not sure if it was because I had hired the attorney or not. I don't think he did much but who knows. I filed online so didn't get much help from him there.
I will not receive any back pay because of the 5 month waiting period.
According to the contract I signed from the attorney he will get $500. That is ok with me. Small price to pay to have this off of my mind.
I couldn't believe it went that quickly. I thought it was too early to even receive a denial letter.
Can't say if he was the reason it went through so quickly or not.
Good luck to everyone.
bryce
Hi Bryce.....did you have any CE'S or an RFC done, or was your submitted medical evidence enough to win your case?
90 days is well w/in reason in my opinion....
bryce51
07-31-2008, 10:07 PM
Probably not cause I'm not sure what those are. I'm pretty dumb when it comes to SSDI. That was one reason I hired an attorney right off.
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
wldfowlr
07-31-2008, 11:27 PM
Probably not cause I'm not sure what those are. I'm pretty dumb when it comes to SSDI. That was one reason I hired an attorney right off.
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
Well it is refreshing to see someone NOT have to go through this whole appeals process.....I am still in the intial phase, so my fingers are crossed....I really feel for the people here, and other places I read.....the stories just amaze me....
Based on my research, and what I have read/heard attorneys say, that is the single biggest factor in winning early....GOOD doctor notes, and lots of them, from your "treating" doctor(s)...the what,why,how come,etc, etc....
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
Well it is refreshing to see someone NOT have to go through this whole appeals process.....I am still in the intial phase, so my fingers are crossed....I really feel for the people here, and other places I read.....the stories just amaze me....
Based on my research, and what I have read/heard attorneys say, that is the single biggest factor in winning early....GOOD doctor notes, and lots of them, from your "treating" doctor(s)...the what,why,how come,etc, etc....
hessie28
08-01-2008, 12:58 AM
It's much faster then my application. My first try was three months for the denial. My appeal took a year and denied again. Now I filled out papers for the hearing. Atty. says will take 400 days for a court date. I have chronic pain from a double fusion, disectomy, laminectomy. 3 herniated discs in neck, 1 herniated disc in thoracic area, severe Narcolepsy, tendonitis in both elbows. I'm on heavy duty meds. I'm 43 though. My atty. said if I was in my 50's maybe a better chance.
wldfowlr
08-01-2008, 01:05 AM
It's much faster then my application. My first try was three months for the denial. My appeal took a year and denied again. Now I filled out papers for the hearing. Atty. says will take 400 days for a court date. I have chronic pain from a double fusion, disectomy, laminectomy. 3 herniated discs in neck, 1 herniated disc in thoracic area, severe Narcolepsy, tendonitis in both elbows. I'm on heavy duty meds. I'm 43 though. My atty. said if I was in my 50's maybe a better chance.
I am in the same boat.....41 with very similar problems....good luck...it really helps me to come this board, and talk with other people who understand your frustrations....
I am in the same boat.....41 with very similar problems....good luck...it really helps me to come this board, and talk with other people who understand your frustrations....
gayle4102
08-01-2008, 01:07 PM
Probably not cause I'm not sure what those are. I'm pretty dumb when it comes to SSDI. That was one reason I hired an attorney right off.
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
bryce, I totally agree with you. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't. Maybe it is the luck of the draw - as in who at the SS dept. gets your case. It seems to be the same with the ALJs. I have heard that some approve 99% of their cases, while others deny almost everybody.
I can say I was at the doctor almost every month for the last couple of years and my primary doctor wrote a lot of notes describing my medical decline over the last few years. He also noted that he didn't think I would be able to work much longer on many of his notes. I think that had a lot to do with my quick approval but then again who knows how and why the SS dept. works. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't.
bryce
bryce, I totally agree with you. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to who gets approved and who doesn't. Maybe it is the luck of the draw - as in who at the SS dept. gets your case. It seems to be the same with the ALJs. I have heard that some approve 99% of their cases, while others deny almost everybody.
gayle4102
08-01-2008, 01:11 PM
It's much faster then my application. My first try was three months for the denial. My appeal took a year and denied again. Now I filled out papers for the hearing. Atty. says will take 400 days for a court date. I have chronic pain from a double fusion, disectomy, laminectomy. 3 herniated discs in neck, 1 herniated disc in thoracic area, severe Narcolepsy, tendonitis in both elbows. I'm on heavy duty meds. I'm 43 though. My atty. said if I was in my 50's maybe a better chance.
Hessie, I am so sorry it is taking so long. I thought my age (57) would help, but so far, I don't think it has. About all we can do is keep trying.
Hessie, I am so sorry it is taking so long. I thought my age (57) would help, but so far, I don't think it has. About all we can do is keep trying.
gayle4102
08-01-2008, 01:15 PM
I am in the same boat.....41 with very similar problems....good luck...it really helps me to come this board, and talk with other people who understand your frustrations....
Yes, this board can really make a difference. I have learned more reading these boards, than all the law books I have been reading. And all the people who truly understand our frustrations are such a blessing.
Yes, this board can really make a difference. I have learned more reading these boards, than all the law books I have been reading. And all the people who truly understand our frustrations are such a blessing.