usanda

Purplebill... anybody
Just like it mentioned in a few previous boards you seems to know a lot about SSDI, I am previously from the “spinal injury board” now graduated to this “disability board” and I need some help on how to do this next step.

I have ACDF spinal surgery 02/03 still in pain, I am permanent & stationary 01/04 with work restrictions, avoid lifting more than 20lbs with left hand, driving less than 30 minutes, avoid turning of neck while typing and use of keyboard, keyboard use should limits to 30 minutes and 5-10 minutes break after 30 min and continue keyboard use for 30 minutes in sequence.

I am a designer (glorified drafts man) for the last 20 years, doing mechanical CAD designs with a BS in Physics from a third world foreign University (I didn’t use my BS at my job). My employer and Dr agree that I can no longer do what I used to do anymore, due to constant neck turning, long hours on the keyboard.

Apply for SSDI 02/04 with the help of an agency, asked to go see QME for a orthopedic test 04/04, QME agree that I am having problems, SSDI denied 05/04. In process to re-applying again.

This is how I am answering the questions on the forms for now.

A. What are the illness, injuries or conditions that limit your ability to work?
Cervical disc disease, herniated disc with spinal stenosis, spinal cord compression, due to the 3-4mm pinch nerve at c5-6 after fusion surgery with donor bone and plate and screws.
B. How do your illness, injuries or conditions limit your ability to work?
I have very limited range of motion in my neck. I turn with my shoulders. I have pain at the base of my neck that radiates to my left shoulder, down the left arm and to my index finger. My index finger is always retrieving and can’t extend it without having pain. I have constant pain in my neck, severe fatigue with no endurance or stamina, lack of focus and concentration. Need to lie down all the time and rest on my cervical pillow to get relief or take pills (Vicodone), which will make me dizzy and disoriented. Nervous to drive due to the limitations of neck movement.

With all the facts given above I need some help on how and where to add more facts on the answers to A and/or B to get more weight on “cant get employed not only my previous job but on any job”

I know I won’t be able to get any job with my condition. Who will hire someone with a weak left arm & hand that cannot stay on the keyboard for more than 30 min, take Vicodone or lie down to get relief from pain. I live in Los Angeles and if I cant drive more than 30min I cant go anywhere. But SSDI may not think this way.

Regards Usanda

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Double fusionC5-7 with doner bone and plate and screws Jan,2003