Need to file for SSD - Disabilities Message Board

kab031550 · 06-14-2004, 06:18 AM

Just to make this short out of what could be a long question!!
First question do you feel I would have a case if I file?
I am a woman of 54 years of age. A year ago this past March I was diagnoised with
Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Osteo Arthritis, Raynauds, Fibromyalgia, 2 bulging disks in back and depression all at one time! and I also was doctoring with COPD, Acid Reflux already.
My question is I feel I need to apply for SSD, I now am down to working 1 day a week but that pay is not enough to pay for all the co pays to doctors, Rheumy, Meds....ect.
I want to know if you think it will be even worth filing if I want to keep this 1 day a week work day, because this job is a job that I can go do anytime that I know I am feeling up to it. They are very supportive. I only work the one day a week, do you think this will harm my changes of receiving ssd even though it says you can make up to 800.00 a month a still file?
I in quite a lot of pain all the time and I take so much medications, but I just hate the thought of having to file for ssd but I know there is not much choice. Do you feel filing on your own first, to see if you are denied before hiring a lawyer is best or you should hire a lawyer right away? Is it best to go in person to do the disability or is on line or by phone just as good.
There is so many questions I am hoping I can find support and answers when they come up through this site.
Appreciate any help anyone can give me on this.

Kissa · 06-14-2004, 11:40 AM

You probably could file for SSD if you have enough qualifying work credits for your age.
Some people get an attorney right way, others after the first denial. It can't hurt to call and talk to an attorney I spose, as long as they specialize in Disability.
If you file on your own it's probably best to file via the phone. They will send you out a packet of paperwork to fill out and then generally call you for an interview before going any further.

DEEnSC · 06-14-2004, 12:53 PM

Even though you don't like the thought of filing for disability, if I was you, I would go ahead and file. You have nothing to lose by filing. It is not a short process by any means. If you are down to working one day a week from working full time then that shows that your illness's are hindering your everyday life. I did'nt even think of getting an attorney before I filed the first time and was even forwarned that I would probably get denied, which I did. I appealled it and won on my second go round. No lawyer needed, but that is just my case, I suppose every one is different. I also called and made an appointment to file for disablity and went to my local office. All that was done that day, I was given a packet of papers to take home and fill out and mail them back in to them. I have a friend who filed everything out on line. Either way you go I wish you the best of luck.

DEE

leather green · 06-22-2004, 01:06 PM

I am from Indiana also, I filed on my own it took several months and I got declined.. I filed with Attorney In Evansville turned down on recondsideration, now we are waiting on a date for Appeal.. Is this the last part of the process? What is the Appeal like? I understand that they have hired 2 new judges to Area so possibly it will go faster.. or not. Also how Important that i get a letter from my Doctor? My Attorney has never told me to get a letter. Thank you, nice to have someone from Indiana.....

Leather green

dalesgirl · 06-22-2004, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leather green

I am from Indiana also, I filed on my own it took several months and I got declined.. I filed with Attorney In Evansville turned down on recondsideration, now we are waiting on a date for Appeal.. Is this the last part of the process? What is the Appeal like? I understand that they have hired 2 new judges to Area so possibly it will go faster.. or not. Also how Important that i get a letter from my Doctor? My Attorney has never told me to get a letter. Thank you, nice to have someone from Indiana.....

Leather green

my husband didn't see the judge as he was approved on the reconsideration so I can't tell you from personal experience about the judge but I know others that have been and have not been approved by the judge. The first thing I would do is contact SS office/caseworker. They are REQUIRED to give you the information they used in order to consider your case if you ask for it. What this will do is show you your medical information or at least what they have. My husbands rehab doctor was SO angry he was denied first time out that he sent a letter to each of his other doctors(family and neurosurgeon) as well as put one in his file and specified that THAT letter was to go with any more information that SS asked for.