countrykid

Haven't been able to be on this board for sometime due to my health and caring for my husband. But I am taking the time to give the ones that are waiting for a decision after the first denial/or just denied that here is hope.
Quick story on hubby.
Applied 8/05 due to DPN, Chronic Pain & Depression- We had date of disability as of 6/05--SS changed date of disability from 6/05 to 10/03 because that is when first became disabled. Denied 11/05. Appealed 11/05 after seeing SSDI attorney. Got notice of ALJ hearing for 1/12/07. During the course of waiting for the appeal the attorney worked with us to get as much additional medical done (EMG, Physic eval, new neuro, foot dr, eye dr, etc) to show that the condition is getting worse just incase the approval isn't for the date we wanted.
Now for the good stuff------APPROVED all the way back to 10/03!!!!!The ALJ only talked to my hubby for about 10 minutes. Didn't want any more info. He took my hubby's age 57, his former work and all of his medical problems and said no way can he work anymore.
We are PA...all back money from 10/03 (minus the 5 month waiting period) will be paid in 1 lump sum. And Medicare will kick in immediately.
Now for all you Big strong guys out there----my word of advice to you is---don't hide anything as far as how bad your pain is or how you feel. If you feel like crying do so at your hearing....My BIG STRONG hubby didn't hide a thing. Actually he had an emotional breakdown at the hearing. This whole process was so draining and overwhelming he just couldn't stand to think that what he might say would cause another denial.
So guys hold in there. Hopefully you to can post good news soon.