Whew! Just started the process.... - Disabilities Message Board

reachout · 02-04-2008, 09:44 AM

Hello

Well, I just hung up after a 75 minute phone interview to begin the process of filing for disability. Whew! The representative was very nice and patient, but I gotta say, it was exhausting. I know this is going to be a long process. It feels discouraging right now because I am so tired and just don't have the capacity to fill out long forms and answer a million questions. My husband will help me fill out the forms thankfully.

How important is it to get a lawyer involved? I answered the question honestly, just not always sure what was being looked for. My family doctor is 100% behind me, as is my oncologist. I am hoping this will help.

Guess I am just looking for something encouraging to lwet me know that my efforts in filing are not wasted. I have heard so many horror stories. Is it ever just a matter of being truthful and being accepted???

Thank you
reachout

deltaelise · 02-04-2008, 12:21 PM

May the force be with you

I think most people get a lawyer after the first denial if there is one. If you have your Dr. behind you, maybe you will be one of the select few who get it on the first try.

bellablue2 · 02-04-2008, 02:33 PM

Hey Reach: I got a laywer after I was denied. It does not really matter when you get one. They get paid if you win. I would get one though. I think that it just makes you feel better knowing that when you go to court you won't be alone.
After you get denied the second time you ask for a courrt date. It takes about 1 1/2 to get. At least that's how long it took me. I had my lawyer ask for an on the record. That's when the judge looks at all paper work and decides with out seeing you. I had that and was denied. Now I have a court daye for March 11th. I just feel better knowing i'll have a lawyer with me. Also she will help me figure out what questions will be asked. She has also told me what other things I will need. I have two grea letters from my doc's as well as the records. I have a list of med's from my pharamacy as well. I make sure I got to Doc's all the time.

Just know that it takes forever that it sucks really bad. I pray you get it the first try. Keep us informed.
Jeane

maebelle · 02-04-2008, 02:53 PM

I would not involve an attorney unless your initial claim is denied.Don't be worried due to the horror stories.My experience has been a nightmare...but I am one of the few.And I still am pursuing full force ahead!
You mentioned your oncologist being behind you so I seriously dought you will have any problems.
I believe that ssa has now given any type of cancer a priority over any other disability.As they should!
Regardless of the disability my best advice is ....not only tell a DR where,how and when.....but always how it effects you on a daily basis.Best of luck to you and keep me posted.MB

reachout · 02-04-2008, 04:09 PM

Hello

Wow, I sure do appreciate the time you folks took to respond to me. Smiles.

I am not suffering from cancer now... it is the aftermath of treatment from some years back that has just progressed with nerve damage and pain and lymphedema. I lost part of my left thigh to the cancer. I had a physical and mental breakdown in October 2006 (the second major one) and my stamina is just shot. It took me a full year to get out of the depression from non-functioning to fairly normal now. Had a heart attack in 2003 and multiple surgeries. I have just kept fighting back and trying to work. My body can not take anymore. I have also developed fecal incontinence. Now, that is an embarrassing one to discuss with Disabilty people.

They kept wanting me to give one specific reason and I kept telling them it is a combination and culmination of many issues. They kept asking, well, what is the big reason? Does there have to be one single reason? I have been reading about disability online and my mind is spinning. I am trying to be as truthful as I can with these people, but the truth is that it has been a process getting to this point in my life and it is a culmination of a few issues.

Thank you each again for taking the time to share witrh me.

With hope always
reach