Executor

Hello.....Sorry to hear about your troubles. I will try to help as much as possible. I'm not a Dr., so I really can't attest to your specific medical condition per se.

In general terms, an applicant is "approved" if a person is found to not be able to secure employment for a job for which the person is suitably trained. It doesn't have to necessarily be "your job" or your last job, but "a job" that you are reasonably trained for. Many conditions are bothersome and hinder a person, but don't necessarily prevent one from performing a job. In fact, SS will use very similar language when denying someone. Additionally, SS will use any angle they can to deny someone....Such as the person still working, or recently working, or an applicant's Doc who isn't 100% behind the patient (doesn't use strong language or is wishy washy for example).

Additionally, "intangibles" come into play such as:

- Ability / inability to show up to work regularly.
- Ability / inability to cognitively function due to meds.
- Short term / long term prognosis of your particular condition.

One of the key aspects of the hearing is the participation of the vocational expert. He / she will testify as to what the applicant can or can't do (such as the above). This person carries a lot of weight because the hearing decision is based on the evidence presented @ the hearing....Just like a regular court hearing. If someone doesn't contest the vocational expert, then their opinion is taken practically as fact. On the other hand, if this person backs you, then it's a slam dunk.

Given the "intangibles" I listed above, it really helps one's case if you (or your Doc) can talk about how you can't make it to work regularly or cognitively function due to meds. Narcotics are usually a great asset for the obvious reasons. When I went to my hearing, I pounded both points home....HARD. The judge even made comments about the side effects of the med(s) and whether or not any business would knowingly allow someone on their property taking my meds.

Also, if you've already been approved by some other insurance company or disability entity, all the better. So, yes, it will help your case. You should reference it as much as possible. In my case, I was approved by my companies LTD policy and it took SS almost 2 years to finally approve.

Hope this information helps, and good luck!

Ex