Got my first denial - Disabilities Message Board

bwitht · 08-14-2009, 12:51 AM

Well, I knew it was coming but I have to say my heart dropped when I read the denial letter. It amazed me that they didn't even consider my cauda equina syndrome more than just an inconvenience. If they didn't have bowel and bladder control, they would think it was more important than that.

They also determined that I can stand for 4 hours at a time. I don't know where they came up with that figure. I can't stand for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time, maybe up to 4 hours total in a 48 hour period. I am still trying to figure out whose medical records they were looking at. My husband, who is not the most understanding of my situation, couldn't figure out how they thought I wasn't disabled. That spoke volumes to me.

It is time to get some updated records, see a new doctor, get some new images, verify how much bone growth there is or isn't and file my appeal for reconsideration. I really need to see my therapist this week, not like I ever miss an appointment anyway.

GreenSnooper · 08-14-2009, 10:14 AM

I'm really surprised that Obama has not reversed this legacy of the Bush Administration. It's amazing how heartless they've become at SSA. I wish you well and hope your appeals go better!

gayle4102 · 08-14-2009, 12:57 PM

I'm sorry. When I got my first denial, I thought, did they even read my records? Sometimes I think the first applications are just hit or miss ... you never know what they will approve or deny.

I hope you appeals go better!

bwitht · 08-14-2009, 03:04 PM

Thank you Gayle!

When I took a second look at my denial letter, it lists when they received the records from the different facilities and doctors. I already have some updated records that will be helpful. I still need to find out if I am fused. My first fusion, L3-S1 did not have any bone growth so the neurosurgeon did a complete revision from L2-S1 and my SI joints. When I went in for my 1 year appointment he said he could see a LITTLE bone growth so he was sure I was FULLY FUSED....WHAT?!? With my history of no bone growth, I would think he would want to verify the fusion.

Debslol · 08-14-2009, 08:39 PM

Don't give up...keep fighting...I too thought for sure I would get it first round...I had my daughter open that letter for me and I was recovering from foot surgery at the time. I had to go all the way to hearing level and my other half of 10 yrs had no faith that I would get an approval just because of they way the government is. When I went to hearing and we came out and the lawyer was explaining what just happened was the first time my other half had faith that it was going to happen. Its pretty hard when you have not only one disability but several like us and you get denied...you start to question yourself as to if it is real or are we exagerating...once you get over that you get in the fight stage and decide you are not going to let anyone rail you over the coals. There are alot of success stories here...read them to keep the faith as I did through my process...this is an amazing place for support and answers when you need them

Debbie