Denied SSDI - Round 1 - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

jessemom · 09-18-2008, 09:49 AM

I finally heard from Social Security...turned down. We'll appeal and the next step will be a hearing. I must admit, I'm not disappointed. I only applied because my insurance company insisted and provided people that specialize in SSDI.

I feel like this is all a huge waste of time. If I "win", my monthly income won't change...they'll just deduct whatever amount I get from SSDI. I'm fortunate enough to have sufficient monthly income from a disability policy at my last job. If it were up to me, I wouldn't attempt to seek benefits that may be the only source of income for someone else. I've read the horror stories on this board...the battles with Social Security and Workers Comp...fellow RSD sufferers with no income, no insurance, just trying to get a little something, just trying to survive and get by. I keep thinking if I'm approved, someone who really needs it may be denied! SSDI may give me a higher benefit when I reach retirement age, but I'd rather wait to apply when I'm closer to 62.

I have to go forward with this process but I don't like it and I feel really guilty!

Vicki

sharon1030 · 09-18-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi Vicki,

As I've said before, you have the greatest attitude! I feel like it's rare to see someone thinking about someone else in the way you are (I hope I'm wrong, but it doesn't seem like it...that you're in the minority). Anyway, I'm sorry you have to go through the ordeal at all, but I'm glad to hear you're not counting on this money like so many people are. Try not to feel guilty though. You have an illness/injury (whatever RSD is classified as??) and deserve it as much as anyone else, but I'm glad you aren't depending on it.

It's nice to see you

.

Sharon

barbie62 · 09-18-2008, 10:30 PM

Hi Vicki, I am also impressed that you are worried about someone else. I would be one of the people that you described to the T. But I do not think that it works like that. I have a company that is working for me and the way it has been explained to me is: each state has there own department. 97 percent of all people who are first time applicant's will get denied, and will loose the first appeal. Then it goes to the hearing level and that can take from 3 months to 2 years or longer. So everyone really has the same chance the first 2 times. I am at the hearing level after a year and a half. I am now hoping for what is called a bench decision. My updated info will be sent to the judge and hopefully he will make the call early.
So please don't be sorry. I hope that you get approved soon too.
It would make my life a million time easier. I have no insurance or doctor right now and am going to go thru methadone withdrawl for the second time in a month. Long story.
Take care,
Barbie

jessemom · 09-19-2008, 11:39 AM

Hey Sharon

Hi Barbie

Sharon, thanks for your kind words and Barbie, I truly hope you get your approval. I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through withdrawal. I once had my meds stolen (by a relative!!) and I was sick for days until I could get to the Dr. I can only imagine what you're going through. Hang in there!!

I'm sorry for anyone who truly needs the income and insurance. There's so much red tape...examinations, appeals, hearings, judges...it's mind boggling!! And, if you're finally approved, you then have to wait for Medicare to kick in! There's something very wrong with a process that has a 97% turn-down rate for first-time applications! I think they deny everyone under 62 in the hope that most people can't afford to, don't know how to or don't know they can appeal. Or, the the excuse they're trying to weed out applicants who aren't really disabled...isn't that what medical records and exams are for? Don't get me started

Oh well <sigh> thanks again for the support...you guys are great!!
Vicki