I applied for disability whats next for me

[brians2000]

I applied in Sept 06 and i am now waiting for a decision. Will I be called or sent other papers to fill out regarding my disability I stated in the interview. I understand I may have to go to their doctors but I wondered if I would have to do other things. Does anyone know how long it takes to get a decision in South Carolina? Thanks, Brian
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[Pharmacist.steve]

80%-90% of first decisions are DENIALS.. Then you get an attorney - they only get paid if you get approved... be sure to get an attorney who primarily does this.. they know the ropes and will tell you up front what your chances of getting an approval. You will end up jumping thru a bunch of hoops and hurdles and most likely have a video conference with a ALJ (administrative law judge).. the whole process can take as little as six months or I have heard of people being drug out for five years...

Pharmacist Steve
www.chronicpainresourcecenter.com

[krashleen]

I just applied, and the person at SS said that its not a good idea to get an attorney until you have been denied. The numbers of denials is about 60% the first time around. I have been looking by state, and the number seems to be fairly consistent across the board in regards to first denials.

Appeal as soon as you get a denial from SS. I am in for the long haul as my situation hasn't improved pain wise. Make sure your doctors are on board, and see if you can get some kind of residual functioning test to show what you can/cannot do in an employment setting.

I wish you the best..me too..

[razzle51]

I applied once and was awarded immed . No need for a lawyer

[cindybear]

I just won, took over 5 years for me,,,Good luck !! Hugs, Cindy

[brians2000]

Would you be so kind as to tell what caused your disability. This would help show what type of problems are considered immediate disability and what problems may be turned down up front. Thanks, Brian

[Linda25]

Dear Brian

the waiting is almost painful, sorry you are having to go thru this

they WILL send you to one or more of their own doctors for exams

I was granted first time, without a lawyer, but if you are denied you should appeal IMMEDIATELY (there is a short time period) AND get a lawyer

Things that effect their decision: your medical conditions, your AGE - the older you are the easier it is to get, your level of education and how many different job skills you have, your work history (have you had to reduce or quit work due to your medical condition)

so it's not possible to give one single answer, there are so many variables.

It took about 9 months for me to get SSDI.

Make sure you have plenty of medical records/documentation of ALL of your medical and/or mental problems. Don't hold back on discussing things like depression or feelings of suicide - but also, don't lie or "stretch the truth"

good luck to you

Linda25

[krashleen]

I am also in the "process" but haven't been able to bring up my application number. I applied on October 24th.

I held the same job for 22 years, and tried to work at a desk job in the same industry, but too stressful.
Even my Residual Functioning report that my NSG's office says to "avoid stressful situations" and has more than just my Chiari Malformation, shows a mild heart condition, and CFS.
I am 50, does that increase my chances for approval?? Just curious.

Brian, you have so many "issues" I wish for you the best to get approved the first time around. We who suffer from chronic pain; well it takes a lot to even decide to apply for SSDI.

Keep us posted on your process. I would be interested to know.
All the best to you!

[cindybear]

Hi Brian,
You'd think with all my problems it wouldn't of took them so long to decide..But I had some No No's in there eyes..At the time of my inoperable brain aneurysm with disabling pain..I was 38,,Way to young...And I also had a college education...Ummmm, trainable I beleive I heard they say somewhere in those years.....It was really rediculous....Because in the final roundup---5 years later, I was just worse....Each year I got worse and worse..But I think they thought , They would see some improvement ( I wish they would of ). So if you are young and deucated, you have got 2 big no no's for disability off the bat, and you got alot of work on your hands to prove you can do any work in this united states period !! Sounds Grim, cause it is...Hugs, Cindy

[brians2000]

Thanks Cindybear for telling me the No No's. I have heard them already that that makes me really mad. Why should the government punish someone just because they have an education and young. I am far worse off than my parents and both of them are retired. My parents run rings around me with all they do so that is why I think the age of a person shouldn't make a difference. You also mentioned someone who is educated. I guess the government can deny my benefits and give money to illegals who come looking for a payout or a drunk who spends there time sipping on a bottle somewhere who has been on welfare from cradle to grave. I know everything you have told me is true but that doesn't mean a young educated person doesn't get disabled. Thank, Brian

[cindybear]

Yeah. I know it's sad,,But true...That is why it took me so long because I was considered young - 38..And Am or was a nurse..So it was hard tp prove alot ..That I couldn't do any work ,,And that is what you have to prove, Not what you use to do..Any kind of job, like taking tickets at the movie theater. Or putting those little tags in pockets in jeans. When they are checked for being Ok. or stuffing teddie bears..Jobs that are easy, they say ???!!! I don't know never done either...But beleive me there will be a guy there saying whether or not you can do such a job and if there are jobs in your state..It does not matter if they are close by or if you drive a car or not..They care not..Sorry, just the facts..But if you know you can not do these things,,you go for it and you appeall every time they give you a denial,,And Heck you might be that lucky percent and get it right away. Hugs, Cindy

[Quahog]

you I also had those 2 no, No's being young (35) and having an education.

My work history was also mainly sedentary. Data technician, computer technical support & repair, etc. I also have a degree in Biology.

It took me about 3 years to win an approval and what helped according to the ALJ was the fact that I have to take narcotics and the pain I suffer from would hinder my concentration and ability to think properly.

Now when I look back on this I wonder why others who have worse pain than myself have a harder time winning. Wouldn't their pain be just as distracting? Just a thought.

The key to all this is determination and not giving up.
Because if you give up after you are denied then the government wins

[brians2000]

When I filed for SSD I was taking Avinza 90mg which is Morphine. I know that is not a huge amount but for people who do not have chronic pain, Morphine is considered heavy stuff. Last week I switched over to the duragesic Patch 50mcg. I also listed I take depression meds, muscle relaxants, water pills and a few others for Asthma. I hope the SSD examiners consider all of that. Sometimes the meds mess us up more than the pain when it comes to concentration. Brian

[BrokenBladder]

Quahog you make a very good point!! I was 37 at the time I filed and had an education and a career in insurance. Obviously I had quit working before I filed. It took me 3 years to win, but I did it. I had to go in front of the ALJ and he was a tough cookie!! My pain meds and the disabling bladder I carry along with me daily really helped. He gave me his approval decision from the bench and then I just had to wait about 60 days for the money to come. I would give anything to work again, just as all of us would, but it stinks that they give us a hard time when the facts are so clear. I wish you well Brian!! Good to see you back Quahog!!