Anyone from TN approved ??

[DesperateInTN]

I have Severe Fistulizing Crohn's Disease (4 fistulas), Rheumatoid Arthritis, and seizure disorder.

I have been denied twice and am awaiting an OTR (on the record) decision.
If I get approved, will I have to go back and apply separately to add my 4 sons (13 and under) so they will recieve benefits on MY record? My children are not disabled but are they entitled to benefits based on my record? I am 31 but I have over 44 work credits due to working full-time since I was 15 til 2/08 when I filed. I think I mistakenly wrote 2/07 on a different post somewhere (sorry).

My initial denials listed my age and education for the reason of my denial. No one cares that I am 31 and have 5 degrees if I can't stay out of the restroom (or hospital) long enough to complete tasks.

[painfull62]

I live in Morristown Tn. I was finally approved in May of this year with an OTR decision the day before my hearing date. I had also been denied twice and had been waiting for three years. I'm 46 and I have two children ages 6 and 8. Your children will be entitled to benefits. Once you've been approved you can go and get your children signed up. They will be able to draw half of what your benefits are. It will be divided between your four children. They will also be entitled to backpay. I am still waiting for SS to get everything straightened out due to a workers comp settlement, but at least I know it's in the works.

My attorney was a big help, so I strongly advise having an attorney. Good luck and hang in there.

[DesperateInTN]

After I got the denial at reconsideration, I got an attorney and so far they've been great. I have been admitted to the hospital over 20 times and had 9 surgeries since I applied. My attorney (and paralegal) have gotten EVERY single record of these wk+ admissions plus documentation from my 5 specialists. I thought perhaps they would have some mercy and "expedite" my case since they knew I was on chemo. But they denied the pleadings for an expedited court date. I have since lost my home and everything else and my 4 children and I had to move in with my parents (they take care of me when I am to ill to care for myself). I now know that NOTHING will sway them and they could care less if I die tomorrow as I would be 1 less off their caseload. I fight for my children.

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Desperate have you gotten your Senator involved. They can do wonders, I am convinced mine Evan Bayh got my case moved up. Here in Indiana the wait to go before the ALJ is well over 2 years. With his help I went before the judge in a little over a year. Can't hurt to try. Just google your senator and email them from their homepage.

[bipolar61]

The children are entitled to benefits, but I do not believe they will get the back pay if they were not on the original disability application.

[mike1157]

Desperate, do as Hoosier said and call your Senators office, they have staffers that will help you. you will get a simple form to fill out explaining your circumstances and they will get back to you (mine did, only I was just denied quicker on the original application). I then got a lawyer and was approved on reconsideration. The moral of my story is the Senators office can speed up the process but they have no influence over the decision, but it's worth a shot in getting the ball rolling.

Your case sounds very serious and it will be a very large claim with yourself and 4 children. I'm wondering if the size of your claim has any bearing on the Judge being reluctant to approve it, but if you paid into the system you are entitled to benefits. Your age and education level would generally go against you but the seriousness of your condition would seem to obviate any weight that that would carry. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you.

[newlyb12def]

God bless you DesperateInTN.

I can't believe how ****ed up this system is! Maybe they expect you to install a toilet behind a desk so that you can continue to utilize your education?! Your UC sounds disabling enough, let alone adding RA and a seizure disorder.

I'm so sorry that you have to go through all this crap with SSD. I'll cross my fingers for you- I hope you get that on the record decision soon.

-Kay

[DesperateInTN]

Thanks for all of your responses! I did involve my Congressman Jimmy Duncan. He sent letters on my behalf. I just dont know what I am going to do if I recieve another denial. I told my doctor I would have to return to work full-time till I die if I get get denied again. I am trying to support my children on the $264 welfare TN has so graciously granted me, in the meantime.