Chances

[timlab1955]

I am new here and have read all things about SSDI. Here is my case! Was in the military for 14 years and after that I got out because the Army had to fuse my left wrist. Worked for the Postal Service for 3 years after that and was medically retired because of my left wrist fusion and chronic sinusitis problems (trees, dust, dust mites, etc.). Before you can be medically retired they do send you to the SSA and there your asked if you feel you can still work or not. I said "yes". This was in 1997. I was told tho, that if you are medically retired from the government that SSDI is automatic. Okay, let's continue. So far the only limitation on me was that I couldn't be around trees, dust and dust mites and that I couldn't lift over 10lbs in my left wrist. In 2004, I injury my lower back in which to present I'm in WC on NY, currently living in PA. My doctor put me on more limitations such as no lifting over 10lbs, and a 20 hour work week. My age is 51. So with this being said, what are my chances of receiving SSDI?

[backless]

hello,you say that if your medically retired from the postal service that ssdi is automatic.I would have to say ,with all respect,that cant be exactly right.my understanding from what ive read is regardless of where you worked,you need o prove that you cannot do ANY kind of work,anywhere in the national economy.Like selling tickets at a movie,being a gate guard.My atty.has told me that there are people with no legs,and chronic arthritis that choose to work and we must prove why we cant do it.Of course these people may be eligible for ssdi if they applied but choose to work.You mention the postal service,I have a friend that works for the postal service and has been considering applying for disability from the PO.But from what he understands if you should get the disability from the PO,THEY WANT you to apply for SSDI benefits because they can then deduct the amout you get from SSDI from the disability the PO gives you.If you have any info on that could you explain it to me.You can also do private messages on this site.Be sure to document your back injury stuff good to.when you apply for SSDI you want to put your whole list because the wrist might not be enough,but if the back also gives you a disability they can put it all together and then you might qualify.Also any pain meds.

[waggytalk]

i would have to agree with backless.

i thought part of getting SSDI is you can not do any other job. you may not be able to do the job you had and makeing what you did. but you can get a job.

[caudaequina]

it is much more complicated than what backless has said.
first do you have the required credits? if not doesn't matter how disabled you are.
if you don't have a line item injury /illness like blindness or paralysis , than many other factors come into play.
best thing to do is to apply for it , it cost nothing. you should only get a attorney after your denied at least the first time, some people don't believe to get a attorney until the second denial.