Hi, i am waiting to see a judge ,my lawyer say’s it should be between now an aujust which would be 16 mths.since i filed appeal. I am 53 ,wil be 54 in oct.I Have type 2 diabetes insulin dependent twice daily,high blood pressure,diabetic neuropathy,osteoarthritis in knees an hands,herniated dics in neck that causes both arms to go numb at anytime.I have medical records to back -up all conditions.My meds are humlin-r an humlin-n insulin twice aday,lisinopril 20mg,1 tablet once daily.My pain management doc. treats me for neuropathy and herniated dics,an arthritis with,5mgs methadone 1tablet 4xaday an neurotin 600mgs 4xaday.I will be treated by him from know on.He supports my claim.Wanted to know do i have a good chance at getting my dis.I have excellent work history for the last 8 yrs. says my lawyer.My family doc. knows i am filing dis . but do not know if her office will let her write a letter,her pa asked me was i filing disability an she was in the exam room also, don’t know what that ment.At any rate my pain management doctor will support me.Are my chances good?

Jonathan Ginsberg responds: Based on what you have written, I think you have a strong case.  What I would want to know relates to the specific symptoms that arise from your varoius medical conditions.  Ultimately the issue in your case will be: which condition or conditions creates limitations that would most impact you in a simple, sit-down type of job.

For example, your diabetes may create periodic vision problems and periodic numbness in your hands and feet.  Your herniated discs may limit you to four hours total sitting during a day and might require you to lie down for 30 minutes every three hours.  Your pain and/or your medications may cause a significant interference with your ability to concentrate. 

Hopefully, you can see that I am focusing on limitations that would impact you if you tried to work a simple job.  Remember, Social Security is mainly about work capacity.

Best of luck to you.

[tags] case strategy, herniated discs, diabetes, Social Security disability, SSDI [/tags]