I spend a lot of time on my blogs and web sites telling you what you should do. This page is dedicated to the bad stuff – examples of testimony and poorly worded answers to questions.
You will be nervous when you appear at your ALJ hearing. Sometimes, the ALJ will not be very nice (although this is rare). You can reduce your stress level and avoid testimony mistakes by listening to your lawyer’s pre-hearing instructions and thinking about how you will answer the questions that every ALJ asks in almost every hearing.
A good resource – how NOT to answer the question: why can’t you work can be found on a blog published by Dallas disability attorney Stan Denman – Top Five Bad Answers to Question: Why Can’t You Work.
And now – my gallery of bad answers:
Q: What do you do during the day?
A: Not very much – I just “piddle paddle” around the house?
Q: Piddle paddle?
A: Yes, you know, piddle paddle – not much of anything.
________________________
Q: What is the heaviest weight you can lift?
A: My doctor says I can’t lift anything heavier than 10 lbs.
________________________
Q: How far can you walk?
A: Not very far. Not very far at all?
________________________
Q: How much can you lift?
A: I don’t know – I never really thought about it.
________________________
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being a mild headache and 10 being pain like a kidney stone, how severe is your pain?
A: My pain is at a 10 or 11 all day long.
________________________
Q: When did you stop working?
A: I don’t know. I can’t remember. Sorry, I’m not very good with dates.
________________________
Q: I see from the medical record that you have had problems with abusing substances like cocaine and prescription drugs.
A: I did have a problem with that but I stopped all of that more than 3 years ago.
Q: Well, I’m looking at a hospital admission from 14 months ago and the intake report says that you reported drug use that week and the blood work shows cocaine in your system. Are you saying that this hospital report is wrong?
A: Yes, I was clean at that time.
________________________
Q: Do you have pain in your legs?
A: Well, you know, I have pain in my legs, my hip and in my butt. And, you know, sometimes I have to take an extra pain pill when the pain gets, you know, really bad.
________________________
Q: Where do you have pain?
A: asdfljasf adfsasdf rwe09qr (impossible to understand because claimant is chewing gum)
I had my hearing this past Monday. I was initially denied SSD for my bi-polar, anxiety over a date of last insured. The judge was very kind and seemed to help me answer questions because I was like a deer in headlight (so nervous) I do have a lawyer, but the question were not what was expected. The disability psychiatrist, lawyers phychiatrist and my therapist all suported my disability. However I made two mistakes. Everybody reported that I can not drive to unfamilar places because of panic attacks. This is true my husband always brings my daughter to school in the morning, because I get dizzy. But I pick her up (the judge seemed very upset when I told him a did drive everyday to pick her up. I have ample time to rest and can drive to pick her up. Also he asked me about smoking pot. I agreed but he said late 20’s, I agreed after prompting it was around 25 (I simple didn’t remember) It wasn’t like I was a pot head. But once again was nervous. All in all I did well. Do you think the judge will consider my nervousness? I was also very depressed but thank God not manic that day.
I am a nervous wreck waiting on a decision.
@mia augustine: Hi, I’am also Bipolar and going through alot with SSI, I wanted to know if you got approved for disabilty? Lisa
@mia augustine: Read the Psalms of the Holy Bible, most times I think of it as David babbling or constructing tunes, but I have gone back and read it through this time of testing and it has given my dizziness and anxiety some great comfort. Everytime I get dizzy, i start thanking Jesus to please help me through this.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar D/O a year ago. Over the course of my adult life I have seen numrous doctors with a variety specities. I was diagnosed with Chronic Depression, PMDD, hormone deficiency, PMS etc. All is documented in my medical records which speaks often of my depressed moods but nothiong about Bipolar. I have always worked, but in hindsight I always experienced difficulty with interpersonal relationaships & changed jobs often. I did not appeal the first denial. Nor the second.Finally I did appeal & am scheduled for a hearing in about 2 weeks. I plan to represent myself. I have done much research and am comfortable with the task at hand. I have been advised that a Vocation Rehab expert will be present.What is your experience with Bipolar? And what advise could you offer?
Hi, I Have bipolar, and we are fighting with SSI, I was wondering if you got approved?
I have no lawyer no-one will take my case at first they are very willing to , but within 1-or 2 days they call and say they have decided to not take my case .
I have now been informed that at my hearing(in two wks) i will only be able to argue my last denial and only the lack of credits which has made me ineligible for disability .
I can not see how to argue my case with these restraints on my case .
When i appealed the decision i stated that due to my previous disabling injuries i have been unable to aquire the necessary credits , this is the basis for my whole case and now it will not be admissible at the hearing .
HELP ! please help !
Earl, you have to pay money into Social Security before the Social Security Administration will pay YOU any money.
Hi i have a friend with bipoplar tried for ssi but got denied what should he say or do to help get it ?or does bipoplar people nor qualified.
Hi, I suffered a stroke in 2005, and have found it increasingly difficult to do the things I did before. My eyes , bad before have gone to about 20/225 and even with a corrective prism, it does not help with strabiismuss in left eye. I have sever diverticulitis, and missed alot of work due to this. My problem is I cant qualify for SSI, I dont have enough work credit in the last 5 years. I am 53 and have worked most of my life. when I applied for SSDI, the worker said I would get it, but then called back a week later, and said my husband’s income was a few dollars over the limit. He makes about $1550 gross every 2 weeks. We have 2 children still in school 14 and 16 yrs, and are about to lose everything due to my health problems. Has anyone ever won an appeal of this nature? Any and all help or advice will be greatly appreciated!
where do i begin i filed claim feb 28 2009 .i went for public assistance while waiting on ssd claim.n.y otda worker told me i had to collect ui benefits if they were available to me which they were.i asked a few times and the otda worker said no problem you can collect.needl ess to say alj denied me at step one sga ui.i have since found out it is not ssa law to deny benefits based on collecting ui benefits only.again never made it to step two of 5 step hearing.i appealed case to appeals council in virginia.what are chances analyst will see i was ?strickley and only denied because of ui benefits and remand back to alj for another hearing?i also thought alj was extremely biased to my past addiction.i worked 35 years always payed my taxes and made it to work.he also said i defrauded the state by collecting meanwhile they were the ones who told me to collect.he should have gave unfavorable decision and left out all the personal comments about my history.what can i say hope case is remanded for another hearing
@bruce weiss: Bruce, as you have discovered, some judges believe that you cannot simultaneously claim that you cannot work (and apply for SSDI) and claim that you are ready, willing and able to work (collect unemployment). In my view the two are not inconsistent in that one can be willing to try to work even when having a good faith belief that a physical or mental impairment would preclude work.
Hopefully your lawyer can find case law or a Social Security ruling that would support a remand. Often the wording of the unfavorable decision will determine whether a case can be reversed or remanded and a good appellate lawyer will spot the opening. Best of luck to you.
Can you explain what your clients should have said instead of some of the answers they gave? I especially would like to know why the answer, “My doctor told me I can’t lift more than ten pounds” is bad. Was your client supposed to test the doctor’s orders by lifting more, or was he/she supposed to leave the doctor out of the answer, or is it something else?
@karin – the issue is this. If you can’t life more than 10 lbs., then say “I can’t lift more than 10 lbs.” When you say “my doctor told me…” you are basically telling the judge that you have no idea about your own capabilities and that you are a passive participant in your treatment. Judges expect you to be fighting the idea of disability, not giving in passively to what a doctor said. As a claimant, you have to take ownership of your case.
I had a video hearing last week, I was in a car wreck in 97, my right knee was crushed and I am 46 and now ankle cashed, my knee gives out and I fall and damage my ankles, its happened at least 8 times.I told the judge I do a lot of ice packs because of swelling, I also have ddd my leg is litterally taking my back out, I was so nervous and forgot to mention, I have a freaking heat pad attached to me because I am in agony. I have NO insurance, I don’t get any type of pain meds now for 5 months, I don’t drive, its all I can do to walk some days, I am precribed crutches and a cane, I have a bladder sling, which I have incotenice problems when I was asked why I am so depressed I told the judge I am a single mother and I had to let my 14 year old son go live with my 75 year old dad, I told her I can’t go on this leg no more and nobody will do knee replacement, even if they would theres a huge chance I will never walk again, I know for a fact my next step is a wheel chair because its just too pain ful to walk anymore. If I don’t get approved I am sure I am doomed, I have not worked since 09, I had a fall one week before the hearing and went to er, I am still on crutches. I have my trailer for sale I cant pay my lot rent, I cant get low income housing without a child, I am near being homeless and having a complete nervous breakdown. It sucks to be me in this body!
HERE IT IS FEB 20 2012, NO DECISION FROM A HEARING HELD IN INDIANA< I AM IN LOW INCOME HOUSING AND MY SON BACK AND FORTH>NO INCOME NO CHILD SUPPORT AND LEG IS NO BETTER< I FINALLY HAVE A PAIN CLINIC APPOINTMENT AFTER 14 months of agony…in the meantime I am getting ready for a hernia surgery still no chance of working if I wanted too..@Tammy:
@Tammy – I think of deserving cases like yours when I hear ignorant people claim that “most people on disability don’t deserve it.” Based on what you say, I would be very surprised if your judge does not approve you. I cannot think of any type of job that you could do with the limitations your describe. Best of luck to you and let me know what happens.
@jginsberg: Thank you for that! I do know of people who are drawing disability who are quite able to work and it just sickens me. I am hoping for a positive outcome. I will let you know what happens. In the meantime I have my trailer for sale and I am preparing for the absolute worst which is homelessness. My friend told me to use the PUSH METHOD! PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!!!!!
@Tammy:
Tammy you are absolutely correct….. (P)ray (U)ntil (S)omething (H)appens and watch God at work. HE who created you loves you more than anyone else in the world and has promised to take care of you and HE will.
MY HEARING WAS LAST JUNE 1st 2011 I AM STILL WAITING MY LAWYER IS IN INDIANAPOLIS HIS SECRETARY SAYS THE JUDGE IS VERY SLOW AND HIGH ONE OF THE HIGHEST DENIAL RATES>>>>>@jginsberg:
am extremely tired of being denied disability< i have PSTD personality disorder, anxiety, depression, cervical damge. bulgin & degenerating neck and back discs, arthiritis on top of the neck shoulders and back area. I am filing in Federal court, but what is the first step, all others exhausted, when it got to this level the attorney i had quit on me!
I only have a small window of time to fix this, i just got letter 2wks ago but filing was a must by the 21st of this month june 2011
I am pushed into a corner, i received a letter from my attorney stating he wld no longer be able to represent me. He received a letter from the disability reveiw board, and the denied request for rehearing, the attorney mailed it to me and i want to win!! I am sick and this having no money and fighting Sociall security makes it worse when i worry about it. What is the best way to get a remand or reversal of decision?
@Gai – you need to find a lawyer who specializes in the type of appeal you are facing. I am not familiar with the term “disability review board.” Are you referring to the ODAR (Office of Disability and Review), the Appeals Council, the District Court?
Can I apply for SSI before I get my diagnosis? I know that sounds crazy but I have had symptoms of RA for the past 3 years. I just got medical insurance after being uninsured for 4 years because I have fibromyalgia. My fingers are so messed up with nodguals now I can barely use them. Some days I can’t even hold a pen to write my name. Over the last year I have been to the ER 4 or 5 times to get medication for arthritis and fibromyalgia pain. I just lost my job because I couldn’t type fast enough and they hired someone else. It was a temp job with a chance at perminate. I need to work but I don’t feel I can still do what I have done for the last 15 years. Back in 07 I did get a disability sticker for my car from my last Rhumatoligist when he got my MRI results and said I have OA on my him and lower back. I have an appointment to see him again at the end of the month. I know it takes 3 to 5 months to get a response so I wanted to get my application started but not sure if I could. Am I rushing it? Can I go ahead and apply before my results?
@Jenny – yes you can apply before having a firm diagnosis. Since the decision making process can take 2+ years, I generally advise my clients to apply sooner rather than later. Note that if you are still working, SSA may not take your application. Also I advise potential clients who are collecting workers comp to discuss their SSA application with their lawyer before applying. If you would like to speak to a lawyer, I have a “case evaluation” link on this site.
( I have OA on my him and lower back.) *Correction* Hip and lower back
I am not currently working cause I have so much pain I can barely use my hands now. Is it true that I need to get 3 doctors to diagnose me disabled?
I am a single mother of an ADHD Toddler who was born premature. Since after giving birth I’ve been suffering from Postpaturm depression. I was in a verbally abusive relationship with his father during and after the pregnancy which made it worse. My Dr has Dignosed me with depression and anxiety and im currenty on meds for it. Im currently collecting Unemplymnt and im alittle afraid that it may affect my case. I filed in the ending of May 2011 and my examiner called me couple days ago and told me that she is just waiting on themost updated medical report from my mental health clinic…I sooo nervous and been sooo stressed waiting for this response…Does this sound like good news? please I need help…I cant’ even keep a job for more than 4 to 5months if soooo long… Im tooo depressed to keep up…please guide me in the right direction….god bless:(
@Momofadhdchild:
We all have problems and depression. Everybody’s divorced.
Well all have kids that poop us out.
Why the hell is everybody asking for money from our government????
Get a job and suck it up!!!!
My mom worked AND did jury duty till she was 80!!!
Im 30 years old with 2 kids and I was diagnosed with Dematomyositis, fibromyalgia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, insomnia, chronic back pain, chronic shoulder and neck pain, chronic knee pain, and I don’t even want to name my medication it’s just to much. I even admitted myself into three rivers behavioral. I have a team of doctors here in Columbia, SC a team in Charleston MUSC also in Jacksonville FL. I don’t understand when my case has yet to be approve someone Please Help!
hello I have a 5 yearold son who has neutropenia and chronic asthma/stridor and who frequently gets lung infections and since birth he awakes from his sleep with these strange breathing eposodes and I think he is being mis diagnosed ,I am wondering what the chances are he will qualify for SSI ? i HAVE APPLIED BEFOR i KNEW HE HAD NEUTROPENIA AND WAS TURNED DOWN AND DID NOT APPEAL THE CASE PLEASE HELP WITH ANY ADVISE YO CAN GIVE ME THANKS IN ADVANCE Tanisha
@tanisha: I would love to know how the outcome of your case is. My daughter also has neutropenia and we are going out of state friday to have a bone marrow biopsy done. She gets recurrent abcesses and it is dangerous to take her anywhere due to her low counts. Even in her pediatricians office, we are forbidden to wait in the waiting room and we are escorted straight to the back due to her catching a germ in the waiting room. We are thinking of trying to apply for SSI for her but don’t know if we even have a case.
@Tammy T: my son also has neutropenia i am filing a case also, has any one on here been approved?
@tanisha: my son also has neutropenia,I WOULD LIKE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH YOU IF THATS FINE WITH YOU.
Im 395lbs. I have no catilage in my knees, shortness of breathe due to pulminary embolism in 2005, depression, and hypertention. Periodic ER visits but I dnt have health insurance so I cnt make regular appointments so I take over the counter meds for pain daily & watch what I eat to control my blood pressure. I have no formal diagnoses & a pending case.. do i have a chane??
I am about to have my disability reviewed and I am nervous about the paperwork. I know most cases are denied initially so I was surprised when mine was approved on the first try and even backdated over a year before my application. Some doctors say I am bipolar and some have said borderline personality (I don’t know if this is in addition to or instead of the bipolar) and psychological testing has indicated symptoms of other conditions as well. I think my primary diagnosis at the time of my approval was bipolar disorder but I honestly don’t know what my medical records say anymore. Should I just say bipolar when it asks what my disability is? My main question is regarding how to answer the question “what do you do during the day?”. I honestly don’t do much. I frequently experience nausea, headaches and dizziness, side effects from my medications, the heat or both I don’t know. When I am not feeling sick I am often unmotivated to do anything, even showering regularly is a challenge sometimes. I rarely go out socially because I am uncomfortable in groups (which includes anything more than one other person). I have spent the last few years just trying to find some sense of stability. I have tried several different med combinations, moved several times, changed doctors trying to find one that seems to actually listen to me, and even maintaining weekly therapy is often difficult. Do you have any suggestions? I tend to ramble and I don’t want to lose my benefits because I can’t answer a simple question without a 20 page story of my life.
Hi I have an appeal hearing on Thursday. I have the following symptoms: chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, diabetes, chronic dystonia in neck and shoulders, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, weakeness in my right hand/arm to a point that I am dropping things 4-5 times a day from that hand, something as light as an egg or pen. Vertigo causes me to not be able to drive or sit in front of a computer for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. I also have TMJ, hypothyroidism, depression, anxiety, and OCD. I have all doctors for these and they have all put in the file their notes. I am almost 35. I know age hurts my case, but I have to lie down at least 2 hours a day due to the pain and fatigue. I have been on numerous medications which don’t work or have bad side effects. I am still working with doctors to get better, but most of these conditions are lifelong. They said if the neurologist and rheumatologist can’t help, all they can do is refer me to pain management. I am also told by my lawyer that we have a new ALJ and he denies more cases than his colleagues. What are my chances of winning?
Hi KD,
How did your hearing go? Sorry I didn’t see this yesterday to wish you luck. Ironically, I have cervical dystonia along with a very long list of other problems that are similar to yours. I am such a klutz with the right hand weakness so it’s a good day if I don’t break something expensive. My court date is at the end of the month. I am 32 so age is a negative in my case as well. I am really curious to hear how your hearing went. I hope it went well and you get an approval.
I had a hearing about 2 weeks ago. My mental illness started when my son passes
Away in my arms at 11 months old of a heart defect. I have so many mental problems
Now I cAnt list them all. Raising thought, depression, anxiety,I dream every
Night and have been to several psychiatrist telling them my dreams 2 of the 3 only come
To me with one answer Paranormal. The doctor never has gone any farther than telling
Me thAt. WhAt I experience right as I Am going to sleep and in my sleep I have explained to
Doctors but like I sAid the only feedback on that was paranormal!
Not 1 doctor has attempted to help me only give me medicTions thAt
Are like tranquilizers! I was also In prison for drugs years bAck in
My late teens early 20’s. My mom passed while I wAs in prison. I was In prison for two years. I was turned done one time before I had my hearing. I waited almost 2 years before I got
A hearing date. I told the judge everything he asked and was very honest. Do you think
I will get my disability this time? Oh yes and I am working but I am working within disability guide lines no more than 20 hours a week. I have to have some way of providing for my 3 year old I had no choice.
Two years.
I have been suffering from chronic low back pain, from buldging dics, and degenerative disc disease, buldging dics in my neck, osteoarthritis in my hips, nerve pain from the low back down the left leg, brussitis on the outer thighs and hips, left foot pain, right arm and hand pain, numbness and tingling. I don’t sleep, and I am very depressed with high anxiety. This is all from a car accident 10yrs ago. I see pain managment doc, and a therapist. I filed for disability a yr and 1/2 ago, my hearing should be in a few months. I take alot of meds. daily life is a struggle. I’m very concerned about my case and hope I’m doing everything I need to be doing. I do have a lawyer, but still you never know. I have been seeing my doc’s on a regular basis for 10yrs. I don’t know if the judges office has all the records on my condition. do I need to get my records myself and send them to him or just wait for the lawyer to tell me what to do. the last time i spoke with my lawyer’s office they said to wait until it gets closer to the hearing, but everything i read says to get the records myself and send them myself. Is this correct? Please help.
@Lisa Albright: Lisa, I would defer to what your lawyer tells you. Generally it’s best for them to submit your records. In my practice I wait until a little closer to the hearing to update the medical records because every request for records creates an administrative burden for the doctor.
My ALJ hearing is the 3rd of November 2011. I have been off work for almost two years. I am 46 and my life has changed forever. In 2007 I was having an MRI of my brain, I was having issues with my left leg, it wasn’t doing what my brain told it. The neurologist said she was pretty sure I had MS. The next day I received a call at work, “stop what you are doing and go straight to the emergency room. Be VERY careful, you have a disc on your spinal cord and any sudden or wrong movement you will be paralyzed”. May 2007 I had the first of two ACDF surgeries. As of today my cervical spine is fused from c2-c7. I have been diagnosed with DDD, Osteoarthritis, Connective Tissue Disorder, Fibromyalga, Chronic Pain, Severe Depression, etc.. I can no longer do what I use to, cant pick up my grand-kids, ride my quad, sit or stand for long periods, range of motion is horrible, gardening, traveling . I have tried to live as normal a life as I can but I pay for it. If you look at me or are an acquaintance that doesn’t know, I look fine. I walk funny because of the spinal cord damage, but I put on that happy face. My husband is probably the only one that knows the pain I am in on a daily basis. We have lost everything, my car, travel trailer, quads golf carts, had to borrow money from my in laws to keep our home. I made good money and had long term disability but they turned me down, said I could finger? I don’t know what to do, do I wear a sign that tells everyone how I feel inside. That my pain goes to the bone, that my hair took two hours to do so I could look a little normal, do I act a Bi@#h to show what a foul mood the constant pain does to my mind.
Johnathan,
I will be in front of the ALJ, a medical expert and a vocational expert. My profession was a credit analyst. I was at my desk 8 or 9 hours a day, reaching pulling pushing bending twisting looking up and down , traveling. I CANT DO IT, oh how I want to I was there almost thirteen years, I LOVED my job and they loved me. I am tired of the fight, can you give me any advise? ANY, this decision will be life changing for my family, either way.
I was denied by an ALJ and my 60 day appeal time period ends 5 days from now. I have severe back issues with severe pain. My doctor sent me for new MRIs last week which now show nerve root compression and spinal cord compression with the spinal cord actual being compressed to 5mm in C6-C7. My attorney says that even with the new evidence we could still lose at the appeals council and it could take another 24 months to receive a decision at this stage. But, he believes that if I refile, I could get an approval within a few months, at the 1st stage. He informed me that a change in SSDI in June prohibits refiling and appealing an ALJ decision at the same time; we have to do one or the other. The financial difference between continuing with the appeals process and refiling are huge as I have already been fighting the process for 2 years. Can’t really afford to lose the 2 years back pay; but, also cannot afford to go another 2 years without the monthly payment. Yesterday, I had a friend tell me that if I take my new MRI reports to my original ssdi rep in the local office, they can telephone the judge, explain the MRI results to him, and he could reverse his decision.
My questions are: is the info from the friend yesterday valid; what Is the likelyhood of another denial at the appeals council, with the new evidence; average length of time of appeal with the appeals council; should I just cut my losses and refile?
Thank you for your time, Tim
@tharrell63: I would like to know your choice about refiling, I refiled after turn down with ALJ awaiting a second hearing date with new xrays and restrictions. wILL i GO BACK BEFORE SAME JUDGE, HE SEEMED MAD ABOUT SOMETHING RIGHT OFF BAT DONT THINK IT WAS ME
I was approved on my 1st try without an attorney, I have scoliosis, I had a huge complicated
Spinal fusion. I have some nerve damage, chronic pain and such limited mobility. My dr. Said I have reached maximum improvement a long time ago. My Dr. Said I am 100 percent disabled and cannot work, ever. I recently fell, my leg is weaker than it was.
I just received a short form update of medical information form, it may or may not lead to a cdr, I made a mistake on the scannable form so I know that it will be looked over by a person. My Dr.s office told me to mark worse under condition.
I am 52, have a GED with finishing 10th grade and operated a bs sitting service for 17 years before I applied for disability. I see my Dr. On a regular basis and a mental health therapist for anxiety.
Do you think if I get a complete review my benefits will cease because I had fusion surgery,
My spine has been fused but I am disabled.
What do you think s.s. Would say if I have a full CDR. I am worried, mainly because of my
Medicare benefits. I can do some things around the house, light meal preparation but cannot drive, I am a sincere truthful and worried person.
Please give me your opinion. Thank you, susie
@Susie: interested due to the fact i have scoliosis and lost my ssd cases 2xs. This was almost 3 years ago and i’m startin over from fresh. My curve from the looks of all my x-rays is at an arc of 75 degrees which is very bad-surgeon would like to do a very serious surgery which involves 2 trips to the operating room within a weeks time frame. Very scared. Was your surgery done after you won your ssd? My personal opinion is i think you’ll still collect. Please respond. Thanks, Lanette
I have gitlemans syndrome(k+wasting diease) ruptured disks,depression,anixieity disorder.I,am currenty woking 20 hrs aweek because i have to take alot of meds due to gitlemans. I went for ce exam (mental) 5 weeks ago and still have not got a answer. What do you think my chances for being appoved are?
Kim, I am not a big fan of part time work because it muddies the water. I have seen many judges take the position that if you can work part time at Job X, then why can’t you work full time at Job Y which is less demanding.
My heart goes out to all of you since I’ve been there. I have major depression, anxiety, back disorders and copd. All have been well documented by the drs I go to. Thank God for the partial insurance I have. I just received a fully favorable decision from the ALJ on November 18, 2011 after a two year fight. No I have to wait for SSA to respond. I cried when I went to the ALJ. Some hints: Try not to work otherwise you’ll be denied on the first step cause ur receiving SGA.
Listen to your attorney. Go on line to Socail Security Disability and it’ll explain all the different hearings and the final steps the ALJ makes a decision. I know it’s hard, but hang on!!!!! good luck and God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi jginsberg ,
Let me begin by thanking you in advance for answering peoples questions and helping.
I have question hope you can help I applied for SSID in AZ on July 2011 it is now Dec 10,2011 this is my first time Applying.
I have just applied fo UI benefits will i possibly be denied for this? The only reason i applied for UI benefits is because i have bills and a morg i have to survive.
Can i get introuble for collecting UI benefits While waiting for an answer on my SSID
claim?
And if i do get accepted for SSID and they back pay me for benefits will i need to pay back the UI benefits I received or pay back my short term disability i collected before?
Thanks for your time,
AJ
AJ, I can’t comment about Arizona law relating to unemployment compensation. I am not aware of instances where states ask for repayment if Social Security is awarded but I would defer to anyone with first hand knowledge about this question of Arizona law. The unemployment vs. Social Security disability debate is one that has been on-going. I take the position that if you apply for unemployment you are saying that you are ready, willing and able to try to work. Given that unsuccessful work attempts are relevant and helpful factors in a Social Security case, I see no inconsistency. In Atlanta, where I practice, I am not seeing denials of SSD cases based on a claimant’s decision to apply for UI. This could be different elsewhere but, again, I do not see the inconsistency, especially if you are prepared to use the UI application to prove that you are motivated to work.
I am a 61 yr old with small cell lung cancer .I have been a hairdresser for 43 yrs ,my lung dr said that I could not return to work because of the chemicals and my lung function being below normal…he said I should apply for disability ..do I need a lawyer or can I do this on my own…
With all the thousands and thousands of people that pass away each day(may they rest in peace)What becomes of their money that they put in.The SSI and SSD act like they don’t have a dime to spare..BULL FEATHERS
Cesar, good point. I believe that money stays in the system and is used to pay other claimants. Remember, however that when Social Security was first created in 1935, the retirement age was 65, but life expectancy for men was 58 and women 62. Now, life expectancy for men is in the late 70’s and for women, the early 80’s. Additionally, when Social Security was first created it was intended as a retirement supplement (for those who lived long enough to collect it), whereas now, Social Security retirement serves as the main source of retirement money for many older Americans and the SSDI and SSI disability programs have been added. So, while you are correct that some contributors do not get their money out, many, many more take out significantly more than what they put in. This is why the Social Security system is in such trouble.
Does the Hearing Judge take into consideration the amount of drugs a person is taking for their disability? I have scoliosis and unsuccessful back fusion and I take 5-6 Norco tabs (10 mg/325 mg) and 3-4 Soma 350 mg tablets a day to treat the pain. I can only sleep for a few hours at a time before the pain wakes me up. Because I take so much medication and the lack of sleep, I feel foggy and very unorganized, but I can’t go without the medication. Does a Hearing Judge take this into consideration? Thanks for your response.
Yes, the side effects of medications should be taken into account as these side effects (such as drowsiness, excessive urination, mental confusion) can negatively impact your capacity to perform work. Make sure that you are able to clearly identify specific activity limitations that arise from these side effects.
I was placed on reduced hours March 2010 due to injuries in an auto accident, out for surgery in June 2010, then terminated in October 2010 because of my injuries and a second pending surgery. My LTD company made me file for SSDI and I was told by SSDI that since I worked part time my disability onset date was 10/1/2010 instead of the accident date of March 2010.
I have been denied twice with SSDI stating they agree I may never return to full time work but my knowledge in Human Resources makes me eligible for “some employment that could produce income”. I’ve been waiting 14 months since my request for an ALJ hearing with no indication of when this will happen.
So my question is, since I worked 10-20 hours a week instead of my documented 60-70 (even though I had to be heavily medicated and it caused major problems) for the first 6 months after my injuries occurred will this have a detrimental effect on my ALJ hearing?
My doctors now say that I cannot work at all.
in 2006 had 2 right ankle fusion surgeries
i had 2 right ankle fusion surgeries in 2006.first was a non union and the 2nd was considered a success.. lost my job a year later and was approved ss disability. my cdr long form was given to me recently and i was wondering can they find me not disabled? nothing has changed much from my original disability claim. i have limited doctor visits at this point because there is nothing further they can do. i am 56 years old and worked most of my life in an office position.
Joey it is always helpful to have on-going doctor visits even if the doctor does nothing other than to say your condition has not changed. Gaps in your medical record could create problems for you if SSA conducts a continuing disability review.
I am a 59 year old nurse who can no longer work ( have not worked since dec. 2011) due to depression and anxiety. I have had no health insurance for several years so have not seen a doctor. Can I apply for ssdi while trying to find some free/cheap medical care? I have been having problems finding medical care with no insurance,can I apply anyway?
Susan, yes you can apply. Social Security will send you out for consultative evaluations but obviously your case will be stronger if you have on-going medical care.
why is telling an alj that u have become dependent on pain meds because of delays in treatment a bad thing.
Richard, if the ALJ concludes that you are abusing substances and that you would be able to work if you were not addicted, you would not be eligible for benefits.
I’m in Texas. My 54-yr old deaf brother, who is a dishwasher, has a hearing (2.24.12) to waive his overpayment of $20K+ dating back to 1985. He is prelingual deaf; has a severe comprehension of a lot!I’m now his POA & my defense is SSA did/& does not know how to handle a deaf mute based on research of what a prelingual deaf comprehends vs a hearing person.
I would like to hear your comments.
thanks!
Leslie, that argument may be an uphill battle. In addition to that, I would focus on the numbers, i.e. that your brother is unlikely to have the funds to pay back the overpayment and that a garnishment of his income or assets would create a true hardship. Let me know how it turns out.
my name is james i am trying to get my ssi back i have a lower i am geting a hearin g but my lawer told me it could take up to 12 to 24 month befor that i can not get a job becouse of my bipolar can any one tell me how to get my hearing faster
I just want to encourage people who are trying to win their disability case to
never give up. You will get discouraged and I truly believe that SS wants you to give
up, so they make it very difficult for you to to claim disability benefits that you
have earned by working your entire life!
I applied once, and was turned down very quickly, even though my medical records
proved my diagnosis of Degerative Disc Disease.
I appealed and was promptly turned down very quickly, once again.
The third time I went with my lawyer in tow before a judge and was promptly APPROVED.
If I could do it over, I would have gotten a lawyer right at the beginning and probably would not have had to wait and worry as long as I did. Hang in there.
I live in Georgia. I got the update of “” currently waiting on the “unassigned to a decision writer”. Is it still a wait time of upto 3 months? Or is it longer?
I practice in Georgia and attorneys here have been advised that the wait time on hearing decisions is 4 to 12 weeks.
what happens if your approved for disability and you collect for 4 years…and i have been diagnosed with bipolar and depression and sycotic tendencies..cervicaland lubar disc disease..and intersticial pulmanary fibrosis and sarcoidosis…my main problem is my mental health. and anxiety..i am afraid to go to the doctors anymore ..the lung doctor told me i have a time frame to live so i take care of my self the best i can…i dont come out much cause i dont want respitory issues…my depression causes me to cry all the time and my bipolar makes me fly off the handle everyday…i seem to be just scared of everything..i know i need to go back to the doctor but i have moved out of state..so i moved back and everytime i go to try to get an appointment its always a couple of months so i dont go back i end up running and not going…now i have received a letter for a review and i dont know what to do..i have no more records except the ones they reviewed to determine acceptence..what is the process and what do i do..i need medical help but i am scared to go…my back doctor had me dependent on pain meds and anxiety pills…i cut myself off because there was times when my scripts didnt come thru and i was a wreck..so i weened myself off…now i live with cronic pain and anxiety as well as all the other mental issues i have..what do i do
Jason, unfortunately you need to go to the doctor. If you have no medical record, Social Security may assume that you are no longer impaired and they could cut you off.
Hi J, How long does it normally take for an ALJ to make a decision after hearing a case? Also can an attorney submit more medical evidence after the hearing has taken place but before a decision is rendered? Just wondering…
It normally takes 4 to 10 weeks after a hearing to get a decision. Usually the record is closed at the hearing so if your lawyer has obtained relevant medical information after the hearing date, it would be wise for your lawyer to contact the judge immediately to ask the judge to accept the post-hearing evidence.
I used to be a paralegal for an SSDI attorney, they make loads of money so they will always defend FAKE claimants because they know they can game the system in the claimants favor, that’s why they drop cases they won’t work. They don’t make a dime. As long as ANYONE works the required amount of credits the can they can fake mental disablement. I have spinal stenois, DDD, bi polar, severe psoriasis and I couldn’t get ANY help because my I was short a few credits, and no SSI because spouse salary is a hundred bucks over the allowable limit. I have no insurance and my meds cost 900 bucks a month and I have 5 kids. We can’t get food stamps or ANY assistance at all. SO, I got my butt of there and learned a skill, now I work from home. GET over it people, PUSH is BS as well, waiting for GOD to do something for you, well that makes sense, you are the same people waiting for the government to do something for you. I grant maybe 1/4 of the people on this board are really disabled, they rest you need to get a life. Oh and to add to my host of stuff, my 11 yr had annersym and stroke and after 3 years 99% totally recovered, all without help from the nannystate. IT’S CALLED HARD WORK, IF YOU HAVE A COMPUTER, AND YOU ARE TYPING AND CRYING IN ALL THE FORUMS, “WOE IS ME”, YOU CAN FIND A JOB. Now, go do it. The doctors will tell you want you want to hear, it you will accept you are disabled, well hello, money train for the doctor. I fight my illness, and garden anyhow, bend and lift, I just don’t over do it. Moving actually feels better than sitting and lying down. Half of it is in your head. You let your doctors talk you into a state of NON ACTION. You are better than that, Wake up.
I think your comments are a bit cynical but you are entitled to your opinion.
@getoverit: Dear Getoverit, Please tell me what skill you got out there and learned so you could work from home. I want to work from home, I have arthritis, bursitis, and Bipolar, and a child with Bipolar whom I need to be home for. Every thing I find online about work from home looks like a scam, so I’m afraid to try any of them. Please tell me, what did you learn and what do you do now??
I forgot to mention that my age is 34 and my lawyer said that is why I was turned down the first time. Why should age have anything to do with my disability?
Age is relevant because Social Security judges recognize that a 34 year old will likely collect several hundred thousand dollars from Social Security over one’s expected lifespan. SSA is running out of money and judges are encouraged to carefully scrutinize any application by a younger individual.
If you are taking antipyschotic medicines with no diagnosis can you get ssi disability..??
In my experience most judges would expect more than a prescription.
if disability sends me to one of there dr. and my test shows drugs in my body?
then you have a big problem
i believe giving up on your case should no body give up. if your ill or injured go for help and succeed.
I just had my hearing for ss disability the other day. I was very nervous and my lawyer mentioned it to the judge right away. He was very kind to me and said he knows how it is to be sitting on the other side of the table and remembers that all the time. The judge did not do the questioning my lawyer did. I answered truthfully but looking back i could of told many other things. After all questions were asked my lawyer looked at me and said quietly you did good. Then the judge asked the VE a question about productivity with a full time job. It was going so fast i really didn’t understand. But I do know that the judge referred to a letter form my on going doctor about unscheduled breaks needed as well as # of days off per month.
my medical issue has been ongoing for many years and I have medical records to support it.
No decision was made. I thanked them and left the room. My lawyer stayed behind. I met up with him in the waiting area . I mentioned to him that i never want to do this again. He said you will never have too. and I did good. now its up to the judge how much he believes. 30-60 days wait he said. I’ve been “looking into” what i was told and Its either way to me. I also noticed that the judges at that office do have a high approval rate.
What is a partial disability? does that you have to be reevaluated in a few years?
what do you think it all sounds to you?
thanks
Tara, if I had to guess, I’d say that you won. Some cases are pulled for a “continuing disability review” so continue going to the doctor.
I had my hearing few days ago & was really nervous. Im bipolar& suffer from depression,arthritis,diabetes. My attorney seems like he didn’t try to help me in many ways. The judge didn’t ask me many questions I would say about 15 in all. I don’t know what the outcome will be so please can someone give me a word of encouragement. God bless.
social security are reviewing my case right now. I see my doctor every 3 to 4 months. I’m on 5 different medications and I don’t work and haven’t worked. during this cdr will i be denied or reapproved. thanks for the input.
What about mental illness records from childhood till now (30) would those be considered? Previously off work approved for STD for conditions(thru jobs). My mental illness causes other physical illness which in return causes me to not be able to hold down a job because I’m either at home sick or being fired because I’m missing so much work due to being sick. It’s not that I dont want to work, I love making money, but I hate getting treated like crap because my employer doesn’t understand why I’m always sick, or getting labeled at work bc I have an anxiety disorder that prevents me from socializing bc i don’t want to have a freakn episode at work. I can’t get on elevators with other.people, stand in lines where ppl are close, if someone touches me I look like I’ve just seen a ghost. Most ppl just say I’m weird but it feels really hopeless. Is SSD a good choice for me?
I had my hearing on january 5, 2012 which on Feb i was denied for my disability and after waiting for 22 months unable to work due to my uncontroled diabetes and having uveitis, which my vision is very blurry and my asthma out of controlled….When i would work as a chef i had so many problems with standing up so many hours on my feet..At times i would drop pots becuz of my hands giving out. Working for 22 years doing the same job it just took a toll on me which alot of times i was rushed to ER becuz i worked so much……..and on July of 2009 i was unable to see everything so blurry and would had to sit down alot just to catch my breath……..To be honest with you i couldnt handle the work anymore so i decided to try and file for my disability……..I have so many records filed on me For going to the ER becuz of my job……….My Doctor said she would support me as far as my case and at that had my hearing on jan 5 and then i was denied for the second time its just so frustrating having to wait that long and got denied by the Social Security…….My parents help me out with my rent and i get help for my utilities with organizations but just having to wait all this time just to get denied……..
What is the wait time for a ALJ hearing ? I Live in chicago, my lawyer told me 12-18 months and they won’t consider the case, before this time also, if you attempt, to work and have a heart attack, or have, or cause, a major accident because, you whould’nt have been working, can you take legal action toward SSA?
No, you can’t sue SSA because of their outrageous delays!
I have an appt with a ssi doc and to determine if I’m bipolar and adhd.. I have been smoking pot in the mean time to cope w anxiety and stress…im on unemployment and live n Texas…I’m worried that I will loose my foodstamps and kids Medicaid if I go to this appt and they test me I have marijuana in my system..I cannot afford to loose Medicaid on my kids and my foodstamps…what should i do I have quit smoking.so please let me know what u think
Do attorney’s ever take cases for appealling the onset date awarded? We filed for SSDI with an onset date of 1/30/2009, SSDI was awarded at the intial application level within 10 weeks but had an onset date of 8/1/2011. Thank you
Yes, you can appeal an approval based on a changed onset date. Be careful, however, as you will be putting your favorable decision at risk.
I had numerous denials, I had a complete nervous breakdown in 2003. I was in a bad car accident in 1996, 2 bad motor cycle accidents in 1990, diagnosed with bipolar disorder after finding my identical twin brother commited suicide along w/ PSTD & severe anxiety attacks in 2003, my right knee was replaced last year and I have severe issues with my back, many issues that I could not even repeat, my back gives out constantly and I take well over 180mg of oxy cotin a day, this has been an ongoing problem for me since 2002. I have been denied 5 times but my lawyer said they will approve me if I keep at it but I am literally starving. I do have the doctors on my side stating that I am disabled but SS says no!! I am always so nervous and forgot to mention things at the hearings & the reason they give me for not approving don’t make sense to me, [people with less issues than me have been approved, why not me] I cannot deal w/o pain relief & could never hold down a job because I am in agony constantly. I have NO insurance beside public assistance which they know I am disabled that is why they give me help & food stamps, I don’t drive much because it’s too painful, its all I can do to get through the day w/o wonderinig if I will be homeless soon, people are getting tired of helping me & I have no possesions to sell or any kind of support to get help I need!! I am precribed numerous medications and there are at least 24 different kind of medications that I take, when I was asked why I am so depressed I told the judge I am a single transgendered person who cannot take care of herself and I cannot even take care of my 10 year old son so he lives w/ his mother. I am living on a couch of a friend & have no place to go with my welcome worn out. I keep telling everyone I dont know what to do & the ADJ is more concerned if I was ever hospitalized, I do everything I can to stay out of the hospitals, they create more problems then they help with me. If I don’t get approved soon I am sure I am headed for failure, I have not worked since 2002, I cant get low/free income housing without a child in my care, I am near homelessness & without hope!! ;-(
Okay… So I went through a whole year of the doctors appointments and letters from the Social Security Disabilty administration. And I got the letter, stating they were going in front of the judge, and that I didn’t need to be present. Then, I moved, put in a change of address (6 months ago) And I never heard anything else, no denial letter , nothing. SO, tonight, I thought I would start the process ALL OVER AGAIN. And I went on the site, filled out my personal information (name, social, DOB, and date I stopped working) Which I obviously know. And it says “We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we cannot process your benefit application online because some information we have on file is different than the information you provided. Our representatives will be happy to assist you” I dont understand!!! My name hasn’t changed… I read somewhere else that possibly I was approved back in October by the judge, but nothing got forwarded to me, and I cant call representative, not open on the weekend. This is weighing on my mind. Please help
I went to court un Apirl 13,2012 I was so nervous I got sick that morning . It was the worst feeling I have ever had . I am 32 and I have grandmal seizers about 2 to 3 days a week , cronic low back pain,and 2 pinched nerves in my right hand.They said at court that there was no jobs I could do with so many days off a month because every time I have a seizer I cant do anything for about 24 hours.At the end the Judge said for me not to worry about that day in court.My attorney said we did very good and he would say it was 99.9% won . But I am still so worried I had court in Georgia with Judge —- he was Wounderful . About how long should it take to get a decision and what do you think about my case I have already waited 2 years and 6 months before I went to court,I think the waiting and not knowing is the worst.May God be with all those in all their disability cases,it is a long road but God will see you through it…
Elizabeth, it sounds like you will be approved. The judge in your case is very good and straightforward and your attorney probably has a good idea which way he will go with this. Normally it takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a decision and about a month after that to get your first check.
And Thank you for all your help with answering all of our questions.You have helped me alot oner the past 2 years.
I am a 42 year old married mother of 4 wonderful children. I have a B.S. degree in nursing, and loved the work I did as a surgical nurse. I also was a dance insturctor for 25 years. Unfortunately, in April, 2011, following my second back surgery, I ended up with the most painful of all disorders, RSD (Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy). 10% of people with this neurological disorder commit succide. This started in my left leg and has now spred to my left arm. I can’t ambulate without the use of a walker, which one of my physicians wrote a prescription for, and can no longer drive. I am in constant, horrible pain and have been through numerous injections, continous infusions of local anesthetic, all without any relief. I had a permanent spinal stimulator placed with little success. I now not only suffer with RSD, I now have severe depression, anexity, memory loss, DDD, limited mobility, severe leg spasms,and insomnia. I am on numerous medications which produce several side effects, including narcotic pain meds. My husband must help me bathe and dress. What hurts the worst is that I am no longer able to be the wife and mother I want to be. I can’t attend my childrens school functions or sporting activities. Some days, the pain is so bad that I can’t get out of bed and my parents must take care of my children. My husband is currently unemployed, and our family of 6 live off of $325.00 a week, we have had to file bankruptcy, and now are facing the fact we will lose our home. I just received my 2nd denial letter, and I am so upset. I hired a lawyer here in SC after my 1st denial. I feel so lost and alone in the system after 1 and a half years. So many people, even physicialn and other medical professionals have no idea what RSD is and its severity. The pain is compaired to the amputation of a finger without any anesthesia.
PLEASE do you have any advise as my next step will be going before the judge. Could you also please give me a estimation of how long this process will take. I really appreciate your time and any advise you may have as I feel hopeless at this point and am worried financially we crumble.
THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH!
Susie, usually it takes about 4 to 6 months for SSA to review and issue a decision at reconsideration. When you request a hearing, you may have to wait 8 months to a year. I typically use a functional capacity argument in an RSD case. Take a look at the section on my web site where I discuss RSD (CRPS). RSD can support a finding of disability and it sounds to me that you have a very viable argument especially given your work and dance teaching history. It is vital that your have a treating doctor who will support you, ideally by filling out an RSD/CRPS functional capacity evaluation. Best of luck to you.
I have my ALJ hearing in less then 30-days, nervous of course. I have been being treated for 9+ years for lumbar degenerative disk desease and foraminal stenosis along with osteoarthritic & degenerative conditions of both hips & elbow (moderate) & R knee pain that I have had cortiosone shots in. R hand artritis also. Pain management with injections for the back, on morphine 75mg/8hr, norco 10/325 6hr mobic 7.5mg/12hr. Other med that is new is cymbalta for the anxiety and depression from the pain and change of life & to possibly help with pain. Disco gram done with die all over the disk showing complete degeneration l-5 s-1. Surgeon’s statement, fusion surgery is recommended. I have been seen by my doctor every few months since 2003/04 for this. She was the one who stated I must stop all my work activities and has supported my disability with a RFC form and disability place card. My pain management doctor has written a letter on my behalf stating my disability. I have stayed pro active in my treatments, I have lost 20lbs in her care in an attempt to help. I have provided outside research with the spine institute who I provided my MRIs to and they recommended procedures that might help but that is not covered by my insurance company. I applied for my benifits Feb 2010 & of course denied X 2. I worked for 7-years while trying to reduce & get rid of this terrible pain. My age is 47 and male. I hired an attorney with 28 years of experince. I gathered all my medical records & have all my physicians support. I guess my ? is do I have a good chance. I do not know what I will do if I lose, I can not work, my daily life of just basic activities causes to much pain. My attorney stated do not worry you will win but I will take an outside expert opion if you don’t mind. Thanks, im sick of this whole ordeal.
It sounds like you have a good argument for disability – but, of course, your lawyer has a much better perspective on this than I do.
Long story short, I just had my second ALJ hearing. There is a long back story about my AOD being entered incorrectly since day 1 and has been a thorn in my side since the application. I alleged September 2001 and they wrote November 2009 (which was simply the day I called SSA for an appointment). The ME from my second hearing apparently was not given access to my records before November 2009 because of this ongoing AOD problem. I wondered why he kept saying “there is not enough evidence to show his condition before 2009”. I had told my lawyer about all my problems, so I thought he had a handle on things like this. The ME agreed I qualify for SSI as of April 2010 but not before because “he saw no evidence”. Shortly after the hearing I contacted my lawyer (email) and asked him if he realized what was going on. I took some of my existing PCP assessment notes and extracted all the references to my condition and all the comments from my doctor per visit. I basically summarized the 90+ pages of medical records to show where my doctor all but spelled out the proof. I did the same thing with my RA doctor notes. I gave this to my lawyer and asked him to send this to the ALJ so he could see there are in deed medical records this ME must have missed by clerical error. I don’t believe my lawyer sent anything because I’m having a hard time in getting him to respond since the hearing. If I send something to my lawyer and he doesn’t submit it, and it turns out that evidence would have changed the ALJ’s decision, what can I do about that? I would rather not have to go through the whole appeals process for the second time just because my lawyer didn’t submit evidence I explicitly told him to. I know more about my records than my lawyer, so I know first hand what was skipped at the hearing.
What to do?
The (not so funny) thing I recently found out is the fact even though I was granted SSI based upon RFC reports submitted in April 2010, the only reason I was granted was because my lawyer (somehow without me realizing it) changed my onset date from (what was supposed to have been September 2001 but was entered as November 2009) to April 2010 (since this was the only date of records the ME thought I had). So, I go from my original alleged onset date of September 2001 to April 2010. The funny (actually suspicious) thing is the fact I tried for over 2.5 years to get my onset date corrected, the minute my lawyer suggests changing it to April 2010 in order to get SSI only took the ALJ a few minutes to finally change. So, as soon as that onset date could be changed to my detriment, it only took minutes to change it. Now, I find out I’m not even going to be eligible for SSI because I have more than $2,000 in the bank (assets). Even though 90% of the money I make goes directly to medical bills, I have too much in assets to get SSI.
So, here I am almost 3 years of fighting my claim – dealing with an incorrect onset date that inevitably caused the ME to not have full access to my medical records which caused my onset date to be changed to April 2010 (just so I could get SSI instead of nothing) to only turn around and not be illegible for SSI benefits. I don’t think I could make up a more messed up story. For some reason, my second lawyer thought I didn’t have “any” money (because I’m living with parents again), so that’s why (I guess) he suggested I change my onset date just to get SSI instead of not getting anything. So, with me appealing a favorable decision of SSI in which I won’t be getting any money for is a no-risk deal. I have nothing to lose because I have gained nothing.
Hi. I’m 51 yrs old.I just applied for SSD. The case is in the hands of my State , they’re going to send me to their Dr. , I have made an appointment with a new Primary Care Physician , when i lost my job i lost my insurance of course and can’t go to see my old P.C. folks , i don’t think – They would have my records ,or some of them. Should i be visiting my Workman’s Comp Doctors who performed my several surgeries ? Should i check on disability ratings ? Start preparing i suppose , i can’t work , if i don’t work and go slow i have little pain , but if i use my arms or legs etc. i do have pain ..I also have a very bad eye ,legally blind ,which prevents me from certain jobs like truck driving..I need advice , i need HELP , i’m saddened and depressed that my workdays are over , i’ll have to sell my car, but i just can’t perform what they want from me out there
J – it sounds to me like you need advice from a good Social Security disability lawyer who can help build a strong claim.