Social Secruity Disability On The News

[smokymtn memories]

Katie Couric did a piece on the news last night regarding SSD and the length of time it's taking to receive benefits. I have'nt learned anything, so far, I did'nt know already. The second part will air this evening.

I filed Feb 4, 2006, denied in May 06, appealed in May 06, denied in September 06, appealed in September 06, a few months later received a letter stating I would be given ten days notice prior to appeals hearing, and I'm still waiting. I'm not surprised, my attorney told me in our area the wait for a hearing is minimum severnteen months.

Last night I heard in some areas, the waiting is up to three years, just for the hearing. If I'm remembering the correct number, 16,000 people died in 2006 - 2007 waiting for SSD to come through for them. It's an absolute disgrace.

My doctor, neurologist, and neuro surgeon all contacted the agency regarding my status for the second appeal, and it was still denied. Why do you have to dig up all the paperwork if they think we're all liars? I'm disabled according to the physicians treating me, but I guess some little dude sitting in his/her office in Washington knows me better!

I just wondered if anyone else has gone through all this crap.

[darrel]

sorry, I got all my paperwork together and went in and about 45 days later recieved my first check. I did not get denied at all.

[Mike C]

How do you get rejected with a c4/5/6 +L4 incomplete SCI injury? What did they say are the resons you are not qualified? Are you actually walking and have good function?

[metronycguy]

first time here, too usually if you have a injury on their list, you are approved the first time.
hard to tell from your profile , how you were injured? and when . people that have stenosis type injuries have harder times with ssd than traumatic injuries.
were you working consistently up tp a point of injury? type of work can also com into play, it is complicated, but it is messed up.
the 2 year wait for medicare is pure bs, should be no wait, they want people to bankrupt themselves before they are eligible for medicare, figuring the major bills would be paid in the first 2 years.

[darkeyed_daisy]

Once you get your Medicare....Do not ever stop paying for it (if you have to). We are kind of screwed when it comes to insurance too. I try to work and I am on my second nine month trial work period in 18 years. The last time I worked which was in 2000...I got the big idea that I was going to keep BCBS through my work and let the Medicare go. It was a huge mess to get straightened out and I almost didnt get to keep my Medicare. So even if you have to pay your monthly (which most people do) keep your Medicare once you are approved.

In 1989, it took me 18 months and an attorney to get approved for SSI. I hadnt worked enough to have enough quarters to qualify for SSDI.

I hope you get it started soon.

[smokymtn memories]

For me, the diagnosis was messed up at first. I had'nt worked since June of 2003. We moved from OH to Tn in October and that's when everything started to go to hell. Right at the time I needed to look for a job and get health insurance. I would'nt go to the doctor because of no insurance and I could'nt get back to work because my hands would'nt work right. (I was a supervisor/bookkeeper.)

I "assumed" it was the DDD at L-4 and carpal tunnel and arthritis messing me up. They had the correct diagnosis by the second appeal. The refusal letter said, in their opinion, I only used a cane because it made me feel better, I did'nt really need it and they felt I could still do my job.

They have no idea how much I wish they were right. My hands and legs/feet are partially paralysed. I can still use them, thank God, but so way not in the same capacity. But that does'nt even bother me as much as the neuropathic pain issues.

I think Mike is right. Mine was'nt a traumatic injury. I fractured my neck in an injury and could'nt tell you when, which resulted in cervical spinal stenosis years later.

I personally would like to be able to go to work again. Sitting at home with no resourses available to me to get better, is not the high light of my life. I had to refuse PT due to no insurance and no way to pay.

We've already lost everything we could loose with me unable to work, I just hope the news piece brings some awareness and some of these folks with nothing are able to get some help. There is something wrong with a system you pay into all of your life and then have to wait three years to get any help.

Last night the news said they know that a good percentage of the people won't go beyond the first or second appeal, they just give up, and that's what they want.