I got my papers today from social security. The denied my reconsideration. They are so stupid. They said that they believed I had "discomfort" most the time (what the heck, discomfort is not a good choice of words-how about disabling headaches, neck/back pain 24/7, flare ups that put me out of commission for days--and I have "considerable amt of discomfort?), but that shouldn't keep me from working. They also said that even though my thought process was considerably slow (that's the brain fog you idiot)I could follow steps 1 & 2 (what's that? no explanation of what steps 1 & 2 are-anyone out there know what that means, lol)? I'm not really laughing, I'm crying because I was depending on that monthly income.
Now, I have to appeal and they say it can take up to 18 mths (I've heard it's more like 2 yrs) b4 you can get b4 the judge in person to appeal to him. That's where you go b4 a judge with an attorney and fight the system and most people (85%) win their cases with him. But, hey, I don't have 2 yrs. They are forcing me to go out there and work. How can I work when I can't stand on my feet for over 1/2 hr max and can't sit same amt of time.
Who is going to hire me knowing I'm on heavy drugs (most companies make you take a drug test) and even if they did, what are they going to say once you're hired and have a bad flare and can't come into work for a few days? Nobody is going to want me as an employee. I would be so undependable as an employee and would feel guilty doing that to a company.
Now, I have no idea what I'm going to do. It did say if I was to return to work, but didn't do "substantial work" which means I can work but can't earn more than $860 month. As long as I stay under that amt, I can still be eligible for an appeal. If I make over $860 even for one mth, I'm out of the appeal process and would have to reapply as new and go through the process all over again.
God, I can't do that but I guess I'll have to do it. I have no choice. I'm fraid now I'm going to lose everything. My mom and sis have helped me with my rent and phone bill but that's it and now they say they can't help me anymore. I tried to tell them that they would get paid back either out of my settlement for workers comp or the back pay social security would owe me if I win my case. But, I don't blame them. They've been giving me the $300 extra to make my rent and that's alot of money for them to dish out.
Boy am I in a pickle now. I need another Prozac or some amitriptyline or something to help me sleep. It's 12 midnight and I'm so depressed I can't sleep.
Sorry so long, everyone. I just needed to vent my frustrations. I've been waiting since Aug. 2005 over a year now but now they're telling me I have to wait another 2 yrs? The soc sec system sucks. It is a farce to say the least.
We pay into that fund. It's our money not theirs but they make you wait and wait to get it.
That's why alot of people drop their cases. Especially single parents like myself who don't have a husband to pick up the slack. They can't afford to not work bcz there's no one to help with the bills. So they go back to work and suffer with their disabilities bcz the government forces them to do so. And that's what they want-they want us to go back to work so they don't have to add us to the SSD rolls. They say they have too many now and what with the baby boomers getting ready to retire, the system will go broke.
Oh well, I've got alot of thinking and decision making to do in the next few days.
I was under the impression that no matter what you get denied and that you have to get an attorney in order to win. Tell them to give you a job if they think you can have a job. Can you go to rehab and get retrained? Our system sucks.
Donna -
I am so sorry to hear of their decision. It's a real shame that there is not some job retraining assistance offered when they turn a person down. I hope things work out somehow.
Oh you poor lady,its so unfair.The system so sucks.If only they could walk in our shoes just one day.I understand your pain.Its a awful feeling knowing you need to learn to live with it.I pray something works out for you.Hang in there your a strong women and god only gives you what you can handle.Im so sorry.
You're about right. They say that about 90% of persons who apply the first time are denied. Unless you are blind or have end stage cancer, you are denied the first time. If you are turned down, you apply for your first appeal (which is the reconsideration-that's the one I was just denied on). The odds are that 85% of those are turned down.
If you are turned down on consideration, then you apply for a hearing in front of the ALJ (judge) and then, you have to have an attorney present with you or you most likely will lose your case bcz the judge usually has a vocational rehab person there who is going to read off a list of occupations you supposedly can do (and get this, the job they say you can do does not necessarily have to be in your state AND they don't guarantee you will ever get hired in that position-and some of the jobs they say you can do are so remotely impossible to even find and most, no one would even want to or be able to do anyway). But, if you have an attorney, he can argue against their list of so-called occupations for you.
It's been 2 1/2 yrs since my sister applied for her hearing and hasn't heard anything yet. It's just not fair.
Donna,
What we need is Lee's input on this. I too thought that your Lawyer would be the one to help you with this. And what were in you med-files? My Doctors have stated I will not get better. My Lawyer has all this info so I would think that the files would also be filed with the S.S. system.
But Lee knows so much more. Ask Lee for her input.
I faxed them (twice) bcz the first time they lost the reports copies of two doctors saying I can't work. One from my old PCP who had been treating me since my mva. I also have one from my neurosurgeon (who by the way has a Phd) and social security's doctors say I can return to work. They did say I can't do the job I previously did (which is basically all I know).
It makes me really mad that they send me to an IME to determine if I'm disabled. The IME spent no more than 15 minutes with me. How can any doctor sum up 6 yrs of agony, pain, surgeries, injections, RF's--pain alone-in 15 minutes.
I'm sorry for your extra struggles that come attached to the injuries...it's so so so so disgusting isn't it? I have to work too--in pain! but manage only 15 hours a week and I do that in pain. My kids would starve and be homeless....it's so bewildering. The SSA are so heartless---they need to be able to assess those 'gray areas' those with chronic pain of at least 6 months and have proof of treatment, should be able to get at LEAST temporary disability.
I have a friend who was severaly abused as a child, has severe emotional, anxiety problems, etc and can't get help..I think she needs it. As a social worker I can see her inability to 'get out there' and work. I Truly believe most people want to work(We feel good when we are making our own $) but some of us can't--either temporarily or just cant!
I know borrowing money is hard too..I'm having to check my checking acct daily to see if I'm overdrawn. I have applied for food stamps too to see if that helps feed my kids. I Have a college degree too!!! I'm so disheartened!
I guess that's why we come here to the board: "We like writing how hard it is, don't we?" duh!
Donna , I am crying along with you , its all so WRONG WRONG WRONG .. and you know you can not work ! I know you can not work , we all know you can NOT WORK .. that is just plain RIDICULOUSLY INSANE !
Donna .. You need to step out of the BOX !
FOUR WALLS CLOSING ALL IN !
take a step out doors as you finsish reading this post .. do it Donna .. walk around your house if you have to .. just do it !!!
My life is so UPSIDE DOWN , all our troubles are different , yet the same ... its hard to cope with life in general ,, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PAIN IS IN CONTROL and it takes our minds off of LIFE as it passes by .
WE EXIST !
Donna . I'm a bit off .. though I am going to continue to tell you to get outside and lets rethink this all over .. I believe its time to bring in the AUTHORITIES ..
IT'S criminal what they do to us !
It's a wonder why we come here .. God forbid , if nobody has a clue and you are all alone in your thoughts , Donna ,, I'm here because of you .. and when it gets to that point .. you wonder where the heck do I STAND NOW ?
TOGETHER MY FRIEND , we stand together , as we walk beside you ,through this troubled time , remember they are only hurdles Donna , some big , some small , yet all the hurdles and road blocks seem endless , there is still the wee sparkle of HOPE we must jump a little bit higher next time and dont forget we are all jumping together , to get you over this hurdle today . If we stick to gether my friend , we will make it through ,, even though it is tough , we know you are a tuffy too !
You can do it , I know you can .. we will call in the authorities and ask them to figure it out .
There is no way , that this is RIGHT ,, this is all insane , and you know it ... somebody needs to give there heads a shake and WAKE UP !
Donna we have to rattle somebody NOW !
I feel so bad for you , I want to call the police !
sounds totally insane ! yes !!!
PERIOD
wish I HAD BIGGER FONT ..... !
I AM SCREAMING FROM THE INSIDE OUT EVERY DAY !
AND NOBODY CAN HEAR ME , YOU , and OTHERS on here who have had their lives turned upside down !
PAIN and DEPRESSION .. what a COCKTAIL .. and they want us to focus on work and our daily LIVES
ITS NOT HAPPENING !
HELLO ????????????????????????????????/
Donna , this is a time to regroup .. and you may say to me .. done that , did that , so much so ,, I cant think any more .. too much on my plate .
Dump it Donna .. dump that plate !.. Scrape it into the waste basket and as you are scraping away .. say to your self all the troubles you no longer can deal with right now .. cause the plate is over loaded !
Once you have done that ,emptying your imaginary plate into the waste basket ! your mind should come clearer and help you focus clearly on what comes first in this list , If you have to for a few more days ... put it all on the back burner ,
Donna .. why I say this .. , you and I both know it is all too much to gather , all bad news !
Plate overloaded and you cant find your self , never mind any one else for that matter ,
You are so special Donna and so well liked here on this forum and you are genuinely beautiful with character and so strong in your messages YOUR WISDOM AND SMARTS GET THROUGH TO MANY and help SO MANY ,
I would say a group prayer from us all here to help you get through these next huge hurdles and bring hope to you and your family , and we pray they all have a change of heart in a quick way !!! We pray you are embraced dearly to make this transition smoother for you Donna and your family.
PS
Donna
I drew a picture the other day , and I name my pictures I draw and I date them and I sign all my pictures if I like them !
My latest picture is of a flower that looks like a star and I named it "STAR MARILYN "
Donna , believe it or not , I took permanent marker and drew this star Marilyn on the back of the spare bedroom door ! takes up half the door !
I would like to send it to you ,the bedroom door ,,, if you allow me to mail it to you ! or
I will draw another for you on paper .
I'm no artist !
doodle girl
You are my bestest friend, Red. What would I do without you? You have inspired me. It was midnight and I live in group of condos so I thought they might call the cops on me if I started walking around that late, but, I did go over and see my darling granddaughter. It really gave me a lift.
You're right, I need to empty my plate and free myself of all the garbage in my life. Then, maybe I can free my mind to think. My mind is so hazy these days, I can't think right anymore (that's one of the fears I have is that I'll get a job and just sit there going "duh."
LOL, the whole door may be a bit much, but would love to get it on paper. I'll bet you have more talent than you think. BTW, I think it's awesome that you did that for your friend, Marilyn.
I'll make out somehow. I'm a fighter. I get that from my marriage. My ex worked maybe 3 mths out of the year and drank heavily. Didn't like to do yard work, knew nothing about fixing my car (once he put oil in the transmission fluid thingy-that cost me a fortune, lol, what a loser)-at Christmas time, who do you think put all the scooters & big wheels and bikes together? not him... He did like to clean & cook and was an excellent cook-that was his profession when he felt like working. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I was the strong one, I was the one who basically raised the kids (he spent more time at the bar than at home),took care of finances, worked OT when times were hard. Not to mention, he was physically and mentally abusive.
This is a piece of cake considering what I went throught with him. I'm going to find something I can do, and if I try a job and can't do it, I'll have to quit and keep trying til I find one.
Thank you girlfriend for being there for me always. We've been through alot in the 6+ yrs since our mva. We've stuck together like glue. Don't worry about me, I'm going to pull through this and survive somehow, but I'm not going to give up on my social security disability case. I'm going to put in a call to my attorney to tell him the bad news and see if he has any tricks up his sleeve.
Sometimes that's all I need here and there. Thanks for the shoulder, lol. I'll be ok. I think I knew deep down inside that I would be denied, just had that little ray of hope that I would be one of the 15% that made it.
I know you are struggling too. It's just so hard. I am going to try this trial thing where I can try and work but earn no more than $860 mth-I should only have to work about 20 hrs week. But, Vee, we are strong. We do what we have to do for a kids.
The catch is I can only work for less than 90 days. But, if I try this job and find I can't do it, I can try again later.
I know people who have done the 90 day trial, quit, then went to another line of work for 90 days, quit, etc. It's crazy.
Oh Donna, I wish I knew what or how I can help. I was one of those few lucky ones who got approved during first round. Of course, I'm not blind or end stage cancer person.
When I applied for disablity, they told me that it would be very very tough to get it for back injuries and suggested that I used my deafness instead as it's easier to qualify and I did and got my first check in 2 months. Everyone, don't let this confuse you - they wil not qualify a hard of hearing, you must have so much loss to qualify. In my case, I have always had profound loss since birth.
The thought of waiting for years for benefit is sickening!
As for facing the ALJ, it's a chance to take. Truth is, you don't need to hire an attorney for it. You can hire an advocate instead, which it is ALOT cheaper than lawyer.
If I were you, I would file for appeal with ALJ. Even if you found work as you wait, I would say you are entiled to soemthing up to the time you got disqualified. That's my thinking....
Thanks for the support and advise. I'm so glad you didn't have to go through this. My attorney tried to prepare me to lose but I couldn't believe that someone who has so many problems: neck, back, si joints, disabling headaches, hips, knees, problems walking due to neuropathy of legs and feet.
I've talked to people who only had back surgery that didn't work that got it. I guess I set myself up for the fall.
I will go out and find something to do, but I'll make sure I don't go over the limit. They told me I could make $860 mth but just to be on the safe side, I'm going for about $750mth-that plus my state check and food stamps should tide me over til I get my hearing.
You're right, you don't need an attorney, I do have an advocate-Allsup. Unfortunately, they do charge the same as attorney-I think it's 25% but there's a max they can get, but forgot how much that was (of the back pay). If I do have to wait 2 more years, they would owe me a total of 3 years and 4 mths at $1300 per mth. That would be a nice amt of back pay, even if the attorney get his.
In the meantime, my attorney called out of nowhere and said that my workers comp case is moving along. The insurance company has made 2 offers so far. They want to settle out of court bcz they know if it goes to court, the judge is going to make them pay my medical visits, surgery on both hands for CTS, plus my hand surgeon said that since it's been over 2yrs with no treatment (the ins co for other side is fighting me), my hands are permanently damaged meaning that even tho I need surgery to get back feeling in my hands and fingers, it probably won't rid me of the pain in my hands.
So, they know it's in their best interest to settle out of court that way they don't have to pay for surgery or future medical. I'm so over it-tired of fighting it and am ready to settle. Hopefully I'll get settlement soon and maybe enough to tide me over at least another year.
You are so educated when it comes to the law and I appreciate your advise. Thanks Lee
Yi Yi Yi Donna , I'm so messed up by the time I make it to this forum .. tis a wonder you can get through my posts and understand them ....
Mentally I'm so messed up .. THAT FULL PLATE I TALK ABOUT ! and I just let it continue to fill and over load and spill ..
I really do need to take my own advise and dump it .. I tell you .. I can 'f find a minute that makes any sense in my life .
My pain talks most of the time and the ABUSE is slowly killing me !
I cant let it go !
I am unable to allow this abuse to go on any longer without going PUBLIC !
I dont see any other way out ! of the mess I am in AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN !
So if there is something on here that inspires you ,, inwhich I say .. OH MY GOD .. please be careful ..
this friend of yours is just a WEEEEEE BIT CRAZY !
The ABUSE , which continues to day .. is taking over and I cant take no more !
I will continue to give advise I dont take !
I'm really good at dishing it out and trying to take the lighter way out of things .. rather than hit it dead on the nail or the head .. what ever the case may be.
I notice on posts I write
sometimes I joke to make light of things and most times ITS NOT A JOKING MATTER ! it's serious and I somehow lose the compassion to be sincere and try to lighten up the LOAD by trying to get a chuckle when I know and you know there is NOTHING TO CHUCKLE ABOUT !
You continue to say you are going to find work or something ???? My god Donna ... I wish you the best .. but is that even really POSSIBLE ?
WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLY DO ,,, ?
You definately will have to APPEAL >. and put on the appeal ... YOUR IMMEDIATED ATTENTION would BE GREATLY APPRECIATED AS I need some kind of understanding as to WHY I AM THE ONE THAT SUFFERS and I AM THE ONE THAT IS DENIED and in the meantime ,, I AM THE ONE THAT SUFFERS AND GOES WITHOUT ! AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN ! how is this at all possible ?
All I need is one person to believe in me , I speak the truth , please hear me out ! Donna .. you are a smart cookie . ... somehow you have to have them eating out of your hand .... Swweet as pie but to the point ! GIRL .. KNOCK THEM OUT ! with words .. knock them out with very descriptive words inwhich I know you have the power of voice and speech ,,, surely we can twist there minds to THINK STRAIGHT FOR US .. cause we cant ! think straight .. someboey has to do the thinking for us and make this right !
Gosh I'm rambling on... doubled on pain meds .. couldnt take no more .. this is rare ... yi yi yi yi ...
please turn on the lights !!!
Give this lady some help
enough is enough
Your crazy friend Red
Donna you are too kind .
I admire you for it ... the knowledge you speak of Donna ... WOW .. you blow me off my feet .
Now .. lets clear the cob webs and put on our thinking caps that have no wires .
LOL, girl you are tooo much! I know you are in pain and I know alot of us that post give out alot of advise that we don't take ourselves. It's in our nature to give advise that we "wish" we had the guts to do ourselves. Not that we don't want to-it's just that the "brain fog," honk! honk! honk! that keeps us from our dreams.
You make me laugh and trust me that's not something I do enough of but when I come on here, I can always depend on your posts to cheer me up. But, hey, don't do it at your own expense-if you are having a really bad day (like today), you don't have to write with humor-it's ok ya know.
I don't know what I'm going to do about work, but I know one thing-if I don't get some money coming into this house, I'm going to lose it and I can't put my son thru that. I can't tell you how many times I left my ex and moved in with my mom when they were small. But, he's 15 now-it's somehow different.
His father finally started making child support payments a few months ago, but with me being on public assistance, the state takes those checks (grrrrrrr!!!).
I'm thinking about going to Walmart (just through the holidays) and work as a cashier. They pay more than the smaller stores and I hear they pretty much let you make your own schedule. I could work the weekends and a couple nights during the week (long as it's no more than 4 hrs each day). I don't know if I can stand that long or not, but there's only one way to find out.
Hopefully the first of next year my settlement will be in from w/comp and I will be able to quit. If not, it's going to be a long 2 years until I get b4 the ALJ for my hearing.
So, you're training your hubby to help around the house, lol.
You have a keeper if he agrees to your demands, lol, cause you know how particular us women are about our homes, lol.
On a serious note, Red, you take care of yourself cuz no one is going to do it for you. And if you're having a bad day, don't feel like you have to chear us up while you are venting.
Red...I was all tied up with anger when I lost my company and I needed someone to hear me when it was so unfair I could not sleep, eat, breathe, nothing...I called a lawer, now a good friend...his wise words were.."What will you have when it is all over?" He told me by the time I spend my time and energy and money to be right all, I would have in the end was a piece of paper to say I was right, and if it did not look good on my wall, I would have nothing. He was telling me to cut my losses and let it go. The rule here is to survive, charish the good days and find quality in them. Don't let the bad ones turn the precious few moments sour by holding onto the anger. I am lil reds rain...red is my granddaughter and we could all learn from her injustices. The child is so special and all she wants is time with her father and he is too busy with his drugs to notice her. His drugs are of the illegal nature, unlike ours, but the effect is the same if you let it be. Back to the turtle on the beach...lay on the beach with me watching the green sea turtle eat the algea...the waves come in and as they go out they take the pain to the sea...as the waves come higher over you...they relax what they touch and as they leave they take away the anger and the pain and leave the sunshine.
If not, sorry. Anyway, do not give up on medical care. You deserve it just as much as anyone else. From what I read of your post, you are very frustrated that you are not getting the proper treatment (join the boat, I'm right there with you). If you are not getting proper treatment, look elsewhere-there's got to be some conscientious doctors out there who give a da,,. Know what I mean?
I truly believe some doctors are in it for the money and some are in it to relieve the suffering of his patients. It's hard to tell until (unfortunately) you've already invested alot of time and money.
But, whatever you do, don't give up--please don't be a victim twice.
Sorry Donna to read about your situation, that is absolutely horrible, how do they expect a person to get by nowdays.. I hope somehow things change for you and you can get the help you need.. Sandeey
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