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jmack
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Posts posted by jmack
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Sorry, was kind of angry with the my doc from last post and forgot the rest of my question. However, the SSA DDS also requested records from the VA. Now my question is, do they request the records directly from a particular department and name as I listed on my application or do they request "ALL" the records from the records section? I have all up to June 07 in my possession. Will they take the ones that I have or do they have to come directly from the VA.
My Psych is waiting for them to send paperwork to her, but if they are only waiting on the medical records she won't be able to give her impression seperately, is this correct? Can anyone just basically tell me how they do this and what else is there that I can do to help myself. The DDS told me that they can' move forward until they get these records. Man they sure do sound like someone "kicked them in the ankles" at that office. Are they always so grumpy maybe they need to see my psych themselves, ya think?
jmack
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I just got off the phone with my doctor's office to see if he had receive info from the SSA DDS. He said that he had but it will take him 2 weeks!!! to get it back to them. They mailed it to him on 19 Sept 2007. We don't have the best of relationship,us two, but it's not in the dirt either, so why would it take so long and is there any alternative measures I can take to get the info from him like "yesterday" B) ? Please, need to know asap. Thanks.
jmack
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Jmack,
I know that others have different opinons, but I can tell you that I did communicate quite often with my husbands case worker during the process of his claim.
Always,
Josephine
Josephine,
Yeah I think I will give the DDS a call tomorrow.
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Just wondering. Is it wise to contact the DDS about your case or communicate through the SSA rep that's considered the case manager?
jmack
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I got a call today from the orthopedic surgeon at the VA hospital today informing that they have me scheduled for right knee replacement surgery for January because they are backed up and won't be able to get to me until then and to continue my pain medication regimen (oxycodone 4xdaily and methadone 3xdaily). My right knee is rated at 20% which I believe should be rated higher. My left knee has been fused since 1989 rated at 40% and back rated at 40%. I was told by VA that my right knee was not severe enough for a higher rating butmy medical records and xray showed my knee to be severe and lack stability for daily walking. Can anyone give me information on how to present my case?
JayBrown1:
Now is the time to request housebound as well because you are entitled to temporary 100% because of the knee replacement. I was considering having a knee replacement done and a very good friend of mine within the upper floors of the VA told me that with a knee replacement surgery it is automatically rated at temporary 100% for 13 months. I would go to relief of information and request the record of the phone call from the ortho doc and attach with new evidence stating that the condition of your knees has worsened. This should be enough for you to get an increase as well as start the request for temporary 100% at the housebound rate. Hope this helps. If there is anything that I have told you in error please forgive not by intentions just trying to assist.
jmack
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Hello all
I just wanted to say thanks for all the help. I finally got P&T today. It took a whole year, but I got it. I just need to work on SSDI now. Thanks again for all the help and GOD BLESS!!!
Coconutvee:
Glad for ya, what a great story, wasn't a member when you first posted this, but as I go through and review some of the great things that the crew here at hadit is doing for veterans, I just had to offer my congrats as well. May GOD continue to bless you and keep you.
jmack
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I received notice that my SSDI claim was approved. I have been through 2 denials and an ALJ hearing over the past 5 years. I want to thank all on hadit who provided me with valuable information and encouragement. I have a question, I am receiving TDIU from VA and wonder if this will not qualify me to receive a monthly amount? Again thank all of you so much.
Congrats,
Everytime I hear of one of the members getting what they deserve, I share the joy with you. Cogratulations again.
jmack
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100% P/T April 2006
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I gotta ask, Is there away to withdraw POA?? I wasn't concerned that my vso was not as smart as Gomer Pyle, but now I am!!!!!
Ronn:
Just find another VSO and that fires them automatically. Don't settle for less, the deserve the "best" representation there is. Good luck.
jmack
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Thanks all,
You guys have so much good advice. I really appreciate the encouragement. Because of you and only you, was I able to complete the application and get it in the mail. So now I just wait, something that I am good at thanks to "Uncle Sam". Josephine, you're great.:-) Thanks for getting me started on the right path.
jmack
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Jmack:
Good luck on your claim and I am sure that you can get the help you need to fill out the forms. If you have to you can go to Social Security Office nearest you and they will help.
Concerning your neuropathy have you tried gabapentin to help. I find that 4 doses of 300 mg of it help mine considerably. If not you might ought to ask your doc the VA gives it for that reason and others.
Pete:
Thank, I will get help with the forms. I used to take the gabapentin about a yr ago but it stop giving me the relief I needed, now I take lyrica. I works great for me. Ever heard of it? My outside Doc prescribed it to me.
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The first report is for you to state your limitations i.e what you can and cannot do... the second is a work history which they will use to see if your current disability will still allow you to perform any of... i.e. a guard job you had 14 years ago... they may say you still can perform the duties associated with it that you listed..
So.. be very in depth... but in my experience they only use these forms to attempt to deny disability... but thats just my experience. I would certainly point out WHY I could no longer perform any of the jobs I listed as having held.
You can also expect your spouse or significant other or whoever you listed as knowing of your condition to receive the same disability limitation report... its good if these kinda match, but I'm not saying to fudge anything... just make sure you are all on the same sheet of music.
So they send forms to my wife as well? So would it be safe for her to just send a statement along with the forms I'm to complete?
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Do you have anyone (family, doctor,nurse,lawyer, social worker, SSA clerk,etc) that can assist you in filling out the necessary forms?
Thanks, I am sure that I can find a family member to help me but is there anything else that I need to include to help my chances. Also the SSA rep that initially took my claim said that they, the SSA have been instructed to give priority to all military that served between 2001 and 2006. He said that they were instructed to give a decision within 6 weeks. Have anyone heard this before.
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I am a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy in all 4 extremities and its getting more and more painful to use my right hand because of the effects, I'm right-handed. I have severe degenerative arthritis in my knees and shoulders. The depression is getting out of control. I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, so you name the symptom, I have it. I can't even concentrate or stay focus enough to even start to complete the forms that the SSA sent me. One form is a: Function Report-ADULT, and the other is a Work History Report. They were both sent to me from DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES. What do I do? Thanks Josephine for helping me to this point.
jmack
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I just applied for ssd about 10 days ago. That's kinda fast response from SSA don't you think? They want to know exactly what I do from the time I get out of bed in the morning until I go to bed at night. They also say if I need help completing the form to contact them. I hate to seem paranoid but I always think government agencies are first trying to deny you your benefits. Thanks to the VA its hard to trust any of them. So I take precautions so that I want hurt my family and my chances.
Thanks Josephine
jmack
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This is my take on this:
Has your condition changed since you first filed for disability?
For instance, depression may be greater now, you may need more meds.
More pain meds.
You get it. what can't you do for yourself.
Does it depress you that you are no longer capable of gainful employment.
Do you spend time dwelling on this and that you may watch the neighbors leaving for work, but due to your illness, you are unable to and do the things that you once could.
Does your family do things for you, that you cannot do for yourself and what would this be.
My thoughts,
Josephine
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Today I received two forms from SSA. A function report and a work history report. Can anyone tell me why they ask for these to be completed if I completed it when I first applied for ssd? What stage in the determination process are they in? Please help, I have only 10 days to complete.
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someone tell me, what exactly is considered "family maximum"? and does it include the disabled individual?
saved1
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No - the law is what governs SSDI. Granted - some states don't have the work load others do - however - when your time comes - the rating is based on facts not geography.
I am aware of the fact that ratings are based upon facts not geography. I am also aware of the fact that if some states have a higher approval rating than others, maybe it means they have better work ethics and less work load as well. Thanks for the comments but Im looking for known facts at this point not opinions.
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Yes some states are better than others. when I applied for ssd I did some reserch on the net I wish I still had the website. I will try to find it and post it hear. I am only talking about getting approved the first time not the appeal process or going in front of the judge. I live in california and it was one of the easier I believe new york was one of the harder ones. Its like some va ro are better than others.
That would be great if you could post. maybe I'll move lol.
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are some states easier at approving ssdi than others if so what are they, and are you limited to which state you apply in?
saved1
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You will be denied if you are still working. I dont know your situation but if you are getting 100% from the va and still are working consider yourself lucky. Now if you can no longer work becuase of your sc then you must quite working before you file for ssd. Being 100% from the va will greatly help your ssd case but you must not be working. I recieved my ssd the first time around and I am only 34 and it was for ptsd. So age really has no bering as long as you have the proper MEDICAL EVIDENCE. At the time I recieved my ssd I was only 50% for ptsd with appeal pending. About 1 month later I got my 70% and iu. I did have to see a ssd shrink. But I found that the ssd was easier than the va. But every case is differnt. Also some states are harder to get approved the first time around. Since social sec contracts out to the states. I had very strong medical evidence to support my claims. And with the help from hadit I built my case so there was no holes. I feel the best medical evidence you can obtain is that you doctor to state YOU CAN NO LONGER PERFORM ANY TYPE OF WORK BECUASE OF YOUR SC. This will be the most important document you can get your hands on. Then start building your case around this statement. And the more doctors who will say you can no longer work the better. If you do it right the first time you should not be denied. But of course theres never a sure thing. I hope this helps.
Thanks that was very helpful info, and congrats on your award. But can you apply in a state other than your home state (ssdi)? Any help?
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I am 100% p/t and still working. can i apply now or do i have to quit working?
I have multiple s/c disabilities will that help with a speedy award or denial.
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I am 100% p/t and still working. can i apply now or do i have to quit working?
I have multiple s/c disabilities will that help with a speedy award or denial.
Rating Specialist Has Decided My Claim At Amc
in VA Disability Claims Research
Posted
Josephine:
I wish I knew someone to call on you behalf. I wish you all the luck.
jmack