I Filed For Ssd

[j92mike]

When I first found this SSD section I thought I had made a mistake filing before I was service connected for any of my conditions.

I applied a couple of months ago and was initially denied because I hadn't finished the adult disability report. (My mind was so full of stuff SS got lost in my head) When I got the denial letter it did say that I qualifed earnings wise. Going off the point system I'm 24 and smashed the points I needed to qualify.

When I thought I would be denied again cause they wouldn't consider me disabled I found this in the impairments section

1.04 Disorders of the spine (e.g., herniated nucleus pulposus, spinal arachnoiditis, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, facet arthritis, vertebral fracture), resulting in compromise of a nerve root (including the cauda equina) or the spinal cord. With:

A. Evidence of nerve root compression characterized by neuro-anatomic distribution of pain, limitation of motion of the spine, motor loss (atrophy with associated muscle weakness or muscle weakness) accompanied by sensory or reflex loss and, if there is involvement of the lower back, positive straight-leg raising test (sitting and supine);

OR

B. Spinal arachnoiditis, confirmed by an operative note or pathology report of tissue biopsy, or by appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by severe burning or painful dysesthesia, resulting in the need for changes in position or posture more than once every 2 hours;

or

C. Lumbar spinal stenosis resulting in pseudoclaudication, established by findings on appropriate medically acceptable imaging, manifested by chronic nonradicular pain and weakness, and resulting in inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00B2b

That's all I needed to read to know I made the right decision. I haven't worked a real job since I was in the military I ETSed june 2010. In 2011 feb thru april I think I worked a weekend job as a security officer there were many reasons I quit one being is was an unarmed position I was by myself and walking around the University building killed me. Not only that I kept waiting for someone to jump out of a room to kill me, I was already a paranoid individual but that place took me over the edge. I'm in 75% worst condition than I was a year ago.

My conditions make the most basic things in life difficult for me from getting dressed to holding my kids (24months and 6months)

When it comes to doing what I did before in service I was a Motuary Affairs Specialist 92Mike. I spent most days lifting and laying out the refers and some training transporting and processing remains. However because of my depression and anxiety brought on by the first deceased solider I ever saw I can't do it. The most a 92mike translates to in the civilan world is the person that comes and picks up the human remain. I can't work in the morgue because all that morgue stuff is handled by the Airforce wasn't in my job description. As for being a security guard the walking standing sitting climbing stairs won't work for me, I can't take one step without feeling pain and sometimes lose my balance one leg or another give out on me. Before service I worked at Disney World while I was in high school another weekend job, I stood up all day and made ice cream cones and dealt with the tourists. Something I really can't do now, I can hardly stand being around people in the supermarket. I don't have any friends. You people on Hadit are the only people I have spoken to in months besides my Grandmother my husband and the therapist from C&P exam back in March, and the bill collectors that call every day

I do have many other conditions that keep me from working as well everything I could remember I wrote down when I applied online although they only give you enough room for ten conditions at the end in the remarks page I listed everything.

I wish I had found this SS section of the site before I applied I would have gotten specific with how my conditions keep me from doing certain things.

Anyway I reapplied Saturday I think I can't remember but it was a few days ago, I'm waiting on the letter saying they got it and I will make a copy of my military medical records and take them to the office since I can not afford to send 300 plus pages through the mail.

Any advice would be great, I know it's not an open and shut process, I'm just glad to get the process started and hope to be approved before my kids are my age.

[Notorious Kelly]

Thank you for your service and I'm sorry to hear of your suffering.

A great site for SSDI preparation is http://www.howtoasse...ms.com/ssd.html

The quick lowdown is this: it's best to meet one of the conditions listed here: http://www.socialsec...impairments.htm

This must be verified by medical professionals in writing, so if you can do that before SS schedules you for their exams it's good.

The quantity of ailments you list won't necessarily help as they can shoot them down one by one.

What matters is clear medical evidence verifying that you cannot perform ANY job 40 hours a week and this condition will last for at least a year.

If you can't do the above, you will probably be denied repeatedly and need a lawyer to win.

You can't disregard the paperwork and exams or you will never win. This is a legal case and it must be approached as if you are an attorney or using an attorney.

Good luck!

Edited June 26, 2012 by Notorious Kelly

[Philip Rogers]

I see a great case for PTSD and back problems, based on the mortuary affairs duties. If you really need the money soon, I suggest using an atty specializing in SSDI law and suggest using www.nosscr.org for a referral. I used one of their reps after fighting for almost 10 yrs and she won me 7yrs retro in just under 6 months. To me it's better to get 75% of a win than 100% of a loss and while you could win in the end, I believe an atty could do it faster. jmo Good luck, whatever you decide!

pr

[DickC]

Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them and mark the dates on a calandar as to when you received and sent any paperwork.

[Pete53]

For me SS is much easier than VA. Main thing is use the date you were not able to work and not the date you are applying for benefits. You might also ask them to make the effective date the last month you worked.

Good Luck

[midnight340]

I filed for SSDI a few months back... got a real great lady at the local office who helped me file. Of course they denied the first round (took about 2 1/2 monrha), but a week ago I appealed with added information and some records, supporting materials. Hoping this round I get it. From everything I know, it is definitely easier to get than the VA disability... but waiting to see how this goes.

[free_spirit_etc]

Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them and mark the dates on a calandar as to when you received and sent any paperwork.

Also - get everything date stamped. Or send it by certified mail.