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]

Sorry for the long wait Mike - hang in there and get a nice retro check!

[j92mike]

Thanks Kelly, waiting is easier now that I know my stuff is at least being looked at. I do however have a question. How much does SSD pay? Is there a pay table like the VA has or is it one flat amount for everyone?

[Testvet]

SSD has many variables and few of us get the same amount, it is based on your income over the years we have heard of people getting 800 and others getting 2200 and then spouse and kids will qualify for additional benefits, When I first became disabled and got a check for 1600 and my kids got a check for 800 for a total in 2400 family benefits. Sine my ex wife and I were divorced she got the kids monthly check and the court accepted it as my child support payment, it made life a lot easier with my ex basically I never heard from her again lol VA is fixed amounts SSD varies

[j92mike]

My hearing is set for March 19th.

I have gone through a lot since I was really here last summer, I had started being treated by Veteran Affairs my therapist told me I suffer from sever anxiety, mild depression and some PTSD. The paralegal I spoke to on Friday said they have all my records from Veteran Affairs.

I saw a civilian doctor last summer who took some xrays of my neck and lower back, he told me there was a curvature and I was born with it, which is not true. I have had exams years ago where nothing appeared on xrays from my neck or back. The Doctor also told me there was nothing that he could do for me and that was the last I saw of him he was very unprofessional.

My kids are now 2 and 3 both about 30 - 35lbs and it's a struggle to hold them for longer than 2 or 3 minutes. I have gotten significantly worst. Even sitting here typing I feel like I have something pressing into my neck.

My memory isn't the best and I can't remember what I said when I initially applied for benefits however knowing myself I listed everything that was hurting.

Social Security never had me get any additional exams. The only exam they had me do was a chest xray.

My anxiety goes up as the date creeps closer but good or bad I will be relieved when this part is over!

[Navy04]

J92,

Sorry to hear of your troubles. The VA and SSA can go good or horribly wrong with their process. I have experienced both. I know how you feel with your back, I just had my last tow MRIs and it looks like I will have Back and Neck surgery in the next few months. I suffer from Severe PTSD, and the dang Govt does not help take the stress off of us. Good luck and God Bless. Wish you the best and keep us posted.

[stillhere]

My PTSD exam by a private psychiatrist for SS went very quick and pleasant so don't worry. I just told him how it is with my everyday life and he approved.

Stillhere

Edited February 18, 2014 by stillhere