Sorry you got that bad news.  It's a shame they are so narrow minded
and can't understand what they see in your medical records.  You might
want to spend the money for a Functional Capacity Exam.  Mine cost $430
five years ago for about 2+ hrs. of testing, but my insurance co. paid
for it since my doc ordered it.  They will test you on various machines
that *measure* your ROM, ability to stand, sit, lift, walk, etc.  It's
pretty concrete evidence that even a fool can understand.  (One note-
don't take your meds before the test.  You want to be at your very
worst for the testing.)  Do give it your best, feeble effort.  The
examiners will note whether you are truly trying or not.  Mine was done
at a large physical therapy treatment center where they had all the
equipment.  I was approved in 3 weeks after my first application for SS
disability- I credit the FCE and the well written report I received as
well as extensive medical records.

Good luck.

L.

Everyone told me if I got disapproved to get a lawyer and fight it.
Luckily with my heart condition, the test results got me approved with
no problem. But you might want to consider a lawyer, DeeTee. I'm sorry
this happened to you. HUGS!

Carole

I'm really sorry you are having to go through this.

One suggestion I make whenever someone has trouble with the government or with
government agencies is to talk to senators, congressmen, etc. They've got to be
good for something, and they usually like to do things which will get them good
publicity (esp. if it doesn't cost them any money). They may also "know
somebody important."

If you do need a doctor, maybe one of your doctors know of one who has been
successful for someone else.

Good Luck.

I was denied, filed for reconsideration and denied again.  
Not only was it frustrating and stressful, i felt like i was being accused of
lying or something.  They told me i *could* do certain things i *can't*, like
sitting/standing for hours at a time, bending over, and frequently lifting 10
pounds, occasionally 20.  I have pain when i lift *5* pounds, and a useless
numb hand that drops things.

I got an attorney, and had my ALJ hearing in December.  Still waiting to find
out the outcome by mail, probably in a couple weeks.  I haven't worked since
Oct 2004.  It's very frustrating and i sympathize.  For me, what with  the
physical therapy, diagnosing and new diagnosing, multiple medication trials,
x-rays and MRI's and psych visits and dr. visits and just being in a lot of
pain and the indignity that comes with not being able to do a lot of things,
last thing i needed was hassling with all this paperwork and phone calls and
denials and stuff!

Word of caution, be careful about how getting the part-time work in the
meantime will affect your claim.  It might be interpreted as not being
disabled.  I'm very fortunate in that my income wasn't absolutely necessary
in our household!  An attorney is a good idea, one who you won't have to pay
unless you are approved.  Good luck!

well, being denied the first time out is almost routine unless you have
superbly written reports.  Mike periodically asks why I've never filed and I
have to re-explain the problems with having had a string of docs in different
towns, some of them incompetent, over the past few years.

I'm in the group that says go ahead and hire a disability lawyer - ask around
for recommendations.  Of course I may be prejudiced as one of Mike's uncles
is an SSDI lawyer (and a retired SS judge), but I know the lengths he will go
to for his clients and the way he knows how to work the system.  Also, an
SSDI lawyer can fill you in on the advisability of getting a part-time job
while trying to get SSDI.

Keep working at it!

I know you need the money but the part time job may be a real problem.
When I applied, I was asked over and over again "When is the last day
you worked?". As someone else suggested, ask a lawyer (or an advocate)
about that.  I am not allowed to work, so with me it wasn't a problem,
but I was getting short term disability from my job so at least I had
some money coming in. The other option (depending on who you know) is to
find a job 'off the radar' as it were :-)

Hugs,
Carole

Dee Tee,

It's not unusual to be denied the first time.  I got a Soc. Sec. Lawyer
after the first denial.  It didn't cost me anything up front.  They get
part of your backpay but it was worth it to me.

It took three times and going before a judge before I was accepted, but
it was well worth it to hang in there.

Ask a lawyer about working part time.  It might effect the outcome.

debbie m.

{{{{DT & Bob}}}}

Hugs from Rosie

do you prefer smoked edam or gouda?  bummer, kid.
((((((((((((((deetee)))))))))))  well, at least the cruise will be great!

kate

Heavy sigh. Pity party at my house. My disability claim has been
disapproved. However, since my brother-in-law was nearly dead when they
initially disapproved him, we weren't surprised. It said basically that
since I had been doing secretarial work for nearly 25 years, I could still
do that. One statement that blew me away was: "You are able to stand and
walk about 6 hours out of an 8 hour day."  HOW did they come up with THAT???
Anyway, I plan to appeal while I look around for a part-time job to
supplement our meager income. We paid the final today for our flight and
cruise so that's solid.

Anyone bringing the cheese?

DeeTee

My LTD insurance company set up Allsup to do mine.
They filled out all the paperwork and stuff for me.
You can find them online at www.allsup.com
They charge you just as the law allows. 25% or 5400.00
That is if they win your case. We did Mikes with an attorney. I have to say
Allsup was much easier. The attorneys did nothing to help us with the
paperwork.
And as you know there is alot with them asking the same questions over and
over...
Not trying to spam here...Just giving you the facts as they applied to
me...If you have any questions, you can email me at cindyl 57   @
sbcglobal.net
They started mine from the very beginning and I was denied 2, and was
suppose to go to hearing...They got it done without a hearing...Started July
03...Was approved March 05...Got my backpay...April 05 and my check started
in May...
Hope this helps..
Hugs Cindy

so sorry
better luck when you retry. thinking of you
janice

Dee Tee,

I wish you the best outcome with the next filing. I sure hope things go well
for you.

Awwww, DeeTee, that sucks.  What kind of cheese should I bring? <sigh>
(Fact is, I wish I could bring some cheese, so I could give you a real
hug.)

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{DeeTee}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}