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Clueless with Disability

Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 4:55 pm
by richjack4
Hi......been refused twice with SS and wondering if I really am disabled according to society. Worked my whole life yet they tell me I'm not entitled.....this is what I sent SS...any feedback would be appreciated.....Thanks

My original filing for disability benefits commenced in February of 2008. I was declined such benefits via written notification on July 18, 2008. I subsequently filed a request for reconsideration via e-mail on September 16, 2008. Another refusal for such benefits was sent via written correspondence dated December 28, 2008. However, I did not receive that notification until July 2009 when it was re-mailed by your agency to my ex-wife’s new husband’s residence. How you obtained that address for my correspondence is beyond me, because it certainly did not come from me. That re-mailing was dated June 23, 2009. When I went on line to request an appeals hearing I was not permitted to do so because my request was subsequent to the 60-day expiration requirement. When I spoke to a representative of your agency about this, she sent me this paperwork and advised that I contact my local Social Security Agency.

The original notification indicated that I was capable of employment, that my Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and depression did not qualify me for benefits. However, I never mentioned the word ‘depression’ in any of my claims! Yet what I have complained about, severe vision and vertigo issues and their related balance dilemmas, were never addressed! I am well aware that my neurologist and world-renowned MS researcher advised you that I was incapable not of just performing my chosen profession, but any employment endeavor whatsoever. Why a health examiner by the state, who saw me all of ten minutes, can make an assessment otherwise of my condition is beyond the scope of my comprehension.

Here are the issues, for the record, that I am seeking disability compensation:

A. Total lack of normal sensation throughout my entire body that manifests itself in severe spascity and pain.
B. Total lack of feeling/sensation in my hands other than a burning tingling. Without the aide of sight, I cannot pick-up or sense any objects in my hands (I.e keys or coins in pocket). Exact same goes for my feet.
C. Total overall body weakness, particularly in the arms and legs.
D. Constant severe vision dysfunction and vertigo. Loss of balance has led to falls resulting in broken ribs. Dizziness and inability to see functionally has lead to the use of a cane while walking.
E. Severe eye pain and headaches resulting, so I postulate, from trying to focus my vision.
F. Severe fatigue. I spend, on average, at least 4 hours of the waking day lying down to rest.

Finally, I would like to address one final aspect of my refusal notification of December 2008. I took particular umbrage with the comment I can perform ‘normal’ daily functions. Can you button a shirt without assistance? I can’t. Can you cook without assistance? I can’t. Can you perform household chores without assistance? I can’t. Do you avoid showers and shaving because of the dilemmas and risks involved? I do. Do you drive less than 3,000 miles a year because of the potential risks involved? I do. I respectfully request a hearing before the Appeals Judge.

http://msdivorceddad.blogspot.com/

Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:41 pm
by pager
Hello RichJack4

You have been through quite a bit and I can understand your frustration. I don't know much about that process but I have heard that the best way to qualify is to utilize an attorney that specializes in obtain SSDI benefits. Good Luck to you!

Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:53 pm
by Bubba
I will have to keep my mouth shut on this.....
I have to practice self control....
My feeling on this topic run deep. I have delt with these govt A-holes before.
Just keep re-applying, thats all I can tell ya, if it gets to the right person, you can get positive results... :x

Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:56 am
by Loobie
Jack,

Pager is echoing what I've always been told. There was a time when I thought about filing and to a man, everyone that had gotten it has said "get a SSDI lawyer". Well I called them and they said to file myself, get refused, and then come see them and they'e "take care of it". That's all I can tell you on that, and that it sucks you have to deal with that, but it really is the drumbeat; get a lawyer and it's soooo much easier.