Advice for Social Security Disability hearing..... - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Push-Pull · 11-27-2007, 04:49 PM

Well, FINALLY, after battling for what seems like years, (wait, it has been years) we have a hearing date in early December. The hearing is a third appeal after being turned down the first two times via their paper application process.

To sum our situation up, my wife has chronic back pain, and has dealt with it for a number of years. Back in 2004, she had to give up a 10 year career because she could no longer tolerate the pain without meds. And with meds, she wasn't able to perform her duties, let alone drive to work. She has been essentially reliant on me to perform nearly all the household duties as well as bring home the sole income.

What I'm hoping that some of you may be able to tell me, is what can expect from this hearing? Anything that I need to say or bring with us? Should I bring up our poor financial situation (ie, that I'm working 3 jobs), of just stick to her inability to work? Any advice that can help us would be greatly appreciated.

Elphaba · 11-27-2007, 05:33 PM

Push-Pull, I've had experience in supporting disability claims and I am fairly confident in telling you that you must have a medical professional supporting your position.

Is the doctor providing the meds supporting your claim? If not, s/he should be. Have medical alternatives such as surgery been discussed, if that is an option? That would be the only reason to mention your financial situation in that you are unable to pay for surgery. There will be no sympathy for your financial situation otherwise, and they might even think you are gaming the system for money. They are inclined to believe that from the beginning, because there are so many people trying to do just that.

Don't give up and keep appealing if you can. My experience with disability claims is that denials are routine just to wear the person down. But like I said before, you won't win without a medical professional backing you up.

Good luck and good health to you and your wife.

Pen

Push-Pull · 11-27-2007, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Push-Pull, I've had experience in supporting disability claims and I am fairly confident in telling you that you must have a medical professional supporting your position.

Does this mean that we need some sort of write up from her doctor? The trouble is that for various reasons, she has been through several doctors in the past few years. Her newest one is hardly aware of her as a person yet, much less her condition. All he can do is review the file and comment on it.

Otherwise, we have plenty of proof in the medical sense. She's had 2 back surgeries in the past 3 years, and pain meds for much longer. Perhaps a note from her latest surgeon as to the scope of her condition?

casual user · 11-27-2007, 08:28 PM

I have little to no idea what I'm talking about, but I'm guessing any evidence you can bring will only help you. Medical records, surgical history, medications perscribed, and if you have any documentation surrounding her leaving work. I'd also recommend just sticking to the facts (basically, she has back problems and can't work) and try not to make it a sob story.

Elphaba · 11-28-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Push-Pull

Does this mean that we need some sort of write up from her doctor? The trouble is that for various reasons, she has been through several doctors in the past few years. Her newest one is hardly aware of her as a person yet, much less her condition. All he can do is review the file and comment on it.

Otherwise, we have plenty of proof in the medical sense. She's had 2 back surgeries in the past 3 years, and pain meds for much longer. Perhaps a note from her latest surgeon as to the scope of her condition?

Her new doctor should be able to provide a medical opinion from her full case file and/or consults with her previous doctors. Her surgeon's report is absolutely necessary, particularly if the surgeries failed to relieve the pain. You will not win the disability claim without a written professional opinion because chronic pain cannot be objectively measured.

Here is an example of what you need from the doctor:

- A description of the initiating event (fall, etc) that led to first experience of pain.
- Overview of treatment modalities (medication specifics, surgery, etc.).
- Outcome of interventions.
- Long term prognosis as it relates to the ability to return to work.

You may be asked about the reason for changing doctors, because this is usually a red flag item. You need a clear, concise answer if you are asked. The issue is about shopping multiple doctors for pain meds and/or abuse of pain meds that causes the doctor to "fire" the patient.

Again, good luck. Feel free to pm me if you have specifics that you want to discuss.

Pen

Push-Pull · 11-28-2007, 05:12 PM

Thanks Elphaba. I'm not sure that we have enough time for her new doctor to give his written opinion at this point. Jeez, what I wish I knew then what I know now about all this.

As far as the different doctors, well, a couple moved away, and then we moved, then her new doctor got married and moved. This probably doesn't help us much.

If we don't get approved this time, then we'll get an aide to handle our case for the appeal.

Elphaba · 11-29-2007, 03:01 PM

Try asking for a postponement to buy you a little more time. I don't think you can appeal indefinately, but I'm not sure on that.

The changing doctors now becomes an excellent reason for a delay. Hang in there, and get what you need to win.

ritzy · 12-05-2007, 01:00 PM

a letter from a doctor is one of the best supports you can get in a situation like this, i had to take my daughters disability to appeal a few years ago, i won it with a doctors letter and also answering questions correctly on how my daughters disability affects her more than a person without the disability

jewels · 12-05-2007, 01:25 PM

Although I don't work for SS, I do work with disabled people every day and all are either on disabillity or in the process of application.

A letter might help, but official-looking medical records and thick files definitely seem to make an impression and give evidence of more than just an opinion, at least from what I've heard.

11-27-2007, 04:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Push-Pull I'll ask when I'm ready.... Location: Firmly in the middle....	Advice for Social Security Disability hearing..... Well, FINALLY, after battling for what seems like years, (wait, it has been years) we have a hearing date in early December. The hearing is a third appeal after being turned down the first two times via their paper application process. To sum our situation up, my wife has chronic back pain, and has dealt with it for a number of years. Back in 2004, she had to give up a 10 year career because she could no longer tolerate the pain without meds. And with meds, she wasn't able to perform her duties, let alone drive to work. She has been essentially reliant on me to perform nearly all the household duties as well as bring home the sole income. What I'm hoping that some of you may be able to tell me, is what can expect from this hearing? Anything that I need to say or bring with us? Should I bring up our poor financial situation (ie, that I'm working 3 jobs), of just stick to her inability to work? Any advice that can help us would be greatly appreciated. __________________ "No laws, no matter how rigidly enforced, can protect a person from their own stupidity." -Me- "Some people are like Slinkies..... They are not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." -Unknown- DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

11-27-2007, 05:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elphaba Deja Moo Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA	Push-Pull, I've had experience in supporting disability claims and I am fairly confident in telling you that you must have a medical professional supporting your position. Is the doctor providing the meds supporting your claim? If not, s/he should be. Have medical alternatives such as surgery been discussed, if that is an option? That would be the only reason to mention your financial situation in that you are unable to pay for surgery. There will be no sympathy for your financial situation otherwise, and they might even think you are gaming the system for money. They are inclined to believe that from the beginning, because there are so many people trying to do just that. Don't give up and keep appealing if you can. My experience with disability claims is that denials are routine just to wear the person down. But like I said before, you won't win without a medical professional backing you up. Good luck and good health to you and your wife. Pen __________________ "You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to." Molly Ivins - 1944-2007

11-28-2007, 05:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Push-Pull I'll ask when I'm ready.... Location: Firmly in the middle....	Thanks Elphaba. I'm not sure that we have enough time for her new doctor to give his written opinion at this point. Jeez, what I wish I knew then what I know now about all this. As far as the different doctors, well, a couple moved away, and then we moved, then her new doctor got married and moved. This probably doesn't help us much. If we don't get approved this time, then we'll get an aide to handle our case for the appeal. __________________ "No laws, no matter how rigidly enforced, can protect a person from their own stupidity." -Me- "Some people are like Slinkies..... They are not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." -Unknown- DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

11-29-2007, 03:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Elphaba Deja Moo Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA	Try asking for a postponement to buy you a little more time. I don't think you can appeal indefinately, but I'm not sure on that. The changing doctors now becomes an excellent reason for a delay. Hang in there, and get what you need to win. __________________ "You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to." Molly Ivins - 1944-2007

11-27-2007, 08:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
casual user Crazy Location: everywhere and nowhere	I have little to no idea what I'm talking about, but I'm guessing any evidence you can bring will only help you. Medical records, surgical history, medications perscribed, and if you have any documentation surrounding her leaving work. I'd also recommend just sticking to the facts (basically, she has back problems and can't work) and try not to make it a sob story.

12-05-2007, 01:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
ritzy Upright Location: cornwall uk	a letter from a doctor is one of the best supports you can get in a situation like this, i had to take my daughters disability to appeal a few years ago, i won it with a doctors letter and also answering questions correctly on how my daughters disability affects her more than a person without the disability

12-05-2007, 01:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	Although I don't work for SS, I do work with disabled people every day and all are either on disabillity or in the process of application. A letter might help, but official-looking medical records and thick files definitely seem to make an impression and give evidence of more than just an opinion, at least from what I've heard.