SSDI Question, I am so Confused and feeling kinda discouraged

[trinaellen]

I am so confused and havent even been able to do anything lately because of the pain so I applied for disability and was wondering if any of you have any knowledge about it?
here's a paragraph I posted on another board (sorry really cant retype ;(

I have had back problems my whole life with painful scholiosis and such, I've worked with it though and worked from the time I was 14 till I had my twins at 27, while pregnant my back literally started feeling as though it was breaking so I was taken out of work and put on bedrest, after delivery the pain never went away and my body has basically fallen apart over the past three years, I now have the following diagnosises: scholiosis, deteriarating discs, slipped discs, si joint issues needing injections every few months, chronic fatigue syndrom, fibromialgia, chronic migraines with octicular migraines, panic/anxiety diorder, IBS, and random bowel incomtenance issues. I finally applied for ssdi last November because I didnt know what else to do, I have 3 children the twins and an older son all with autism so my husband has been cutting hours at work to help especially on my bad days. I gave social security medical records all the way back to my pedi's plus now I have a nuero, pain specialist, rhumo, gastro, pcp, and therapist. a few weeks ago the claim reviewer called and asked if I would be willing to go see one of there doctors, I said yes of course I assumed that was part of the process, she said she would check and see if I needed to and get back to me. two weeks passed and I hadnt heard so I called her, she said the case had been decided and submited but picked up by quality review so I had to wait for it to go through them.
Now I was awaiting a denial the last 5 months because from what I heard everyone gets denied on the first time, so I had a lewyer lined up and all, but now I'm confused.
Would they deny me without giving me the chance to see there doctor?
Does Quality Review look at denied cases too?
and if it was approved what are the chances QR could over turn it?
and Does QR have a time frame they stick to?

Sorry this process is so confusing to me, and the people at ss arnt the nicest when you call my local office, I swear they think I chose to have these issues and three disabled kids... ugh....loosing hope! ;'(

 

[SoonerSarah]

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

My daughter was approved on our first try, it only took a few months for her, but she had a TBI and Stroke, and I'm told those are sort of on the fast track for approval.

However, I was told to be prepared for the case to be denied on the first try, and to keep on trying. From the experience of other Mom's applying for their kids, it can take several tries before getting approval, and my Mom has SSD and it did take her a few tries as well.

My daughter was given a temporary approval originally, and we were told (via letter) that we would have a yes/no answer in 6 months.

If you haven't called back, I would call and see if someone can look at your case and review it for you.

 

[Disney4us2]

I am sorry you are going through this. I have been there and it took me just over 2 years to get approved. My process was as follows: I filed for disability in March 2009 using a disability attorney. May 2009 had a disability ordered doctor appointment. June 2009 was given a denial. My attorney filed for an appeal for a disability hearing. Sept. 2009 got a letter saying that the hearing could take a year or longer. Finally in April I received a letter saying I had a hearing on June 24, 2010. The hearing only took about a half hour or less. I was surpirsed that I found out right then and there that I won my appeal. I thought it would take a while to get my back pay, but it was just over a month before that arrived.

It was very stressful during this time. I fell into a depression and that didn't help anything. I had a lot of documentation to support my case. I think that really helped. I used my rollator when I had my hearing. I remember the judge asking who ordered it. My reply was me, I needed it so I bought it. I was actually shocked when I won the appeal after my denial.

My back condition was brought on by having back surgery to remove a cyst from the spinal column at L4/L5. Left me with arthritis in that area to the point when I can't stand longer than 5 minutes without pain in the back and leg numbness. I was able to get my scooter with Medicare and a copayment to help me on longer outings.

Looking back on your post, I can't answer those questions. I don't know if I had any quality review. I think it takes SS a long time because of all the cases applied for. I wish you luck in this long ordeal. Hope you can find an attorney and get your disability hearing or have your denial overturned.

ETA: Just wanted to add that I went out of work on state disability in Jan of 2008. I read that you had to be out on disability before you could apply for SSDI.... don't know if that is true though.

 

[Carnator]

It might take just a bit longer. When I applied in Jan 2010 they told me it would be 6 months before I heard either way. It was close to the end of June before being approved and that benifits would start July 1st. They made me an appointment with their dr.

I was also told to be prepared to be denied by many people the 1st time.

 

[dclfun]

I just wanted to say that your having disabled children has no bearing on your own disability determination. They are looking at your inability to do any substantial gainful activity vs. anything else. I hope you hear back soon!

 

[wdwcrazy]

It took me around 6 months. I was asked to go see their doctor which actually turned out to be a nurse practicioner. I was then told that my case was in review but I was approved the first go round. I think it just has to do with how much documentation they receive and how long you have struggled prior to filing but that is just my opinion.

Good luck, I hope in goes your way.