Hello Again,
I'am currently trying to apply for SSI, again this will be my 3rd attempt. I doubt if I receive it this time as well. I have hard time describing my condition and pain. All I can say is it hurts and annoys like all HELL!
The section I'am on is describe your condition. [This is one of the most important pages in the report. You can help your case by giving us a detailed description of all of your conditions, and any symptoms that limit your ability to work. Please do not assume that your condition is self-explanatory. Different people with the same condition have different symptoms and complications. One person may need leg braces, another needs crutches and still another needs a wheelchair. No one knows better than you how this condition affects you, and your ability to work.] This is what I have so far:
My arthiritis has gotten worst over the years. It now effects all of my joints. I have stiffness and pain everyday. The pain and stiffness lasts most of the day. I have a hard time going to sleep due to stiffness and pain. Most of the time I can't move my neck and it is hard to lay down and get back up. My jaw is stiff all day long and I have a hard time eating. My fingers are always swelled and stiff. I have pain and stiffness throughout my body.
Should I give more detailed description? I'am only allowed 500 character description. I don't really know how to describe my condition to a convincing extent. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
June
My arthritis has gotten progressively worse over the past several years. I'm at the point where all of my joints are affected and I have severe pain and stiffness all of the time, throughout my entire body. At night, I am awakened by joint pain, thus it is extremely difficult for me to sleep. I have trouble moving my neck, as well as trouble lying down and getting back up. My fingers are extremely swollen and difficult to move. My jaw is constantly stiff, thus I have a very hard time eating/chewing. There is not a moment that I am without pain. The pain ranges from sharp and stabbing to a very heavy pressure/pounding sensation. The stiffness in my joints is nearly unbearable.
Thanks Juliahh!
Sounds Much more descriptive & convincing!
I'am not much on English & writing or for that matter expressing my thoughts.
Well, there is another section for describing how your condition limits your ability to do basic work activities like sitting, standing, walking, ect.
That is another section I kinda have a hard time condensing to 500 characters. Iam applying online. So, the fields are limited. It is much easier for me to type then it is to write.
HI,
If you have been turned down twice, I would get an attorney to help you. I did and was approved the first time they filed for me. They charge you nothing unless they win you SSDI. Then they only take a percentage of your back pay. Someone told me when I was trying to get approved that you can't do it yourself. I tried it myself and couldn't get approved. I hired an attorney and got it right away, plus all of my back pay.
I hope that you get approved either way you go. It is tough and very discouraging. When I was approved it was like a great big weight was lifted off of my shoulders.
Good Luck!!!!
Lu
I agree with lu get an attorney, it maybe the charm this time.Yes, definitely. If this is your third attempt, I would strongly suggest an attorney. It would most likely shorten the battle for you. And a battle it is. Good luck.
Cris
Thanks guys. I will look into getting an attorney. I will talk to hubby about it.
I kinda don't want to file yet as it has been almost 2 years since I have been to a doctor for my condition. I was pregnant until the end of october and it didn't start coming back until like February. I did try to get it took care of before it came back worst, but then hubby lost his job and with that went the insurance. His new job won't let him get insurance until 3 months after working there and he is only on his 1st month
We don't really have the money for me to go to the doctor. He is the only one working and he don'r make enough to pay the bills & doctor visits + meds.
What Iam trying to say is that I wouldn't really have anything recent for them to view since i only went back to the doctor 3 times after my pregnancy. And I really didn't complain much or even say what all was hurting. I figured I would get that chance at my next visit.
So, I guess I will try for a lawyer.
Thanks Guys!
I just recently was approved for disability. Because I worked for the government they have their own dissability. My doctor told me to use words like chronic and autoimmune disease on my aplication. You have to get the point accross that RA is not like arthritis. I hope this helps and I will think good thoughts for you. Don't give up. I had to fight for almost 2 years, before a judge finally ruled in my favor.
Sha
Talking to a lawyer will help. Since there are no recent doctor's reports for them to look at, that will make it more difficult. I'm surprised they didn't send you to one of their doctor's, which they tend to do, and they pay for. A lawyer will be able to give you some advice on the best way to procede. I hope you can get it all squared away.
Take care,
Cris
Thanks for the tip Shanjim! I guess I will have to work on my descriptions again! I guess I will need to research my disease a lil' more so I know exactly what my condition is...never thought of finding out what makes my pain & stiffness...All, I wanted was a "cure" for the pain & stiffness. Oh, well need something to do while I am not posting here.
Cris - I have not submitted my application yet. I am sure they will send me to another quack again like they did the two previous times.
Maybe I will talk to my moms friend who has RA and got SSI. She said she would help me. Worth a try!
Talking to your friend with RA that got SSI would give you some help that is close by. You will have problems unless you have recent medical records to back up what you write on the application. I can understand your financial situation will keep you from seeing a Rheumatologist until later this Summer. Maybe you should wait to fill out the application until after you have see a Rheu...It would also help if you could get copies of the earlier reports by the "Quacks", that you had to see. They can give you a better idea what its going to take to refute any bad medical reports filed by their Drs. They weigh heavily what their Drs have to say. I was turned down for SS 2x and then I got a lawyer to help me to prepare to go before a Judge. I didn't end up having to appear in court, the lawyer got the application reviewed by the Judge and he said I met all the criteria and so I was awarded permanent disability with back pay. Even with permanent disability I get reviewed every 3ys. Its a lot of work to qualify and they don't make it easy. Good luck.
Barb
Thanks for the advice. I went to the doctor 2 or 3 times this year. My last visit was in March. I started going back to my doc in December of 2004. I have had 1 recent x-ray done, it was for my right knee it kept swelling and staying stiff no matter how much (max of 10mg) prednisone I took. Usually 10mg of pred makes my swelling go down for about half the day or less. Seems like the more active I'am the faster it wears off.
I don't go to a rheumy. I go the to first doctor I saw about this back when I was 17 & able to start taking REAL meds. He is very up to date on all the meds for arthritis. He treats my moms friend that has RA as well. I have a thing against rheumies.
My question is should I add him to the list of docs I saw. I only went to him for my broken bone, saw him only twice.
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