Hi, all. I have an appeals hearing before a judge coming up soon, and I guess I'm just wondering if anyone here has experienced this unfortunate outcome before? I have plenty of supportive medical documentation, proper counsel, etc., but, for one benign reason or another, am lacking actual RFC paperwork (long story).
I've heard that if one has the misfortune of receiving a denial at this stage of the SSDI process, it is even less likely that an Appeals Council (the next step) will be willing to re-examine his/her case. Beyond this step is Federal Court, but, let's not even go there...
Anyways, I have a bunch of upcoming appointments with specialists who may further contribute to my straightforward tick-borne disease case...with additional layered diagnoses (yes, I've long been under the care of a top-notch LLMD).
The only problem is, these appointments are only scheduled to take place following my appeals hearing. Should a denial be the outcome to my SSDI appeals hearing, but yet if these 'new' providers are able to add in additional diagnoses (document symptoms) that are more favorable to the SSDI process, may I file a new SSDI claim at that point which emphasizes the 'new' diagnoses?
Thank you in advance for all of your kind, thoughtful and helpful responses!
Told you...
*UPDATE, 03/10/15
Holy cow, LN pals. Guess what arrived in today's mail? Yep, my decision from the SS ALJ. I am beside myself. A positive decision in my case!!! Thank you to all who lent so many wonderful words of encouragement.
Let this be yet another example to those who are at the end of their rope, and who feel like all hope is lost. Please don't let it be so. Especially in terms of the disability process, do not give up without doing all in your power to prove your case. As the adage goes, clearly "if there's a will, there's a way."
What a 'beautiful' night for me because of this awesome news. I am going to sign off, now, so that I can go relish in the goodness.
Thank you again for the bolstering support!!! May good come to all of you.
Be well, Told you...
...............................................
Breaking up the post for easier reading for many here -
[ 03-14-2015, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: Told you I was sick ]
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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I do not have experience with this exact situation, although I did ultimately receive SSD through an appeal process with a disability attorney. So, I do know how stressful this can be, and how important it is.
I would think that the RFC paperwork could be completed by the “top-notch LLMD” that you have already been seeing.
I would like to share some links with you, just in case something here may be helpful to you.
How to File the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Form
Many Social Security Disability applicants do not realize just how intensive the claim process is until they begin filling out the necessary paperwork and forms that are required to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration. The amount of paperwork required can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Understanding the forms that are needed can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the disability claim process. However, there is one form that is not actually required by you, as an applicant. Nonetheless, this form should definitely be submitted. This form is the Residual Functional Capacity Form, also known as the RFC.
The following information can help you understand what an RFC form is, how to fill it out and how to file the form with the Social Security Administration.
What Is The RFC Form?
The RFC form is the Residual Functional Capacity form that helps the Social Security Administration rate the functional capacity of a Social Security Disability applicant after taking the applicant's mental or physical disability into account. These forms are used by the SSA's Disability Determination Services office to process a claim for disability benefits.
Your Social Security Disability application cannot be processed with the completion of the SSA's RFC forms. However, you do not fill out this form yourself. The adjudicator reviewing your claim takes your file to the SSA's Disability Determination Services office to have a DDS specialist fill out the RFC for your file.
What the SSA does not often tell applicants is that you can have this form filled out by your doctor as well, which can increase your chances of being awarded Social Security Disability benefits.
How to File the RFC
When you submit a claim for Social Security Disability benefits, the adjudicator reviewing your file will present your case to a DDS specialist, who will fill out an RFC and will rate your residual functional capacity. This form will be used to support either the approval or denial of your Social Security Disability claim.
In order to increase your chances of winning your Social Security Disability case, you should have your own doctor fill out an RFC form as well. Because your own doctor will have a better understanding of how your disability affects you, they will be able to more accurately present your limitations and your residual functional capacity to the Social Security Administration.
If you want your doctor to fill out an RFC for you, you will need to bring the form in for them to fill out. You can request the RFC form from your local Social Security office or you can download it directly from the Social Security website.
Once you have obtained the form, take it with you to your doctor's office and have them complete the form for you. Once your doctor has completed and signed the RFC form, you will need to submit the form with the other required paperwork when filing your Social Security Disability claim.
While the RFC form may not make much of a difference during the initial stage of the Social Security Disability application process, it is said that the administrative law judges who review Social Security Disability appeals often give great weight to RFC forms that are completed by an applicant's physician.
If you did not present an RFC form with your initial Social Security Disability application, you should definitely submit one to the judge who will be presiding over your disability hearing. If you have obtained legal representation to represent you through your disability claim and at your disability hearing, he or she can obtain the proper RFC form and have it completed by your physician. Your lawyer will then submit the form for review so it will be considered at your disability hearing.
If you have not yet hired an attorney to represent you in your Social Security Disability claim, it may be in your best interest to consider doing so. Statistics show that applicants who have legal representation during the application and appeal process are more likely to be awarded benefits than applicants who choose to represent themselves.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
From what I've heard, it's pretty typical to be turned down initially and go through an appeal and then get accepted. Just be well prepared for it. Best with an attorney handling it.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
What Robin says is true. Initially, claimants are generally denied. At that point, it's so important to have a disability attorney to work with.
A disability attorney does not take any money for payment up front. Only if and when you win your case will the attorney take a portion of the award, I don't remember what percent that is. I'm pretty sure there's a standard limit.
In my case, I filed on my own, as recommended by an attorney. Then, it was denied, and the attorney stepped in. At first, I received only a "partial" award (sorry, I can't remember why, it was years ago).
I was really upset about it, and decided to appeal the partial award. I ended up with the same judge. Although he wasn't happy that I appealed his decision, I had new medical information, and in the end received the full award.
Without my attorney, I don't know where I'd be today.
Good luck.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
You must have the residual functional capacity paperwork included in your case at all costs.
Hubby and I worked on this statement for several weeks. We actually wrote the statement and then gave his PCP a copy of the file and they printed it out on their letterhead and signed it.
When completing this statement you need to focus on your symptoms at their worst.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You may have already seen these informational threads (from the General forum). Just to be sure:
posted
Thank you all for your replies. I guess that a positive decision before the judge is just not going to be in the cards for me.
Four years of antibiotics, coupled with various herbal, vitamin/supplements and detox (metals, molds, etc.) protocols and it's just going to be a wash at this stage in the game.
Man- I hate this stupid game, already.
Anyways, thank you again for the supportive guidance.
Told you...
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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posted
Actually, I don't think you can know at this point what the judge is going to do. Best thing you can do now is talk with a disability attorney about your situation and see what they say.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Just figured that I'd provide an update for any future users who may find themselves in a similar boat...
My disability lawyer was able to obtain a RFC-type form and accompanying explanative letter authored by one of my physicians. It was completed -and so, submitted- later than the 5-7 day cutoff window prior to my hearing date before the ALJ, but, it was still sent in nevertheless.
The hearing went far better than I could've ever expected, and now it's simply a waiting game on the decision. Of course, I am on pins and needles (move over neuropathy) waiting for the decision. Am at my mailbox every afternoon with bated breath.
I'll let the Group know what the outcome is provided anyone is interested.
Thanks again for all of the effort in posting helpful replies (earlier)!!!
Be well, all, Told you...
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MichaelTampa
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posted
Certainly wishing you the best!
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Tincup
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posted
The wait is hard. But, glad you moved forward with the process. Good for you!!! And do lettuce no the outcome!!
droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
I got denied because I was having a couple good weeks the time of my hearing. Even though I needed my cane and assistance getting there. The judge said I communicated well enough to work.
It's at the appeals council now and I have 20 days to give them more information. What should I do? Do I need to fill out an RFC? I only have my LLMD...I'm not seeing any more Dr's...I'm done with them. I've seen a hundred already.
I'm pretty bad right now so I've been delaying it and was just going to plead with them with a letter...I know it's not going to work. Just looking for something to help my chances.
I have a terrible attorney who they switched on me in the middle of the filing process, then the attorneys said they lost my file..Idk. I'm screwed I think.
-------------------- HERX is a Four Letter Word! Posts: 716 | From If you're going through hell, keep going......Winston Churchill | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
MichaelTampa, Tincup, bigstan- Thank you for chiming in. Much appreciated!!!
I'll keep you guys and gals updated on my decision.
droid...don't give up, yet. Sounds like you've come too far in the process to roll over, now. Keep on fighting the good fight. bigstan's shared link is EXTREMELY helpful/informative, and, if I were you, I'd do my best to follow its advice to the letter. It's no doubt an obvious and overstated fact, but, when reviewing your denial be 100% certain that you have broken down/out your medical conditions' symptoms, explaining thoroughly how each of those symptoms specifically precludes you from performing the duties of your former occupation, daily living tasks, etc. Best of luck to you in your appeal. Let us know how you make out with it.
Again, thank you everyone -so much!- for weighing in on this post.
Be well!!! Told you...
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Droid said... "The judge said I communicated well enough to work."
Yes, that seems to be a "theme" with them that I am noticing. Heck, just cause you can communicate on a good day without pointing at things and grunting ug ug ug, doesn't mean you can work a 40 hr. a week job!
I can't give you legal advise, but I can suggest the more documentation the better (sometimes). It might not help at all, but there are times when I've had 200 pages of "proof" and then found out at the last minute I didn't have ONE stupid thing they wanted, so was chewed out about it and the outcome sucked.
droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
I took 4 vicodin, 2 provigil, and a couple valium to even get to the courthouse. Then I addressed her with "ma'am" to yes and no questions. That's how I talk anyway.
I'll take it to federal court. Idc. I sleep 16 hrs a day and spend my other time juicing, doing enemas, and treating.
Yes, I have weeks where I can sit up and move around. But I also have months where I can't get out of bed.
Thanks all for the advice. I will take this to federal court if I have to. My lawyer has bailed basically so I have no choice but to be my own representitive.
TC, I have mounds and mounds of paperwork, bills, medical documentation to go through.
They only want NEW evidence. But what if I don't have any but science has NEW evidence like #SEID and the new Stanford discovery that infection can be permanent. That's new....Idk if they want to hear that though.
I honestly don't know what to write to them to plead my case. I know it's a bureaucracy, so they adore paperwork, not a sincere letter of honesty.
I planned on getting disability to maybe help me afford things that can get my life back on track health wise so I can GET OFF disability. I have a great opportunity to get my career back and do well for myself if I can just get a little help and get some degree of health back.
quote:Originally posted by droid1226: I took 4 vicodin, 2 provigil, and a couple valium to even get to the courthouse. Then I addressed her with "ma'am" to yes and no questions. That's how I talk anyway.
I'll take it to federal court. Idc. I sleep 16 hrs a day and spend my other time juicing, doing enemas, and treating.
Yes, I have weeks where I can sit up and move around. But I also have months where I can't get out of bed.
Thanks all for the advice. I will take this to federal court if I have to. My lawyer has bailed basically so I have no choice but to be my own representitive.
TC, I have mounds and mounds of paperwork, bills, medical documentation to go through.
They only want NEW evidence. But what if I don't have any but science has NEW evidence like #SEID and the new Stanford discovery that infection can be permanent. That's new....Idk if they want to hear that though.
I honestly don't know what to write to them to plead my case. I know it's a bureaucracy, so they adore paperwork, not a sincere letter of honesty.
I hate this system. My aunt is on it for depression.....depression....are you kidding me? I passed disabling depression 2 yrs ago. Now I just want to be able to walk, sit up, and read again without unspeakable pain and fatigue.
Tell them what you said. They need details. The more the bettet with examples. They need to know about concentration, persistance and pace. Can you do 8 hour days 5 days a week at a mindless job just sitting there. They don't care that you can't do your previous job.
Fight for the benefits you paid into. They would have to pay you all the way back to when you first applied. Tell them what made it possible for you to even get to that appt.
Call your Congressman. This IS within their ability to help.
Fight.
Also, please try not to invalidate your aunt's depression. That's the same thing people do with Lyme. Depression can get quite horrific too. Remember, it also kills people.
Good luck.
Posts: 115 | From US | Registered: Sep 2014
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
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posted
Droid, I don't know how old you are (don't need to say), but usually if you are disabled or a senior you can check with your local senior citizens center/group and they MAY have someone who can help you get the paperwork together.
I know it is a daunting task for someone sick- horrible in fact- but it is amazing how quickly someone with all their facilities can put that stuff in order for you.
Here is the OHIO Department of Aging link that says they offer assistance with legal issues.
I'd use the "KISS" approach when calling- Keep It Simple Stupid- so they don't balk at your situation and you don't give them a reason to turn you down at the get go.
Can you do, or are you familiar with spread sheets? If so, let me know and I will send you a format to list your bills, amounts due/paid, dates, etc. You can take the piles of bills you have and enter a few each day so the task isn't so overwhelming.
I've learned the courts don't really give a hoot about science. It is more focused on YOU and what you can/can't do. I could blow just about anyone out of the water with paper work related to science to prove my points, but they won't read it and don't consider it.
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
I just reread your posts. You said..
"It's at the appeals council now and I have 20 days to give them more information. What should I do?"
Send me the info where a letter would be sent, your name and address, and I'll see if I can put something together for you. Perhaps you can get an extension based on the fact you are sick and unable to complete the paperwork necessary on your own. Don't know if that would work, has before so it MIGHT, but I will try.
In the meantime, if you can make that call to see if they can assist you, that would be good.
And A.G. had some good advise too. Call your Congressman, or tell me who it is privately so I can call for you.
droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
AG, I edited my post because you're absolutely right. I meant to say that her depression is different. She can travel, exercise, jog, etc....I meant it's frustrating to watch her get it because she's physically able to move.
The line is blurry between depression and illness. What causes what? Idk. But both take lives.
How nice of you to offer your help to droid... Just another shining example of the stellar support network we have here on LymeNet. Amazing. The sick helping the sick. If that act of kindness alone doesn't make a Lyme/tbd patient's (like me) heart smile, than nothing will.
Together, we will win this war!!!
Thank you so much for breathing new life into my original post, Told you...
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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Tell them every last diagnosis you officially have, every last one: -ex.lyme disease, ehrlichia, epstein barr, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain, neuropathy, migraines, fatigue, ADD, seizures, POTS/Autonomic dysfunction and on and on even if there are 50 official diagnoses that MD's, DO's or PHD's or ND's (I don't know their policy on NDs)have given you.
Describe your worst days. Don't sugarcoat.
Show them on paper what it's really like to live in your body and brain day in and day out. They have nothing to go by but the evidence in your file. That includes medical records, drs statements your statements.
Also, have someone who knows you write out a notarized statement testifying how you were before and how you function day in and day out now on your worst days. Brutally honest. Paint that picture for them. It can be done. You CAN do this!
Posts: 115 | From US | Registered: Sep 2014
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posted
There IS hope, Told You Posts: 115 | From US | Registered: Sep 2014
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
I can't send you a DM Tincup but I really appreciate all the help everyone. My email is [email protected] if you could send that spreadsheet. Amazing support here.
I didn't even think about notarized statements. The unfair thing is that I had 4 statements from co workers, friends, and a family member.
The judge says she put little weight into any of those as they had a bias towards me and couldn't file the papers without prejudice for me. Well, why did they give me them all to fill out? Surely I can't ask a stranger...
posted
Did you also list every last Dr you saw since you became sick? Not just llmds. Everyone. Those waters need to be so muddy that SSA has brain fog! It's their responsibility to look into every diagnosis you allege and get records from every Dr you saw.
Let them know you legal help quit on you and lost your file! That's important info!
You are sick and were left on your own when you needed legal guidance the most.
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droid1226
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posted
AG, Hah. I have 18 days.
I didn't help much because I was always hardheaded thinking "I don't need help from anyone, I'm going to beat this"
Let this be a lesson to anyone reading this. No matter how sick you are, how much you don't feel like doing the paperwork, or how proud you are....Do not skimp on the lawyer or try to act tough when you're really sick.
One of the state Dr's claimed I had factitious disorder. This was one of their state Dr.s who had seen me for 10 minutes. If that piece of garbage only knew anything about what I'd gone through, he wouldn't last a day in my(or any of our) shoes even on my best day.
I don't look like I'm sick (not many of us do) and refuse to continue going to different drs after yrs of seeing dozens and dozens. My credibility is shot with one sentence that one Dr. wrote...Idc. I'm going to fight it with whatever energy I have.
I honestly worked on days that I couldn't walk, think, and was herxing so badly so I'm sure that all hurt me as well, the fact they see work (or at least attempts) at it. While being fired, losing accounts, etc...whatever all along the way cause I'd need to lay down. I'm sure my story is just like everyone else's.
How about I'm CDC positive for lyme and serologically positive for babesia, bartonella, and ehrlichiosis(and about 10 other things)....Does that mean anything? lol. no.
Thanks for the help. And Told, I hope the best for you, didn't mean to hijack your thread....just very similar situations.
The fact is, another denial will just be more fuel for me to get better.
Now the lecture... which AG mentioned too. In the good old days there was no one who knew anything about Lyme & TBD's.
You could not be deemed disabled due to Lyme disease- and thanks to the Idiots and their guidelines it is even worse now.
Depression, severe in many cases, dementia, OCD, anxiety and other related disorders are a compensable disability already on the books. Most, if not all old Lyme patients- those who were disabled in the 70's, 80's and 90's, were filed under the depression category for lack of an alternative.
This may have to be your approach until the way is cleared for those with chronic Lyme to be compensated, and they are validated as suffering from chronic Lyme, and it is listed as compensible.
Many with Lyme feel ashamed, discouraged or angry that they would be given this label when they have a chronic infectious disease, but when in Rome, do what the Romans do.
Got distracted. Gotta laugh! Do you ever actually stop and think about what you are doing at any given time? Usually I don't and thank goodness for that, but something made me stop a few minutes ago and see what I was doing.
It is after 3 AM. I'm sitting here eating plain old liverwurst off a paper plate, drinking chocolate milk from a pint fruit jar and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd so loud it would break your ears plum off!
Wondering if I could list that as a Lyme symptom, or blame it on the full moon rising?
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Droid, just saw your post and others too. I'll send the sheets tomorrow if you don't mind. Worn out tonight. Had stuff to do and accidentally stopped while writing your post- then forgot I didn't send it! Sorry!
Nice that everyone is pitching in to help others. Thanks yawl. Together we will make it!
Don't even worry about 'hijacking' the thread. I couldn't care at all. Just glad that it will possibly help others who come after us. You seem focused and determined; I wholly trust that you won't give up on this disability process.
Gonna PM you.
Told you...
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
Lol TC....That made me laugh. It's ok. If you can, great. If not I know excel and can make a basic one.
But it's a good idea. Just including stuff like that to validate the reason I need assistance.
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Droid- you know Exel? Fantastic! Love it!!
I am NOT a fan of it, but it has come in handy. My knowledge is limited with it so if you can set one up, that is one thing I can't do on my own, always bumming a start sheet from someone who can set it up.
BUT, I was planning to try for you, even if I had to erase one of my own and send it. Sloppy seconds I think they call it. HA!
May I then suggest headings to include...
Date
Where purchased? If a lab bill for example, put company name here. If medication name the pharmacy and give address.
What? Name of item, i.e. lab bill, antibiotic, etc. (if a medication include dose/amount, etc.)
Price
Amt paid by you
Amt paid by insurance, if any
What doctor recommended it? (This may be the most important for the court, so list as many as you can here.)
Once you have this sheet filled in it will give them a direct accounting of what you've had to have, and what you've paid.
You might also want to summarize- not on spread sheet, just a short document- one page if possible- your visits to health care professionals.
For example, I had to go to physical, occupational and speech therapy for years. That was 3 PT appointments a week for at least 8 years. And later one X a week for the other therapy. Then at least once a month for a regular doctor, once or twice a week for a chiropractor (after PT stopped), and eye doc, girly doc, near doc, and whatever. Plus going for lab tests, mri's, etc. etc.
Didn't know at the time that info was important, but it shows that even if feeling strong and healthy here and there, which I wasn't but play along with me here, I was under a doctors care and couldn't possibly work 40 hours due to the appointments alone.
You'd mentioned never going to another doc again, which I can fully understand (smile), so use past years as the example if you need to.
I am willing to walk you through this and at least get you started if you need help. Just let me know. By email please as I am limited on time and may not see it here... ok?
And again, don't quit on us!! We are cheering you on. Pull up those worn out boot straps and Nike. (Just Do It!) Yes, I'm cool. HA!
I'll also be happy to edit anything you want, but warning I am a TOUGH editor, so only send stuff if you won't be offended and lay on the floor and cry and stuff. OK?
Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Hey Told... you ok now? Not ignoring you and YOUR thread, just throwing out offers to assist if I can, and would be pleased to help you if I can also. Just let me know!
posted
Tincup- I should be all set at this point, thanks for checking. Just the waiting game to see how the ALJ rules in my case. I have prepared myself for the various outcomes, and will see how things play out. I know one thing for sure: 'come hell or high water,' I WILL GET WELL!!!
Happy healing, Told you...
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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posted
Oh my gosh droid I cannot understand the abuse people are going through during the RSDI process...diagnosed with factitious disorder during a CE??? That's a tidbit of info for your Congressman for sure.
Also for the Appeals Council letter mention something about the many invisible disabilities out there that no one can tell whose body (with invisible disabilities) can make it through a 40 hour work week simply by looking and having a brief conversation.
That the judge stated that you communicated well during those few minutes and inferred that meant you could work...taking your full meds(List them by the prescribed amt) to "falsely prop up your body"(as people who drink an entire pot of coffee could function for 1 hour but would immediately crash after) so that you could make it to the appt which caused you to collapse afterwards for____ days (which for you collapse means_______) does not translate to being able to maintain concentration, persistence and pace for 8 hours per day broken up in 2 hour blocks, 5 days a week.
Also, the judge gave little weight to the functional reports of collateral contacts stating that they were biased toward you inferring that they would not give an honest report of your condition. If this is the case, how else am I to verify my day to day level of functioning?
Let them know that you were failed by the CE. You have plenty of medical evidence that you are sick. MDs are treating you. THEY do not have factitious disorder.
Posts: 115 | From US | Registered: Sep 2014
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Thanks! In fairness, it's my mom's favorite expression: "Come hell or high water, ________."
Funny you should supply the compliment, because I very much favor your original line:
"Let them know that you were failed by the CE. You have plenty of medical evidence that you are sick. MDs are treating you. THEY do not have factitious disorder."
CLASSIC!!!
Best to you! Told you...
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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posted
Wasn't certain as to how the update process actually worked here on LN. Anyways, my update is currently at the bottom of my post that started this whole thread (so, first in line at the top).
Yee-haw.
Told you...
Posts: 315 | From Negative (-) to positive (+) | Registered: Nov 2011
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Since I just read most of this thread to find the "update", only to learn the update was up top in the original post, I am sharing it below so no one shoots Told for doing that! HA!
From told...
*UPDATE, 03/10/15
Holy cow, LN pals. Guess what arrived in today's mail? Yep, my decision from the SS ALJ. I am beside myself. A positive decision in my case!!! Thank you to all who lent so many wonderful words of encouragement.
Let this be yet another example to those who are at the end of their rope, and who feel like all hope is lost. Please don't let it be so. Especially in terms of the disability process, do not give up without doing all in your power to prove your case. As the adage goes, clearly "if there's a will, there's a way."
What a 'beautiful' night for me because of this awesome news. I am going to sign off, now, so that I can go relish in the goodness.
Thank you again for the bolstering support!!! May good come to all of you.
posted
Thank you so much, Tincup!!! You were spot on with your comment, by the way. I already feel less-stressed for the first time in I can't even remember when/how long! Simply amazing to feel like my head isn't totally submerged in water.
Thanks again for your kind words!
Told you...
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
Hey TC. Thanks for checking up. I DM'd Told with a congratulatory message....that's awesome.
I only had a few days so I appealed to the Advisory Council on my own. I spent all 3 days writing a 5 page letter, bypassing my attorneys. Just mailed it to the council and CC'd my attorneys.
I know it wasn't the best move, but I did get my dr to fill out an RFC which I also included. I spelled out each error that the judge had made and pointed where to find it(and included that).
I'm hoping for a miracle I guess. I'll go to federal appeals court if I have to if I'm not at least sort of better in a year. They had informed me that they had 2 to 14 months to decide if I get another hearing.
I guess the squeaky wheel gets the grease. A lesson for anyone going through this process: It doesn't pay to be stoic. Also be organized and don't try to do everything yourself.
posted
So glad to hear you sent in the letter, droid.
Sounds like you absolutely made the right move. Kudos! I know it's hard to deal with red tape when you're sick.
I'm hoping for the best for you...which is:complete, total healing AND a favorable decision from the original application date...with all the backpay owed you... for a nice vacation. Posts: 115 | From US | Registered: Sep 2014
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
Thanks a lot AG. There's a reality show where the kids are born into SS because their parents set them up for it, abusing it on national television. It's a lifestyle. I don't get it.
My vacation will be inside a soft HBOT chamber, a rife machine, and a few other things to get me back to work.
I appreciate the support and motivation to still fight for myself.
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