LymeNet Flash: Social Security

This is topic Social Security in forum General Support at LymeNet Flash.

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https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/3/11273

Posted by Trini (Member # 611) on :

I've now applied, got turned down, appealed, got turned down. I'm going to take the next step of appearing before a judge, but I think I'm going to need some legal help. I live outside of Baltimore, MD. If anyone can help point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :

Try looking on this site. I know there is a list on there of good SSDI and LTD attorneys.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues/

This site will also give you lots of info on how to proceed.

Do try to avoid being attracted to seeing a particular attorney because thay have a big ad in the phone book, or fancy commercial on TV. All SSDI attorneys aren't created equal. I worked in the disability management field for years and saw many bad attorneys. The ones who were the worst spent the most on ads. In the field, we called them the "McDonald's attorneys". They did dismal work on cases but certainly did collect their $$$ when it came time to do that. Drive in, get your $$$, drive back out. Try to talk with some people who have used SSDI attorneys to get recommendations.

Posted by Trini (Member # 611) on :

Thank you for your help. I'll check it out.

Posted by rosesisland2000 (Member # 2001) on :

http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/Forum1/HTML/028928.html

Try that link...it's on the first page over in Medical.

There is a lot, and I mean A LOT of information already here that is still relative today...so, I'd do a search if I were you on this topic...In the above link I provided a link for instructions on how to do a search here for LymeNet posts of the same subject.

Seriously, you cannot know enough about this subject, so keep reading, especially the above link.

Rosemary

PS above all else, remember it's what the disease has done to you that prevents you from working, not the disease. They look at symptoms...take great notes daily of you condition of what you can and cannot do. Also having a good attorney in your court is another advantage to have.

Mine was finally approved when it hit the Judge's desk...a long process.

Rosemary

Posted by luvmycat (Member # 4984) on :

Here's another website...www.ssa.gov. It has lots of info. Also, get an attorney specializing in Social Security law. You won't have to pay him or her a cent. When your disability is awarded and you get the back pay, there is a separate check issued to the attorney which, of course, is a percentage of what you were awarded.
Good luck.

Posted by bg (Member # 46416) on :

Connie, based on your work experience in this field, would you recommend her hiring lawyer for the $5300 = 25% of backpay for 1 year OR hiring him by the hour?

Since they haven't been involved in this from the beginning, less time will be devoted to her case.

Just a thought on my part as that is what I'm thinking of doing if I do have a 2nd ALJudge hearing in future since my 2 claims are not combined as ONE.

I've done all the work on this, not the lawyer. He did do a good job for me at the hearing w/the judge.

I was not impressed by him or his previous staff otherwise....too many clients & not paying attention to details.

Trini, spend your time reading the links at DISINISSUES. Read the area about your ALJ hearing.

Read the brief statements by each link shown to see what you can benefit most by...don't read those which you feel you can not benefit at this time.

Read about the RESIDUAL FUNCTION CAPACITY and MENTAL FUNCTION CAPACITY tests. I hope your PCP has done this for you.

Mine were done by my treating dr. of 25 yrs., great rheumatoligist where my pain is in all 18 of 18 tender points, and mental done by a psychiatrist & psychologist.

DDS will have THEIR own in-staff dr. write up RFC & MFC using YOUR DRS. medical reports...so if they are NOT good, detailed reports; DDS will use that info against you with their dr. NEVER having seen you at all!

Betty G., Iowa

Posted by rosesisland2000 (Member # 2001) on :

Since my new attorney came on this late as I had already gone through the first two steps and my old attorney did absolute nothing for me, not even did she have me get the basic "doctor's support letters", I contested the 25% for either of them and I won.

The Judge decided that I was correct and they did not pay my attorney 25% cause he only came 2 years after all the work I'd done on my case. So, in reality, my attorney's did not totally cost me the 25% they normally would do.

I found out this information on the www.ssa.gov site and my case fit and I had a recourse and took it. Everything about your right are on the ssa.gov site...check them out.

Rosemary

Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :

BTW Betty -
I am actually looking into becoming a non-attorney SS Disability advocate. Works same as an atty, but at a cheaper rate (I hear percentage of back benefits). It would be a self-employment endeavor for me. But I am not smart enough yet due to cognitive probs from Lyme, but if I can get some better, may go for it. May decide to do only Lyme, since I know so much about that dx (many years experience learned the hard way!). There is a great need.

Figure if I could get cases early in the process, the chance of getting benefits for these folks would be greater.

Connie