posted
I was just denied for the 1st time SSD, I have 60 days to appeal.
Does anyone have experience with this? I am not sure whether to get an attorney or just appeal myself.
If anyone has any information or advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Posts: 10 | From NJ | Registered: Apr 2012
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Denial is very common. Still, I think you need an attorney and one who is ILADS-educated or, at least, very lyme literate.
Lyme, itself is not a diagnosis that tells it like it is. You may know this already, but it's the symptoms - what your body/brain can or cannot do, etc.
A good LL atty will know how to put your symptoms into language and terms that the judges can best categorize.
Talk to your area and state lyme support groups for referrals.
Remember to keep up your dignity during this time.
In search of advice, I've come across some that just sound demoralizing. I hate the terms such as �getting� �on� �going on� disability. I think it�s important when talking to others and to ourselves not to word it like in any term that could be construed as negative.
This is Disability INSURANCE coverage, really. Even if though Social Security. We pay in and if something happens against our best efforts, this is part of an insurance plan.
Some specifics for those with lyme: --------------------------
Resources for Disability support , Insurance, Dealing with HMOs:
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
I was denied about 13 years ago.... And I can't tell you how many times I have said that was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to remain active, instead of bedbound at home (which is what I would do because of not feeling well). Working for me has been a Godsend. It has kept me engaged, involved in "normal" activity, and has been a wonderful distraction. I usually feel awful in the mornings, but always feel better when I am at work and active.
Great saying I recently heard.... Flowing waters do not stagnate and active hinges do not rust.
Just some food for thought...
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- But, for those who just CAN'T, SSD can literative save their lives.
I would have been forced to live in a shelter and probably not survive for long, had it not been for this insurance feature.
I hate the stigma attached to it, though. Hate those "pull yourself up by your own bootstrap" admonitions from so many others who have no idea of the complexities involved.
I often cry just from watching the news where those in need are seen as moochers.
It's just crushing. But I want to stay in touch with what goes on in the world so it's just hard to miss all the negative bully speak against those in need. I just have to realized that some of those talking heads just have no clue.
What Tammy says is true, when possible, it's best to - well - do our best, or find another way to make that work.
If that is just not enough to function in a job, we can still only do what we can do. And sometimes, that is just not enough without support measures.
The important thing is to know for ourselves that we are doing our best - and not feel guilty if that has limits, whatever the degree.
The guilt with this has been so crushing. Guard against that - and if you are not able to work you might seek out other ways to be involved at whatever level you can, however that might work.
Even if just a hobby - it's good in many ways to engage. Sometimes, just learning what we need to do for ourselves is the best we can do. And that matters, too. But it's good to have something else besides this kind homework.
Don't loose yourself or your desire to be part of the world. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Whether you get an attorney or not, make sure you absolutely appeal and keep fighting...once you are approved, they will have to pay you all the way back to the date you first applied.
I agree with Keebler. I tried pulling myself up by my bootstraps for years. However, eventually my body forced me to take a break because I needed to rest and heal.
-------------------- aperture Posts: 551 | From Louisville, KY | Registered: Nov 2011
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