Reply #69: It took me five years to get [View All]

[xxqqqzme]

approved. That was w/ rods in my back to repair 3 broken vertebrae and left side paralysis from a brain injury. I was long since permanent & stationary. The paralysis wasn't going away, the rods were staying but it still took me five years. My attorney, after I finally got one, said my age was against me - I was only 47 when I was injured (never mind I was NOW 52). Additionally, the monthly award was at the top of the scale, which was another strike against my application.

I am convinced what finally won my approval was I filled out the forms intended for the doctor. My doctor had no way of knowing how my paralysis affected my daily life or the accommodations I had to make. I filled out everything, took it to the doctor for his signature. He was more than happy to sign the form and only requested a copy be put in my file in case he was contacted by SSI.

My attorney also told me, again because of my age, my case would be reviewed in 3 to 5 years and I would have to go through the process again. That was in 2000. I have yet to be 'reviewed'. Don't think the review will happen because I am now just over 60.

Hang in there. SSI makes you fight every step of the process. I found myself getting extremely depressed over the endless appeals & deadlines, which I believe is factored in to get you to give up. It also enraged me that I had 'contributed' that money for the very reason I now needed it but was being denied access to it.

Good luck and don't give up.