Nineteen hours until the rest of my life (or not)

[shadowknows69]

At about 9:45 AM tomorrow I'm having my appeal hearing for SSI/Disability. If I win, on the grounds I'm unable to work because of some mental health issues, I can finally get further testing that I need to start to properly heal. Both mentally and a considerable amount of physically.

"The worst that can happen" my lawyer informed me in a less than enthusiastic pep talk today, was that we could appeal again if we lose. Which basically means it would be another two years until my next hearing. Essentially a death sentence in all probability for a number of reasons. At the very least the probable death of my marriage.

Long story short any and all prayers, vibes, magick and general well wishes directed my way about 10-ish tomorrow would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[MNDemNY]

1. Break a leg!

best wishes, shadow.

[shadowknows69]

6. Actually breaking my leg before hand might increase my chances lol.

But I doubt it. They'd no doubt notice I had another one I could hop on while working.

[MNDemNY]

11. keep your chin up!!

[dotymed]

74. I'll be there with you Shadow

My SS hearing is the 25th. My cardiologist says that I am 100%
total and permanent and I have other health problems as well.
My divorce was 2 years ago. She was used to my (usually) 84 hr
a week carpenters union check. After the Dr. (best in the
state) said "no more", so was the respect. I left.
Don't want to make this about me. GOOD LUCK BROTHER.

[shadowknows69]

78. I'll be thinking of you on the 25th. Thanks and good luck yourself.

[Scurrilous]

2. Good luck.

:thumbsup:

[Thickasabrick]

3. Good Luck K&R!!

[madokie]

4. Shadow I'm sending some good vibes and bunch of well wishes your way

Should be getting there about right now.

Peace bro' and good luck

[NMDemDist2]

5. you got it man

hang in there :hug:

[Swede]

7. shadowknows69,I wish you all the luck.

[Earth_First]

8. Best of luck! n/t

[redqueen]

I'll be thinking of you...

good luck.

[Bluzmann57]

9. Good luck to you good sir

I feel that I know you at least a little bit by reading your brilliant writings here at DU and you seem like a good man. So the best of luck to you.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Good luck, hon *hugs*

[gateley]

12. We'll be there with you -- you just won't see us. But know it. nt

[shadowknows69]

13. So it's you that's been following me. Do you own a black helicopter?

[Libby2]

14. Sending you all my best!

Good luck

[Bluerthanblue]

15. you're in my

thoughts, prayers and wishes Shad-

As you often are.
You've been through a lot already- don't forget that- You'll get through this.
I believe

:grouphug:

blu

[ixion]

16. wishing the best for you shadow...

I hope you're able to win your case! :bounce: :fistbump:

[rubberducky]

17. Best wishes and prayers coming your way!

[Undercurrent]

18. The very best of luck to you!

Do they usually drag it out like this?

I have been on SSDI for 15 years, and I was wondering if your difficulty getting approved is a normal thing.

Mine was approved in a matter of about 2 months by filling out an application, and enclosing my medical records. I wasn't able to actually fill out the application myself, as I was heavily medicated, and had been in the state mental hospital for months. I was a total basket case at the time, but I could sign my name.

Based on your experience, I must have been fortunate to have a good hospital case worker to do the paperwork.

Anyway, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow!

[shadowknows69]

19. The rule of thumb now is to refuse anyone and hope they don't appeal

SSA's own evaluation stated I should have qualified and I still got refused. 16-24 months is average time for an appeal hearing and they have that much time every time you have to appeal. I have one friend who has been fighting it for over 8 years and finally won, and she got hurt at a job. It's fucking criminal.

[Undercurrent]

29. Sounds like a private insurance company!

Deny coverage even though the person qualifies. That's just plain wrong.

Like I said, I don't even know what is really required on the application forms, or what the whole process involves. I was notified that I would be receiving SSDI by my case worker shortly after I was discharged from the state hospital into a residential living facility where I stayed until a workable medication regimen could be worked out, and I was functional again.

[Prophet 451]

55. Ours is getting that way

The system now assumes your own doctor is a liar and sends you for a medical with a private company called ATOS. They're supposed to decide if you're fit for work, have "limited" capacity for work or are completely unable and get put in the "Support" category. Sounds fine except ATOS are notorious for ignoring evidence, lying their collective asses (assi?) off and treating the "Support" category like it doesn't exist.

My own doctor and shrink say there is no fucking way I should be doing any sort of work, I showed up in clothes I'd been wearing for two months, with caked blood covering my arms (my depression causes me to self-harm, completely unconnected to the self-harm I use for magicks), hair that hadn't been washed in about four months and my beard was so unkept, I looked like I was trying to swallow a badger; they assigned me to the "Limited" category. I'm actually lucky. ATOS have classified a severely delusional schizophrenic and a girl with four suicide attempts in as many months and stitches still in both wrists as fully fit for work. One guy who lost both hands in a warehouse accident was classified as 75% fit.

Oh, and our tabloids have been running an outright hate campaign (think Fox and Obama) against us for about 18 months now.

[Altoid_Cyclist]

66. Good luck tomorrow. I can empathize with what you're going through.

I've been waiting exactly one year so far for my appeal and still have no idea when it will be scheduled.

I've said it before, but their (SSD) idea of justice is to drag it out long enough that you either lose your home, your health (what's left of it), your marriage or all of the above.

I've been told by my various Doctors and Therapists that between my physical problems, my age and my emotional problems that there's no way that I should lose my appeal.

I've also been told that I'll probably be dead or bankrupt by the time that they get around to my appeal though.

You pay into the _ _ _ _ ing system your whole working life and then when you need your money, it's take a number, go to the back of the line and we'll call you right after you lose everything including in some cases, your life.

Best wishes, we're all pulling for you!!

:thumbsup:

[xxqqqzme]

69. It took me five years to get

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.

[mudplanet]

113. A history of hospitalization, in the case of mental illness, is the key

element to an quick approval for SSDI or SSI.

If you've been repeatedly hospitalized or hospitalized for an extended period it's difficult to argue the individual isn't disabled.

Conversely, the key element to being denied SSDI or SSI is any history of substance abuse. Despite the FACT that many, if not most individual's that are mentally ill are also using some substance (alcohol being the most prevalent) this fact makes it easy for Social Security to say, "His problem is his drug/alcohol abuse."

So, if you are using, deny it. If you have a history (e.g., rehab) of abuse, get into treatment. Usually sobriety for six months is sufficient. And it's "documented" if you are in treatment. (actually, if you're ill and you are using, GET INTO TREATMENT).

For some years they were awarding disability status based on the idea that alcoholism is a "disease." However, it's a disease with a proven, effective cure: don't drink. So they stopped awarding disability status and actually went 180 degrees the other way: it's very difficult to get disability if you're an alcoholic. You could wheel yourself into a disability hearing in a wheel chair with two amputated legs, after having made your living as construction worker for twenty years, and they'd hem and haw about your disability if they discovered you are an alcoholic.

[shadowknows69]

115. I just have to hope they read my therapists report

Because I do have a history of substance abuse and they know it, but she stated that my illness was in no way caused by it. There is evidence of my symptoms before I used.

[rurallib]

20. Recommended so DUers can send you good vibes

prayers, banana bread or whatever they think may help you.
From me- vibes for a win!.

[shadowknows69]

24. Hell, I'll take the banana bread.

Prayers aren't as tasty.

[Tracyjo]

21. Good Luck

I'll be thinking of you.

[Kahuna]

22. Sending good vibes and a prayer for you. nt

[Greyskye]

23. You got it.

6:45 am Pacific Time? ;)

Best of luck!

[shadowknows69]

25. yep, sorry I didn't state time zone.

I wish it was that early here. Just want this over with. My nerves are going to explode.

[TK421]

26. You have my best wishes and I will keep you in my thoughts....

but do keep us updated on what's going on please

[shadowknows69]

27. If I can't I'll make sure my wife does.

[woofless]

28. We're with you brother.

I got mine in a relatively short period of time and it has changed my life. Never give up.

Woof

[cali]

30. You've got all my best wishes for tomorrow. I am so, so hoping it works

out for you. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow at 10.

[shadowknows69]

33. Thank you cali

Coming from someone who doesn't agree with me much that means a lot actually lol.

[asjr]

31. We are ALL with you and good luck!

[DU GrovelBot]

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This week is our fourth quarter 2009 fund drive. Democratic Underground is
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[shadowknows69]

34. I'll let you know soon Grovelbot.

[onestepforward]

35. Best wishes to you and I'll be sending some good vibes!

:hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

36. Best of luck to you, Shadow.

I've got my fingers crossed.

[pinto]

37. I hope it works out for you.

Persistence is a key, as is every scrap of professional documentation you can pull together. I know they've tightened up from when I was doing benefits counseling (late 80's - early 90's), but documentation was always a key, no matter how minor it may seem in the big picture. I used to tell clients to flood them with the professional record.

[shadowknows69]

38. Thank you everyone who replied so far

And to everyone that will. Don't mean to abandon the thread, but I need another distraction like a movie or my brain is going to pop "Matrix" style. Peace and love.
-S


Hmm...Maybe I'll watch "The Matrix"?

[maxpower]

39. Good Luck

Positive thoughts coming your way.


Peace,
Max

[madamesilverspurs]

40. Been there, done that, you have my word

that prayers are happening on your behalf.

By the way -- the first time I heard a member of the media ask "Does the US torture?", I thought immediately that he'd never had to go through the disability application process. . .


---

[Dennis Donovan]

41. I'm not the praying type, but sending CNY vibes your way!

:hi:

[Withywindle]

42. Good vibes coming your way, shadowknows69!

:hug:

[StarfarerBill]

43. The very best of luck, Shadow!

:hi:

[Time for change]

44. I'm sorry you have to go through this

Wishing you the best.

[Feron]

45. All the best and a fully favorable to you!! nt

[PJPhreak]

46. My girlfriend went thru this,It was hell on her.

but in the end she won.

Godspeed and Good Luck!

[Rhiannon12866]

47. Consider it done!

And wishing you all the best!!! But you're bound to be successful, with the power of the entire DU behind you! :grouphug:

[EFerrari]

48. Good luck, shadow.

Just having a lawyer sometimes gets these people to perform. I'll be sending vibes your way.

[donheld]

49. the best to you

[spoony]

50. All my best

I know how hard it is to deal with them, especially when you can't show them what's going on with an x-ray or something, it's like their default is thinking you're lying or exaggerating. I hope this goes well, you'll be in my thoughts!

[Odin2005]

51. Good luck!

[bobbolink]

52. My thoughts are with you!

This whole system is sooo insane! You should NOT have to be suffering this way.

Yet, this isn't an issue the "progressives" have any concern about fixing.

:hug: Let us know how it goes....

[bertman]

53. I'll be pulling for you. May the force be with you.

[Prophet 451]

54. Oh cheeses!

Shadow, I had no idea. I'm currently on DLA/ESA (the British equivelent of Disability) for mental health issues too (plus my knackered knees). Sometime, you and I must compare notes on our respective country's systems for dealing with disability claims but for now, know that my thoughts, prayers and blood magick are with you.

[Oldtimeralso]

56. Good Luck

Your best move was getting a lawyer, it took me 15 months. Please let us know as soon as you find out.

[Mind_your_head]

57. Sending *good vibes* your way!

Good Vibrations - Beach Boys (good song, good message):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCeD_6Y3GQc

Peace and "Good Vibrations" sent your way shadowknows49!

Love,
Me :-)

[Cali_Democrat]

58. Good luck!!!

:hug:

[PuraVidaDreamin]

59. light headed your way

stay strong

[barbtries]

60. good luck shadowknows69

please don't give up whatever the outcome.

[malaise]

61. All the best

:grouphug:

[handmade34]

62. good thoughts for you this morning

[mmonk]

63. The very best of luck to you.

[Echo In Light]

64. Best of luck

[a la izquierda]

65. aww, good luck..

i'm sorry to hear of all the troubles you're having. good luck today. i'll be thinking about you as i hand down a plagiarism grade to a student, and then march him to judicial services ;)

[The Doctor.]

67. I'd send some of my luck, but I don't want to jinx ya.

So instead I'll just say; no matter what happens, you'll find something of value in it.

Good luck! (like, say... that of a lottery winner.)

[windbreeze]

68. My daughter went through the same thing...it worked for her..finally...

after two years...sincerely hope it turns out the same for you...crossing fingers here, and thinking of you....wb

[OnyxCollie]

70. Good luck, shadowknows69.

[SpookyCat]

71. I just found this thread, and I see your hearing should be over by now.

Please let us know how it went, if you haven't already. I do hope we hear the best.

:hug:

[susanr516]

72. Sending good vibes, shadow.

[grace0418]

73. Please keep us posted.

We're here for you either way. :hug:

[MissMarple]

75. Which ever way it went, we are here for you. Best wishes for your next steps.

[TuxedoKat]

76. Good luck

thinking of you today and hoping for the best.

Hugs and prayers.

TK

[shadowknows69]

77. Back from the hearing a while ago. Thanks again for all the support.

They didn't make a ruiling yet. Be informed in a couple weeks hopefully. That wait is going to feel longer than the year and a half I've waited so far.

[gateley]

82. Just came looking to see if you're reared your shadowy head --

Well, at least you're one step closer to a ruling.

I just don't understand the length of time these things take. I've heard it over and over, like it's just part of the game. But damn, people who need help need help NOW!

Keep us posted!! :hi:

[shadowknows69]

86. If I lose they have another two years to schedule my next appeal

That simply isn't an option. Fingers crossed hard.

[Greyskye]

90. Aargh.

Hoping for the best for you. Do you have any kind of gut feeling on how it went today?

[shadowknows69]

93. Actually I feel like I had the worst lawyer ever.

But I'm told by many that he gets it done around here, so hopefully it's unfounded fears.

[dana_b]

83. ugh - torture!!

we'll keep you in our thoughts!!

[shadowknows69]

87. You have no idea. I haven't wanted to get shitfaced drunk in a while.

But right now I wish I could binge for about three weeks straight.

[dana_b]

101. I'm so sorry

I do know that feeling but at least you seem thoughful enough not to do it.

Let's hope the wait is worth it.

[redqueen]

85. Hope it's good news...

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. (Not literally...)

[nadinbrzezinski]

114. Hugs and damn good luck

[Hekate]

118. Best of luck to you, Shadow. You know you'll be in many hearts over the next weeks.

Be sure to let us know... and hang in there. :grouphug:

Hekate

[dionysus]

79. good luck man.

[Th1onein]

80. Wishing you well, shadowknows69!

eom

[WCGreen]

81. Good Luck...

I was lucky, well unlucky to have contracted such a condition. With the degree of my illness, I was granted benefits within six months. I feel for you. I was mainly interested in getting into Medicare so that Mrs. WCGreen could look for a job that would fit her skills and not have to look for one that had health benefits sufficient to take care of my needs.

[shadowknows69]

84. There simply aren't any jobs around here that offer decent health ins.

I worked for a broadcasting conglomerate and I couldn't afford the pitiful and expensive coverage they offered, because they paid me shit. Doesn't help to have access to it if you still can't afford it anyway.

[truedelphi]

96. That is how I see it as well. And whenever there is "Affordable"

Premiums that then ask for 20 or 30 percent as a deductible or co-pay of expenses - well, all that means is that once again, the lower incomed are subsidizing the more affluent.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

88. I have been on SSDI for 5 years

I got the benefits the first time I applied, I hope you have the same fortunes.

[goclark]

89. We are with you all the way! nt

[Javaman]

91. Best of luck. My thoughts are with you.

Please hang in there, I enjoy your writing very much and I would miss it deeply.

Things have a way of working out.

You are a good soul.

peace. :)

[NikolaC]

92. Good Luck!

:hug:

[Loki]

94. Good luck to you Shadow

you, need it, we need it, we could all use a little of that magic to spread around.

[dem629]

95. I went through that in Oct. '08.

First of all, best of luck to you. My attorney told me before the hearing that most turn out well. Mine did, and I hope yours does too. Hell, I hope everyone who truly qualifies gets approved.

You're probably already back from the hearing as I write this (I haven't read through the posts here) but you will be notified of the decision in a few weeks. I got mine in the mail and when I saw that I was approved, I got pretty emotional. The process is stressful and exhausting -- not a good thing for people in our position (mental health issues here, too) -- so when it's all over and you get approved you will feel a ton of pressure just vanish from your life. Things are going to get better. The wait begins continues today, but just try to relax and, as I'm sure you've heard before, remember to breathe. :)

I wish you the best and I sincerely hope that one day in a few weeks you check your mail and have the same experience I did. Let it all out when that day comes and move on toward a better life.

[flyarm]

97. best of wishes to you Shadow..you have had a long struggle!!

my thoughts and prayers are with you!

would write more but broken arm here..typing with left hand.
fly

[dogday]

98. I know how important this is for you.

I wish you all the best at your hearing... You have a good chance to win it....


Positive vibes your way..... :hug:

[tblue]

99. Of course! Wishing you the best. What happened today?

Sorry, I just came across your post. How ya doing, sweetie? Pls crosspost to any updates if you've already posted on DU today. Thx.

[AngMic]

100. Keep at it

Good luck to you at your hearing, I hope that all will go well for you. But if you should be turned down PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE APPEAL. My husband went thru this a few years ago and we discovered that the system is set up to discourage you. They will deny as often as they can BUT the bottom line is if your Doctor says you are diabled, and you persist you should win in the end.
Good Luck.

[midnight]

102. What an ordeal to get access to treatment. I hope you receive whatever you

need.

[Mithreal]

103. Good luck to you and your family

[mdmc]

104. they will determine two things

1- Do you have a medical condition?
2- Does your medical condition keep you from performing gainful activities?

If you can prove both, you are golden. Since you have already hired an attorney, I guess you have not been able to prove these two things to the SSA yet.

The best way to prove #2 is to try to work, and ask your boss for supporting documentation of why you couldn't do the job. Go on interviews and then ask the interviewee to document why they did not hire you.

Best of luck my friend!

[DesertFlower]

105. good luck to you.

i was denied twice, but after i appeared before the administrative law judge i won. that was 19 years ago.

[fascisthunter]

106. hang in there

Sending all the best wishes for you, friends and family.

[myrna minx]

107. My best wishes to you.

:grouphug:

[Politicub]

108. Is this your appeal in front of a judge?

My fingers are crossed for you. It took my mom forever to get an appeal. But once she did, her benefits were approved.

And, you also get the backpay for the period leading up to the appeal hearing if you are approved.

It's a travesty that people are made to wait so long.

Jack

[Rozlee]

109. Feeling your ordeal and praying that all comes out to your advantage

Five years ago, I went in front of a judge under SSI for neurological problems secondary to neuro-Behcet's disease, a souvenir from the Gulf War. Even though I had already been given VA disability and was suffering from seizures, memory problems, and mini-stokes, SSI turned me down three times until I got a lawyer. The medical specialist arguing for me was a --- get this --- pediatric psychologist! What did one of them know about an exotic disease foreign to the U.S. that is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body? So, he did what psychologists do. He told them I was depressed and my illness had a history of causing neurological pychotic episodes! My SSI got approved, not due to my actual illness, but due to "depression!" Actually, a social worker told told me that mental health diagnosis are approved more readily that even blindness, severe cardiac, and severe stroke cases are. So, here's hoping and praying that you win! You need to have a bit of luck for a change and your DU family is here for you.


:grouphug:

[TexasLady]

110. Im in your boat too my friend

and wish you the very very very very VERY best of luck in your well deserved outcome. I need YOUR good news to keep ME going!

[Cabcere]

111. Hey shadow

I know it's a little late, but I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you and your family. :hug: Hope things work out for the best for you! :pals:

[mudplanet]

112. Sounds like you're doing everything right so

all you can do is relax and go with it.

Be ready for the next hit: it will take up to four months AFTER the hearing to actually receive the ruling.

You've got an attorney so you're set if you have to appeal, again, and the longer they wait the higher the initial payout when you finally win.

But, what to do about healing and surviving until then? My own strategy was to return to school on a student loan. Don't know if you're capable of that.

Good luck.

[Robyn66]

116. Wishing you well

[cliffordu]

117. Hang on - they've turned everyone down that I know on ssdi at least once....

Age has something to do with it - oddly enough - I had a guy help me do the paperwork that used to work for the SS admin..

Keep at them, this is one thing worth fighting for.