Help with SSDI

[Rainman4u2C]

I have applied and been denied disability. Fortunately when this all started I had good Long Term Disability insurance that has been paying the bills but it's not going to last forever. The insurance company got me a lawyer who has basically done nothing but the original filing and the reconsideration filing. I have a seizure condition that can/will leave me flopping on the floor and at times require CPR when/if I stop breathing. I don't know any company that would hire me knowing that could happen especially considering if I hurt myself while having a seizure at work it could maybe be considered a workman's comp issue. I am 52 years old and have paid into SS my whole life. I also owned a private company that paid about 500k in company match for employees. I will NEVER get back what I have paid in but I'm in a spot where I really need it. I contacted my reps Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and they both contacted SS for me and it was just a standard basic response.

What else can I do to improve my chances and speed up this process? When my private insurance runs out I have nothing coming in.

Thanks for your help!!
Raymond

[nocoincidences]

1. Hire your own lawyer.

Make his fee contingent on you getting approved.

It may take awhile but my roommate who was disabled and also ended up getting a heart transplant went through all the hoops they required, and finally got it. It can be done but you have to be stubborn and persistent.

Good luck!

[bamagal62]

2. Find someone who knows

EXACTLY how to fill out the forms. One checked box or wrong spelling can get you denied. Do you have a case worker? Sometimes they know people who do it on the side that used to work for SS and know how to fill out the forms.

[Karadeniz]

3. Im so mad at some doctors. When my husband was diagnosed with leukemia

and couldn't walk two steps, his oncologist fought SS for disability and got it. Why doesn't every doctor stand up for their patient? Your doctor is the most knowledgeable person as to all the ramifications of your illness. Maybe you need to find a more proactive doctor!!!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

4. A while back I worked for an attorney who did SSDI

denial appeals. It was absolutely fascinating.

For one thing, most people haven't a clue what it takes to get approved for SSDI. Not easy. You need many volume of copies of medical reports. Volumes and volumes. I actually spent most of my time working for this attorney at the Social Security Office photocopying people's Social Security records.

And it takes very specific disabilities, and proof of the disability.

So, sadly, if you're turned down, you really aren't disabled. Sorry.

[Rainman4u2C]

6. According

to the SSA Blue Book on Epilepsy and seizures I meet all of the requirements.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. But have you documented them?

Again, you don't just qualify by looking at a list. You're going to need to have your disability fully documented by doctors or therapists.

And if you can hold down a similar job, then you aren't disabled.

Social Security has everything on-line.

[Rainman4u2C]

8. Yes

Everything is documented. I've had 17 seizures in the last 12 months. My doctors (1 GP, 1 Neurologist and 1 Epilepsy Specialist) all provided letters saying I should not work. I don't know what else to send them to prove it?

"Social Security has everything on line"? I have followed all their rules and requests and I qualify by them so I don't know what the issue is.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

9. So call an attorney who does SSDI appeals.

It will cost you NOTHING. The attorney is strictly limited as to how much can be collected from the client. And it's money the client would otherwise never have seen.

And, have all the doctors actually filled out those forms? Again, it's not just some letters, it's extremely specific paperwork.

[Rainman4u2C]

5. Thanks

for the responses. I appreciate it.