Re: New to the group

might depend upon where one lives??

I did this at our desert resort location...guess all "we" retired folk are
far less likely to be terrorists??

only kidding...but didn't see any armed fed officers...actually it was quite
a cool set up...walked in the door...and instead of one of those "pull down
a number like at the deli" thingies...there was a VERYYY basic computer
terminal...with VERYYY basic instructions ( in either Spanish or
English)....reminded me of an ATM..asked you to pick WHY you were
there..ie..basic benes..SSDI...SS etc...then printed you a number

undoubtedly my filling out the forms online wasthe BEST way to do it...as I
brought in the paper documentation that I had printed out...once I was
called back (other folks were called to "windows")....I got to go into the
nether back regions...sat down at a desk face to face...the young thing
already had my application up on her computer screen...due to my inputting
enuf info at the "check in kiosk"...then the confirmation
number...voila...all done

I realize my experience was easier than most...

but your description of armed guards at the door...etc...tho there may have
been a guy there to break up any disagreements if they occurred...


"Scott" <scott@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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<Hawki63@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Scott" <scott@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
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"Zuska" <Snowey95@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
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From "Old Goat:
"Get cracking on those SSDI papers. like yesterday. You need to have it
all
filled out and in to them by Monday if you want to see your first
rejection
notice by Labor Day. Then get a lawyer that deals in disability only.
Very
few (as in almost none) get approved on the 1st shot. Don't waste time
if
others depend on you to eat or you'll be eating Raman noodles til
you're
sick of them."

I hear you ... I am just waiting for a diagnosis, and a copy of my
birth certificate. As soon as I have those two pieces of paper, then I
am 'off to the races, as it were. And, although I do not know the
statistics for denials, I do know that approximately 95% of those who
appeal are approved ~ with or without a lawyer. (BTW, I was on
disability for two years in the 90's, so I do know a bit about the
system.)

Fortunately, there is no one that I need to worry about supporting
except myself ~ although with no income and COBRA running $350.00 a
month ... 'nuff said on that topic.
That EMG is a rude little test,but you should have physical hard copies
of
the reports of all you testing,, since your insurers are going to want
them
sooner of later and the doc offices will charge you for leafing back
through
your chart,

I have about half of my test results, and will meet with my
Rheumatologist on 8/1 to hopefully get the rest. But, even if I am not
able to get any more than I have, all I really need is the results of
the June blood tests for genetic testing ~ that is supposed to decide
what the heck is going on.

"Aside from that take a trip back to March and April. Did you do
anything out
of the ordinary for? Something along the lines of physical exertion. A
grudge tennis match, shooting some hoops with the felllas, a marathon
sexual
encounter? Something had to set this off. You weren't hunting near Dick

Cheney and his pals were you?"

No ~ absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. Have never hunted with or
without Dick Cheney ... and really, other than working and going home,
there was nothing that happened. This just 'showed up' and the symptoms
are that I have no reflexes, and the muscle weakness.

From Puddin' Man:
"Suggest you get the full SSD app. forms, sit down at home, read each
question, and consider how responses might be mis-interpreted via bias.
I wouldn't fill out the app. at
the SS office. Might make sense to view the app. as a "Legal
Evidentiary Document" and take great care with the responses."

Good idea ~ I have the FAQ and a basic form, but I am certain that
there is a longer form that is needed. As for filling it out ahead of
time ~ that is great advise ... gives me time to remember what I
forgot.

As for what is going on ~ so far I have 'collected' three autoimmune
diseases: Vitilago, Lupus and Sjogren's. If I do indeed have Multifocal
Motor Neuropathy, that will make four. *Sigh*

From Scott:
"I also suffer from neuropathy in my legs and feet. My first question
to you
would be have the doctors determined what caused this? Mine was due to

diabetes and believe it or not, I never knew I was diabetic until after
the
neuropathy diagnosis was made. I am told this is quite common
especially
with T2 diabetes. I'd find out if I was you because you can slow the
progression by controlling the cause."

Thus far, they have no idea what or why ... and the latest blood tests
indicate no tendency toward diabetes, although the potassium and liver
functions were off. Also, there is blood in my urine, and a Urologist
is working on that issue separately to see if the Lupus is the cause of
that.

I know that Lupus is on the SSD 'magic list' but only if it is severe.
At this point, my only proof that something is wrong is that I could
try to walk without my crutches and fall down for them. Other than
that, I have to wait for a diagnosis to take to Social Security. But,
having been on SSD once, I have a feeling that this will work in my
favor. Maybe not, but I am going to hang onto that hope ~ for now.

Thanks, everyone. Any other thoughts, keep 'em coming.


How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant
of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been
all of these. ~ George Washington Carver (1864-1903)

One last piece of advice from personal experience. If you mail anything
to the SSD office, make sure you send it "Return Receipt". They lost
the first set of paperwork I sent which included my original Birth
Certificate and that of my son, my driver's license, etc. The SSD
office claimed they never received it. I had to replace all those items
which cost money and time. Luckily I had copied the SSD paperwork before
I mailed it so that was taken care of. The next batch went Return
Receipt. That way I knew who signed for it and there was no way they
could deny receiving it! They will not accept copies of birth
certificates, DL, etc. so you'll have to submit




originals



another thought on the "originals"....tho it may take a bit more time and
effort...

locate a local SS office...most every town of any size has one...

take your stuff in...you take a number...fill out a form..and maybe an
hour later you are called in...and they LOOK at ...and record on their
trusty computer screen...that they did indeed see your ORIGINAL birth
certificate...then they hand it back to you...to go back into
safekeeping..

I would think that perhaps applying for SSDI is a tad different..but when
I recently applied for age 62 ss benes...I was able to fill out the form
on line..thus my info was already in the system...was given a
"confirmation number"...a week later went to the local SS office...did
the above nonsense..waited in a room full of folks applying for some
bene or another...and was eventually called into the back to see a
"counselor">..she already had my info up on her screen...she looked at my
birth certificate..said "ok" put a check mark in the appropriate box..and
I was done...

my experiences only....

I also am VERY reluctant to send anything original in the mail...as they
are very difficult to replace...so even with return receipt
requested...you may be out that piece of paper...


Things may have changed and obviously have according to what you are
saying, but I applied not too long after 9-11. Then the rule was unless
THEY had a reason to see you face to face you didn't get in. There was no
just walking in to the office, there was an armed federal officer checking
anyone entering the parking lot and if you weren't already on a list,
forget about it!! I guess they've loosened up since then.



.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: New to the group
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  • Re: New to the group
    ... birth certificate. ... diabetes and believe it or not, I never knew I was diabetic until after ... I know that Lupus is on the SSD 'magic list' but only if it is severe. ... first set of paperwork I sent which included my original Birth ...
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