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  • ssi let downs

    i was told i had scoliosis when i was 13 yrs old., but my parents never thought much of it and never got it checked out. well now
    im 28 and had no other choise to go to the hospital for complete body numbness in my body. severe pain through my lower back,shoulders and right leg and right hip. they said i had a spinal cord injury,scoliosis, lordosis, and kyphosis. i have never been told the degree and i have asked.the only say that its progressing and it will get much worse. the problem is i have no insurance and all the companys i have called want except me. so i dealt with the disability company and have been turned down three times and they have everything over the years from all the doctors and specialist. they feel that i should take it easy but go back to work in 9 months, but if cant call back. now i havent worked since 2001 because the pain has been to severe to tolerate. and all ssi says your fine. how can i get them to understand that im not a run of the meel person looking for a free hand out? suggestions please.
    Last edited by michelleseibers; 06-28-2004, 02:23 PM.

  • #2
    Hi,
    You need to see an attorney that specilizes in SSI/Disablity. Choose one that takes payment only after you win. Also be prepared to wait.....SSI takes it sweet time. Also make sure you document every little visit/pain etc.
    It took me nearly 5 years before getting it........
    SandyC
    SandyC

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    • #3
      Would you please tell me what was or is the condition of your scoliosis. I have recently applied for SSDI and just starting the game, I do understand the procedure, just curious on your disability and what SSA had to say about it.
      Thanks,
      Live long and prosper!

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      • #4
        my condition in my scoliosis is i have levo scoliosis which is to the left and very rare.it is in the thorasic. reversal of lordosis in the cervical, cervical and lumbar radiculitis. torticolis in neck.

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        • #5
          Your application for Supplimental Security Income (SSI) should be approved, depending on your local state application and qualifications. Usually you need to show hardship and no income, it will be based on what your state average is for SSI and if other forms of assistance is available.
          Social Security Disability Income is much more difficult to receive, depending on your credits, work history and disability. I too applied for Social Security Disability at the age of 42 because of my severe scoliosis and fusion. But was determine to be able to work, so I did for another ten years, now I'am unable to perform sedentary work or stand for any length of time so again I'm applying for SSDI. I believe that my age and the degenerative condition of my spine will assist me in obtaining SSDI this time around. Good luck.
          Live long and prosper!

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          • #6
            i have tried many times and have been denied. the last time was because the past doctor would not send x-rays and they sent me to their own which was big mistake. he new what i had by the records and was told to x-ray and mri me but instead he made me bend twist lay down and then sent them reply that saw anything wrong. im dealing with florida laws which is very hard to fight. but now i just got approved today for medicaid with share cost and the problem is that no one here or in surrounding counties except medicaid with share cost let alone ever heard of it. but i will say st josephs hospital for women is trying to find a speacialist who will except so i can get new x-rays and ect. long haul still to go.

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            • #7
              michelleseibers,
              Having been thru the "SSI Fight", I'm a strong believer in getting an attorney. You can get an attorney that will deal with the system for you and won't charge you until you get paid by SS. The payment will be retro active. So the first check that you would recieve is minus the attorney's payment. It took me 5 years, but it was worth the fight.
              Good Luck
              SandyC
              SandyC

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              • #8
                This SSI fight nearly cost me everything I own. But, I finally won after two years.
                I started the process two years ago, went to the SSI ortho doc, was told most assuredly "yes, yes, you are disabled, I can see that", and then promptly received a letter in the mail two weeks later telling me I was denied. I was told the disability is not as severe as I believed it to be.
                I have a thoracic curve of 56, lumbar l20. And, they think that is not severe. I immediately retained the services of an attorney, and the fight began.
                Along the way the attorney was not sure I would get it. Which seems so absolutely absurd. You can see this curve a mile away, the hunch is severe, my sitting and standing tolerance extremely poor. It was documented that I was prescribed MS contin so I could continue work as an RN, but, that eventually caused a ruptured colon, with resulting colostomy. No doctor in his right mind would now ever prescribe any pain meds, so I live in constant, debilitating pain. SSI knew of many visits to pain specialits, orthopedics, was told at first it was inoperable, but, the fight persisted.
                Yes, I finally won. But I am weary from the fight. I live in New York State, and I don't know if the process is much different here than elsewhere.
                Good luck.
                Deb

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                • #9
                  i know what you are going through

                  I some what know what you are going through.. I am currently waiting for my ssdi.. I am having this feeling that they are going to turn me down on my claim.. but i am one step ahead of then just incase the decide to turn me down. I have already went and found me a lawyer. He told me that he doesn't think that they will turn me down but there is always that chance and he says that he will be able to help me get what i rightfully deserve.. Don't give up there is always a way..
                  Smiley

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                  • #10
                    Will I guess we are not alone in our fight for our rights, it does seem that some medical experts do not understand our pain and discomfort. As for my fight with and for SSDI, it has just begun, but I already had a MRI that confirms the pain. I too will not stop until I win this one, at my young age of 54 I can not find a position that will provide the necessary work accomodations, I'm limited to four hours per day with sit/stand options, but again my walking and sitting is limited with rest periods necessary. So this will be interesting, so far, knock on wood, things are going pretty good. I glad we have this forum to discuss issues and concerns with peers, it make me feel not alone.
                    Live long and prosper!

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                    • #11
                      Exactly150, there is an essential oil that will help the pain if you are willing to try alternative therapies! It's helichrysum. Just a few drops rubbed on the area helps pain a great deal. My dad gets debilitating pain from his neuropathy, and rod ends (herrington surgery) and the helichrysum reduces the pain up to 85%!! Helichrysum is expensive though, but it might be worth the cost.

                      For those doing ssdi, hang in there. SSI's first job is to prove how you aren't disabiled. Then to prove you can work. When you go to the SSI docs for evaluation request a copy of the doctor's notes. That way you have proof of what was put in the charts. (my parents have learned that the hard way!) Also be sure to document everything medical. The more info you have the is current the better are your chances. SSI also refuses the first time for almost everyone, so having an attorney is important. They know the rules and in and outs and can guide you correctly through this ssdi maze. There are other appeals as well. My mom's attorney has done a 2nd appeal, turns out the judge didn't look at the medical records. SO now she wait again!

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                      • #12
                        Thank you MaryK, appreciate your response and I will look into the helichrysum where would the best place to start looking? Also agree with yours and others regarding an Attorney, SSDI usually turns down over 50% of first applications for Social Security Disability Income. Since presently it is not totally necessary for me to receive SSDI, I have applied on my own behalf, I will contact an Attorney at the point that it will or might be necessary. Like I have said, my medical documentations and diagnosis, good or bad support my application, along with a MRI. But I understand the power of Big Brother and I will not hesitate to obtain an Attorney at my appropriate time.
                        Again it is so comforting to know that after all these years, that this forum exist and I'm not alone.
                        Keep up the fight and no surgery for this guy, I'm done with the medical model and specialists that want to play experimental games.....this is my own personal views, surgery is a personal thing and depends on the individual and their ability to handle the pain and discomfort.....
                        Live long and prosper!

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                        • #13
                          California SSI

                          I live in California and I was 19 when I won my SSI and Disability claim. But it was a long and tough process. One of the best thing's that I did for myself was cut out the middle man whenever I could. Any medical records or x-rays needed I picked up from the offices and made copies and mailed those to Social Security etc. I was denied for a year and a half before I got my claim and I did it without an attorney. Just keep at them, and make your case sound as painful as possible. We all devolp a threshold of pain that we are use to on a daily basis, but that is our norm because we are SO use to the pain. What I'm saying is tell them about the pain without that pain filter that we have all devolped. It is really tough to get SSI and besides insurence sometimes the benifits are a pain in the butt so make sure you can live by their regulations. But for me, it's helped me go to school and have an apartment (no that is NOT easy in California).
                          Jennifer

                          26 years old. Diagnosed with severe Scoliosis/Kyphosis and CMT at the age of 8. Have had a total of 6 surgeries, 4 on my spine and 2 on both of my feet. Including rod removal surgery. I am fused from T-2 to T-12.

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                          • #14
                            SSDI is bettersweet news, if you receive the benefits because of your disability, it is an indication that your not expected to be resonably gainful employed again in your lifetime. Now don't get me wrong, it depends on the condition and motivation or abilities of the individual with the disability. Regarding if they wish to continue to work in any capacity (Part-time or Full-time), we also must take into consideration any financial benefits, longterm regarding SSDI and insurance.
                            I'm very pleased and happy to inform everyone that my SSDI was approved on my first try, that is why I consider it bettersweet news, I also eliminated any middleman or middleperson. Remember it is YOUR money and YOUR disability, each person must consider their own future and financial security. I have been blessed with an optomistic personality and a future.
                            God Bless.....
                            Live long and prosper!

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                            • #15
                              How is going?

                              Just happened to see teh post and see if any success. I had to hire a lawyer for a few reason mentioned. I also had my lawyer fight my credits they did want to give me. I was young and could not work as much during pregnancies so keep that in mind when going to court. If you get these credits in in the alloted time you are intitled to Social Security Disability, not S.S.I. It gives you Medicare benefits this way. I have learned the hard way so just passing it on to give someone a leg up. I hope all goes well. I am also in Fl. If you need advice don't hesitate to call a lawyer and get help. They don't cost as much as you imagine and it is made up for.
                              Diagnosed 11 at school screening, surgery 16.
                              Had Harrington rods w/fusions.
                              Luque-thorasic.
                              Full term pregnancies,no major issues.sciatica with the first. Epidurals with C-sections
                              2005:lumbar reconstruction, 2 plates, 6 screws in sacrum, and 2 cages with my own bone.
                              2007: cervical surgery to correct 4 bulging discs, two fusions with cages using cadaver bone.
                              Both of my daughters have scoliosis. Both were diagnosed by 7.
                              http://spinedoctors.md/ Dr, Jospeh Flynn Jr

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