    
John Snyder
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 | | Posted on Wednesday, June 09, 2004 - 11:57 pm: | |
Mr. McChesney,
I'm
just starting to get into the throes of applying for Social Security
Disability. From talking with many people (and in particular my s/o who
recieves SSI herself for a disability), I understand that gaining SSD
is a long and tedious process. I wanted to get your thoughts and
opinion upon my case, if you'd be so kind.
I've been out of
work now for just over a year... finally hit that one year target date
that most disability forms require to be eligible for SSI/SSD. I've
been to three specialists already who have compiled their findings to
help my case. Many tell me that because of the numerous findings that I
have a good chance, but it's always more reassuring to hear such from
an attorney who specifically deals with such issues.
Here's a list of what they've found and diagnosed:
- Osteoarthritis in the knees
- Degenerative Joint Disease in the cervical spine
- Degenerative Joint in the lumber spine (L4-L5)
- Bilateral Sacroiliitis
-
Periarticular Osteopenia (which to my understanding is the early onset
of Rhumatoid Arthritis) in both hands (no erosions noted)
- Fibromyalgia
- Depression
Even
the heaviest of medications do not effectively help all that much.
those that do are deep within the narcotics range and ultimately do
help with pain relief but also due to their cosmetic makeup cause
extreme grogginess and outright sleepiness.
I find it
difficult to walk effectively without the use of some sort of device to
keep my balance and help stabilize the steps. Be that a cane, a walking
stick, a handrail, an able-bodied companion, etc. Due to pain and
inflammation (especially in the back and pelvis) I also find it
extremely difficult to remain stationary/seated for lengths of time. My
fatigue levels are high and even mundane daily living tasks are
difficult to manage.
I'm 35 (feeling 73 at times) and don't
have any schooling past high school. All the work I've done in the past
has been physical labor in nature... a lot of standing, walking,
bending, lifting, carrying, etc.
Is this a "winnable" case?
I've already acquired an attorney who will certainly help me upon an
appeal. But I simply wanted to get another opinion before the lengthy
process even starts.
Thanks. |
