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bobby
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 7:40 pm: | 
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I am a 43 year old male, who lives outside of Winston-Salem, NC. Past jobs include machinist in furniture factory, metal worker, and copier tech. I haven't worked a public job for almost 4 years. I tried to work in a shop beside the house - the self-employment route, but was sick more than well. My business had more bills than income, because I was only able to work occassionally for short periods of time. I have high blood pressure, ulsers, ibs, hietal hernia, acid refulx and am diabetic. I have arthritis that is destroying bone and cartliage in my joints, haglund's deformity and numerous bone and tendon deformities in knees, feet, legs, elbows, shoulders and back. I have had surgery 6 surgeries in the past 8 months on feet and legs. I have a high school diploma.
. Both knees - bones in joints shaved and cartliage removed. Dr. says next surgeries will require joint replacement, as he has removed so much bone, there is nothing else to remove and still be workable.
. Feet - (Right) Had achilles tendon extended 8 years ago, heel spurs removed and part of calcaneous cut off. 8 months ago, had extenosis cut off of ankle. 3 months ago, had calcaneous cut completely off and achilles anchored in the remaining bone (heel had calcified around the achilles again) Achilles cannot be extended again, because it is so fragile. Next week having plantar fascia release due to toes drawing toward the bottom of foot.
(Left) Six months ago, had part of calcaneous removed (without reattachment of achilles tendon) and plantar fascia release.
. Shoulders - have moderate bone deterioration.
. Back - have spondialosis in the lower back.
. Elbows - bone deterioration and limited flexation in left due to break in joint 15 years ago.
. High blood pressure - moderately controlled by several medications, but still higher than normal.
. Diabetes - Avoided medication - lost 90 pounds in the last 1 1/2 years and contol with strict diet.
I take oxycodon and tylox every day for the pain. I have taken every oral arthritis medicine with no relief. Pain is constant and joints are stiff, including hands. Doctor referred to Pain Clinic, but was turned down, because they didn't think they could help. For the first time in months, I can walk a little without having gravity boots on both legs.
.Walking - very slow and limited to a few feet at a time. Cannot maintain balance to walk on inclines or uneven surfaces.
.Kneeling/Stooping/Crawling - Never able to do, due to surgery on knees & because knee caps lock.
.Jumping/bouncing/running/carrying weight/bending - Never able to do. Cannot maintain balance, due to having heels cut off and fragile condition of achilles tendons.
Applied for disability in Oct 2003. Went to SS Doctor in February, after the examination, said to file an appeal if I was turned down.
Denial letter came a couple of weeks ago. Letter said that although condition is severe, not expected to remin disabling for at least 12 continuous months. We realize that your condition will keep you from doing any of your past jobs, but will not keep you from doing less demanding work.
Orthopedic surgeon is behind me 200% and sent the following note to the SS doctor exam: "This patient qualifies without contest for total permanent disability. He needs multiple orthopedic surgical procedures, but these will not allow him to improve enough to graduate from permanent total disability." Since the denial, he said to find out if there is something else he can provide to SS to prove my case, and he will gladly provide.
I haven't filed for reconsideration yet, but do intend to. Would you advise that I secure an attorney prior to reconsideration? Do you feel like my case is one of merit? If so, could you suggest someone in my area? Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
In case you wondered, my wife typed all of this, has secured every doctor record, filled out every paper for me through this whole process, took me for the surgeries and doctor appointments, while being sole support for our household with a full-time job. |
Paul McChesney (Admin)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 24, 2004 - 6:46 am: |
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Bobby: I cannot imagine why you have been turned down the first time. There must be some reason, though, and to find out what it is and fix it you need a good attorney. You have tried on your own and failed; try again with an attorney who will be able to get the record and find out why. |
Debra Wilard (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 11:07 am: |
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I recently was approved for ssd. However ,I was told by my worker that my case was pulled for a quality assurance review. I know this means my case could be over turned.In the meantime, I am strapped for cash, have no medical insurance since my medicaid limit has been reached for the year{24 total doctor, hospital, dentist visits per fiscal year} and am in the middle of medical difficulties. I had to cancel all physical therapy, check ups from recent surguries etc.How long can quality review process last? What exactly do they do? |
Anonymous
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 2:06 pm: |
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My denial letter stated that while my doctor states I am unable to work, a review of the medical evidence shows that I do not meet the requirements.
I have osteoarthritis that has caused my left ankle to be fused and have had both knees replaced. I cannot walk distances and have a severe limp. I cannot kneel or squat and if I fall I cannot get up. I am also obese. I have sleep apnea and high blood pressure which is controlled with a cpap and medication. I went to a physical with their doctor. I have no degree and the title of bookkeeper in a grocery store is a lot different than general bookkeeping.
I know I want to appeal and need help but I have only been out since Feb and would not be receiving a large back pay amount to entice a lawyer to take my case. Is there no cost or low cost assistance anywhere to help? Thank you for your time. |
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