SSD

[Dicon]

For those of you who have gone through the awful SSD process, did you have any luck in getting approved for these conditions? I haven't been able to work for the past 2 yrs due to the disabling symptoms that land me in a recliner with my rigid neck brace on for the majority of the day due to such severe pressure at the base of my skull/spinal cord and all of the neuro symptoms that it causes. I've spent the last 18 mos going through the nightmare that so many of us go through in trying to get a Dr to listen and help us. I had my SSD hearing 2 wks before going to see Dr H and despite what my atty called "such compelling evidence" that included a very thorough daily symptom log, many personal support statements to "prove" that I'm legit, my PCP statement that I'm disabled and the state's vocational expert saying that with my limitations I cannot work...the judge opted to keep my case open until I returned from Dr H. After seeing Dr H I was finally diagnosed with EDS, chiari, TCS, POTS, chiari/craniovertebral instability cervico-medullary syndrome, retroflexed odontoid, abnormal clivo-axial angle, and c4-5 instability. He wrote the most thorough reports and even used the word "disabled" twice and would you believe that I am being met with resistance yet again? The judge now feels that my condition is so beyond her ability to understand that we should have another hearing so she can consult with a neurologist so he can interpret things for her. I am so livid. It's like she still won't believe Dr H who is only the most amazing expert in all of this. There is no way a local neurologist knows anything about this...that's why I had to drive 800 miles to Dr H to get help. I am so desperate for this to go through b/c I need the $ so that I can have 3 major surgeries that I need. I have sent my atty countless links on all of these conditions, Dr H's credentials etc ......What do I do? I am just beside myself. I am so tired of having to fight for every little thing with these awful conditions.

[Viva001]

I'm afraid that it's not going to get any better--the sequestration requires unpaid leaves for federal employees.  (There are major delays in airports due to furloughed air traffic controllers).
there's an equivalent traffic jam for SSD.

Best of luck.

[Dicon]

I'm 38, but with all of my neuro sx I can barely make it through the day without laying in the recliner multiple times and wearing a rigid brace. I can barely hold my head up due to the craniocervical instability. I go numb from head to toe.  My muscles become spastic, I have awful POTS sx, literally feel drunk all day (and I don't drink!!), am so exhausted I fall asleep even when taking Adderall - I am a mess. I have 2 young kids that I can barely take care of. My husband has to take over all the household duties once he's home.  I have no idea why I"m having such a hard time. It infuriates me.  I would clearly work if I could...I have a M.Ed. and went back to school to do a 1 yr certification for Sleep Tech 1 yr before all of this happened...clearly I'm not trying to "ride the system."  I am praying it will be approved.  I'm just so sick of having to fight.  We fight just to make it through the day.  I have since received the radiology reports from when I went to MD and they concur with what Dr H says so I'm not sure what the issue is.  My atty is awful...and I've let him know it.  I think he's half my problem.  I wish you the best as well....it's just not fair that we have to go through this!

[JCappiello]

Sorry re-read your post and saw your diagnosis.... Wow why are you having such a problem?  What else do they want you to be diagnosed with? Sooo rediculous..  I know age can be a factor.. I am almost 27 but can barely take care of myself.. My lawyer said that the firm has successfully won disability cases on woman and men younger then me .. also a woman who was 25 with Chiari and won.. So I am really just praying for the best because I can not work and if I could I really would.. I just got my degree last October in the field where I was working.. I enjoyed and miss my work very much..

[JCappiello]

I just began the process of SSD a month ago... I have Chiari, POTS, IST, EDS, herniated disk in my back causing sciatica, chronic pain, central vertigo, depression, anxiety, and panic disorder... and other things... I hired a lawyer and she said she believes I have a good case based on my diagnosis, but it is so very dependent on doctors documentation.. so I just pray they wrote properly...  I was told I was disabled by my electrophysiologist.. and the lawyer said that is a strong factor being told by a dr you can no longer work.... Just have to wait and see what happens..

I am sorry to hear you are having problems.. I'm sure I will too..
If you don't mind me asking ... how old are you? and what were you diagnosed with?

[Dicon]

If you could direct me on how to find that thread I'd appreciate it.

Thank you

[selmaS]

  Hi...many have gotten thru this process to be approved. but it can be a  long and very bumpy road....it can be the state u live in as well as how co-operative ur Dr is in writing a letter to explain all u have to deal with pain and symptom wise.

Just be prepared for this to take some time...2 yrs at minimum.

There is a thread with tips to win SSID....so do look that up...if u need help let us know : )