Years of neck and back pain...

[2knowme]

Diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) years ago with the doctor stating that this disease only gets worse. Now I have lumbar and cervical spondylosis, sciatica, and fibromyalgia...all of these conditions cause chronic and severe pain. I have pushed myself for years and cannot push myself anymore! I am close to retirement age which makes my situation worse...When does SSDI consider a person's situation severe enough to grant them disability? Can someone please help me understand the process of how it works?

[Neldine]

I had no issues getting my SSDI. I applied online, my GP sent all the charts they wanted. Had to be examined by their doctor. Took about six months. Good luck to you, it's a lot of hoop jumping, and trying to live on food stamps and credit cards was not a bit of fun.

[2knowme in reply to Neldine]

Thank you for replying...If you don't mind, may I ask is you had neck and back issues as well? And if so, can you share exactly what they are?

[Neldine in reply to 2knowme]

Compression fractures throughout, severe spinal stenosis in lumbar. Right leg is a lovely combination of numbness and fire, right hip agonizing, severe osteoarthritis in most joints, including jaw. Lots of pressure to have either a laminecemy or fusion, but have yet to meet anyone who has had a successful one.

[joannbiggs in reply to 2knowme]

You need to contact Social Security then, because I represented many many claimants on their case & the longest it took was 2 1/2 years from the 1st application. Have you appealed at each level within the 60 days time frame?Something has gone wrong with your application.

[2knowme in reply to joannbiggs]

I did not appeal the first time...I pray that they do not deny me this second time...In process now...

[joannbiggs in reply to 2knowme]

If you get denied at the second level, appeal for a hearing before an administrative law judge. And after the 2nd denial is when most people get an attorney to help them. You case may be one that is granted because your condition meets the regulations under SS. But continue to appeal it if you are denied.

[squirrel46 in reply to Neldine]

wow! You are very lucky! I have DDD, DJD, spinal stenosis,osteoarthritis, bone spurring,have had lamenectomy with cadaver & titanium hardware & am in constant pain & now have all my cervicals herniated with cord flattening & EXCRUCIATING migraines. I applied for Ssdi in 2011 and am STILL waiting for a hearing!

[2knowme in reply to squirrel46]

That is crazy! They want you to come in on a stretcher and looking almost dead...It will happen soon for you...For whatever reason I feel you shouldn't be waiting too much longer. Peace & Blessings

[joannbiggs in reply to squirrel46]

You need to contact Social Security then because something has happened to your application if you appealed at each level within the 60 day time limit. Granted it can take 2 -2 1/2 year but never 6 years. I represented many claimants over the past 25 years.

[joannbiggs in reply to squirrel46]

Have you worked enough to be able to get disability benefits? A lot of people don’t know that you have to have paid into Social Security (the FICA that is a deduction on your pay check) to be eligible to receive benefits. The eligibility for those benefits will expire if you have not worked for 5 or more years. The Supplemental Disability does not require that you have worked but you have to be below certain income and asset levels. You can also be eligible under a spouse or parent if you meet certain requirements too. Again you need to contact your local SS office to find out what has happened with your application & if you are eligible for benefits.

[EvilAunt]

I'm lucky, right. Thanks.

Sorry you're having a bad time of it. I don't know why Social Security is holding you up. Truly sorry you're in unrelenting agony. But... I can't even get the light bulbs in the house changed, I am the sole caregiver for my husband and 80% of the time for my neighbor. I am going downhill fast, with no break in sight. I haven't had a bearable day since August 2, 2012, when I went to the E.R. and was given two shots of Dilaudid after they realized I had two big kidney stones. Don't feel "lucky"

Good luck, but perhaps think beyond the end of your nose. You're not suffering alone.

[2knowme in reply to EvilAunt]

Wow! My heart goes out to you and your responsibilities...I have been the designated caregiver for family members since I was a teenager. I was in tears Christmas day because my brother was diagnosed with MS in 1994 and still, I am one of the only ones who still changes his diapers at all the family gatherings. My body is worn...I pray for strength and try to keep it moving. Peace & Blessings to you.

[Neldine in reply to 2knowme]

Know your feelings. It's so hard to keep pushing,but there's no vacation for caregivers. Wishing you strength, sorry it's on you.

[joannbiggs]

It depends on your age, educational level, and past work experience. You apply for disability as soon as you stop working and /or are unable to work for 12 months. Also if at your present job, your employer has made accommodations for you due to your medical problems, that can count for your 12 mos also. Anyhow, apply for SS disability just as soon as you stop working. Usually you do not get disability on your 1st application. You appeal the denial , then it goes to your state disability determination section. Most people are denied the 2nd time also. Appeal again, this time for a hearing before a judge. It’s also best to get an attorney to help you. The attorney only gets paid if you win your disability case, but if you loose at the hearing, then the att’y can write an appeal to the appeals council. If you have medical records of DDD , you may “meet the listings” & not have to go through all the appeals. You have to have medical records though, because that is what SS goes by when awarding disability. This is a very simplified explanation of the process. Best of luck to you. God bless.

[2knowme in reply to joannbiggs]

Thank you so much for this information! I have doctors reports, MRI's, X-rays going all the way back to 2004. I have 4 levels of degeneration in my neck as well as multi-level degeneration in my back. It's so much going on now, that I just try to keep moving so that my body won't lock up! Thanx again...Peace & Blessings to you.

[joannbiggs in reply to 2knowme]

You should be able to get your disability.

[2knowme in reply to joannbiggs]

From your lips to God's ear... Appreciate you for taking the time to reply.