Denied Social Security Disability Benefits

Hi fibro friends. I'm feeling down tonight. After being ill for the past 18 months and not working (age 53), my claim for disability benefits here in the USA was denied today- and I have a strong, documented case with other conditions. I will appeal with help from a lawyer. But it's clear to me now that the system doesn't fully understand how debilitating this disease can be. It's frustrating when you've paid Social Security taxes for 34 years, only to be denied help when you really need it. I have four physicians and even went to the University of Washington Medical Center for 2nd and 3rd opinions. I definately have fibromyalgia. I will ultimately have to go before a judge to state my case. It's like pouring salt into a very deep wound. A wound that only we understand. Sorry. I had to spill for a minute. My husband is off moose hunting in Canada for 10 days and I'm left to fend for myself and the dogs. But at least the dogs understand. God bless them. Hope your day is much better than mine. Blessings to all.

[Dionne0208]

Aw sorry to hear the struggles your having, I'm in London uk, it's no better here we have to fight for benefits and it sounds like it's the same everywhere, I would appeal and fight it as far as you can, sending lots of luck to you xx

[Hidden in reply to Dionne0208]

Thanks very much for your encouragement and support. Blessings to you!

[Trikki]

I do hope that one of our members in USA can help you with this one....it is all such a worry and doesn't help our fibro + illnesses.....Looks like you will have a fight on your hands...Best of luck and let us know how you get on.....

[Hidden in reply to Trikki]

Thanks so much for your support. Looks like I have a battle ahead.

[rosewine]

So sorry to read your post I can imagine from what I have read it can be very difficult and costly in the USA to get second opinions.

I have been fortunate enough today to have good news about a benefit I applied for but have previously had to fight for benefits for both myself and my husband and in the past. I therefore fully empathise and realise the stress all this causes. We had both paid taxes etc for over40 years and neither would have given up good jobs to exist on benefits if we had had a choice. I do hope you are successful.

Yes dogs are more emphatic than many humans they seem to have a sixth sense when we are suffering. Do keep us informed of your progress.x

[Hidden in reply to rosewine]

Thanks Rosewine. I appreciate your thoughts and have enjoyed your other posts on this forum. As they say, "Squeaky wheel gets the grease." We'll have to keep squeaking. Thanks for sharing and take care.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Hidden

I really am so genuinely sorry to read this and I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your appeal my friend. Please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you, Ken! And thanks for your service to this forum. You're so helpful and gracious and most informative.

[Heliboy911]

So sorry to hear of your problems and I hope that maybe you can and will appeal their decision if that is possible for you in the US ? Do you not have the equivalent of our Citizens Advice offices who have helped many people here on appeal and have won for them?

Fingers crossed that you will be able to do this and it seems as though your are having the same problems as we are here in the UK.

Keep your chin up and Hugs from London Regards Ian :>)))

[Hidden in reply to Heliboy911]

Thanks Ian! Yes, I have a law firm helping me that specializes in Social Security Disability. They will guide me through the appeal process and won't charge me a penny if we don't win the case. And by federal law, they can't charge more than $6,000 if we do win. I'm told fibromyalgia cases are hard to win. But my case has been rather severe given the extreme pain and exhaustion. Of course, they have no way of knowing that unless they come over and stay with me for a week. I'm sure the attorney will find a strategy by which to defend my case. I also have degenerative disk disease in my spine and two herniated disks which make it painful to sit very long. I'll keep you posted. Thanks gain for your concern and support. Your strongest friend and allie - USA! 🇺🇸

[Heliboy911 in reply to Hidden]

Good luck in your appeal... :>))