[shortandcute]

I have a disability hearing next month and I am terrified. I'm scared they are going to deny me again.

[Hellion]

I was denied and am appealing, haven't had the appeal hearing sceduled yet and according to the Social Security office it wont be for a few months. I am anxious about it, I haven't even gotten a representative or anything and I hope I now have enough medical records but I don't know.

If they deny you after you appeal couldn't you appeal again? I think if you get denied again there are options to try again...though I know waiting around for help you need is stressful in itself.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

:\ That's horrible. I'm assuming this is to go for the "disabled" label? I got that sorted a couple of years ago, thank God. I fear it's easier to do that in the UK - the US sounds like a nightmare for this stuff.

I just finished applying for disability and have literally almost had a breakdown just doing the online application...I have yet to speak to anyone in person yet.
My T has never seen me this way...I speak so fast anyway (brain gets ahead of my mouth) but since working on the app and passing out papers for my drs to fill out, etc, I have started to stutter some and not be able to get words out at all due to my high level of anxiety; it's completely through the roof. I don't know how I am going to make it through this myself, so I truly feel empathy for you.
And I know how you must be feeling about a hearing because I have already imagined this coming for me...are you going it alone or do you have a lawyer?
Either way I know it must be so nerve-wracking especially after being denied, which is what happens to EVERYONE in my state the first time....
I need to go down to my local social security office to drop off some papers asked for in the app process, and I feel completely nauseated at the idea of going through those doors.
Hugs to you, and I wish this weren't so hard...

[cool09]

Is this your first hearing? The application always gets denied first then you have to appeal for a hearing. If you have good documents and testimony that prove that your working is impaired you should get it. I had an excellent lawyer (from Princeton) in Philly and he told me that he would much rather take a mental disability case than a physical disability case because they are easier to prove. I got a partial favorable decision from my first hearing then appealed for more backpay and was denied the second hearing. The Appeals Council overturned the Judge's second decision. Every case goes to the SSA Appeals Council after Judge makes a decision (for checks and balances). Judge did not look at my paystubs (and my absences).

The Judge couldn't even read my Doctors notes but the large pile of documents from my past history helped.

Good luck - Rob

[5678scream]

Good luck, I was denied my first time, I appealed and it got approved the next time. they always deny you your first time, TRY not to worry about it too much. If you've got a solid case then you will be fine.