[withit]

I am unable to work due to fibromyalgia. My initial application for SSI was denied.
I would like to appeal the decision and would like to know what to expect. If it was denied once, how does an appeal help? Anything I can do to up my chances of being approved next time around?
Any help on this matter is appreciated!

[bebop]

get an attorney. make sure you are keeping up with seeing the dr. anything new evidence you can send in. did you also file for ssd? don't wait more than 30 days to appeal.

[withit]

I have stopped seeing my pain management doc because he is no longer helping me. There aint nothing he can do for me, except prescribe physical therapy. PT increases my fatigue and spasms. I have done it for a few months and felt sick all the time. Since I'm not participating in PT my spasms have greatly decreased, I don't fall asleep mid-day.... my pain level went from 9/10 to 6/7. So no more pt for me. Hence no more doc.

[bebop]

well if they see you are better you are less likely to get it. you need to documentation to prove the need. even if you see your regular dr on a monthly basis. that is what I did.

[wisewoman]

I know a lot about this. First off why are you on this board? Do you have a documented mental illness? If so it is necessary to write a statement about how this affects you and to give perm to your T to give info to SSD. It is absolutely necessary to appeal NOW. In terms of the pain have you tried lyrica? How old are you? Did you get special services in school if you are young? Be as detailed as you can and write a narrative like what I said above. PM me if you like.

[withit]

Didn't get special services as a child. I'm a single mom of three young kids. Lyrica made me dizzy. I'm trying to get onto SSI cuz the symptoms I have, with the fibromyalgia, keeps me from being employed. I barely take care of my home and kids, and even that is often neglected.

If my doc documents any anxiety or depression, my fear is that my ex will somehow track down those kinds of reports and use it against me in an attempt to take custody of the kids. I have full custody.