Fibromyalgia Support Group

Hi all,

Good news comes rare so when I received some today I just had to share it with my friends.

After almost 2 years a Judge reviewing all of the denials just before the case went to trial finally ruled in my favor stating that the state had failed to provide sufficient evidence against the overwhelming documentation from my doctors stating the nature of my illness and that I am and will be considered disabled. I victory for all of us suffering from illness that gets scrutinized, met with sarcasm, and rarely gets the attention and treatment it deserves.

I just couldn't believe the letter I read it like 12 times to absorb every word. Also the judge found that I am entitled to benefits from the original date I stated I was disabled instead of the date I filed and determined that I should not be reviewed again until December 2009. I honestly want to find this judge give him a big kiss and my first born. LOL.

After having been told by people that if you just stick with it and not allow Social Security to intimidate me I can finally believe it's true. I hope that all of you who have or are considering filing might find hope in this and it really does seem that patience does have its rewards.

Being told officially that you're disabled and being happy about it probably sounds weird, but for me it's validation and for me I can now just focus on my well being and continued efforts at just living with this illness and seeking the right treatments.

Thanks for allowing me to share my news.

WOOOOHOOOOO

this is great news CJ - I'm glad for you.

i can understand the dilemma on being happy about a disability approval, but its what you wanted and its all that counts.

Thanks Roy. I'm actually euphoric right now and pinching myself. I just can't believe after how long it's been that I actually get a good thing in the mail for a change. What's also great is that because I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old they are also entitled to benefits and financial relief, so day care looks like it's going to be paid for as well which has been a huge burden with just my wife as the soul source of income.

Also I just wanted to say that it honestly wouldn't be possible to have received this notice in believe it or not in such a short period of time. Apparently I was approved without a hearing due to the overwhelming evidence provided by my attorney who also requested that my case be reviewed with expedition due to the severity of my condition. I alone would never had known to do this and definitely wouldn't have know which records to provide to get the best reaction.

So I have to say even having to pay them 25% of my retro pay as well as a couple hundred dollars in filing fees, I still highly recommend getting representation if you are considering filing for disability. The lawyer that I went with was

Boettcher, Boettcher, & Lobaugh

110 North Fourth Street

Post Office Drawer 1631

Ponca City, Oklahoma 74602

(866) 763-0786

Buuuuut. I wasn't completely impressed with them especially since I had to pull a lot of info from them and they didn't really keep me in the loop on anything. Also, even though I received a positive result, I felt I had to wait longer so that the 25% cut would be more beneficial to them. I filed in May of 2006 and went with them in July 2006 so although I can't prove they waited intentionally it felt very much like I should have received this favorable decision much earlier due to the documentation they used which was dated last year.

I did happen upon another agency when I contemplated jumping ship and they gave me more information about how to win my case just during the initial call then the attorney's office did the entire time they were "working" for me. So in fairness I would like to list their information since they were so kind and seemed like they really care about getting the best outcome in the smallest amount of time:

Allsup Inc.

(800) 279-4357

Good luck to you to those who decide to follow and never let Social Security intimidate you.

Congratulations! For other members who may be in the process and may not know how the disability process works. It will often take two years or more to get through to the judge. You will get several denials, but you have to keep appealing. I was told this was to weed out any fakers

You will get your determination with a local judge in a private hearing.

The point is, don't take the denials personally, it is one more step closer to your goal of getting disability. Usually, the payments are retroactive back to the date you filed or the date you were diagnosed. Standard procedure.

HI CJ, I am so happy about your approval. I'm with ALLSUP too. I just went with them in May when I got my second denial on this new claim. I got a letter from them stating that the examiner got my appeal and somewhere between 8 and 24 months, I'll get a hearing date.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Social security disability;

first they ignore you

then they laugh at you

then they fight you

then you win.

- Ghandi

Boy, isn't that the truth.

Congrats, CJ! It is a long road for most of us to get approved and that feeling of validation. I'm glad you stuck in there and made it!

Validation means everything! Good for you for seeing it through.

Congratulations! What you wrote could also have been my story! Last week I received notice that a judge had approved my Social Security Disability benefits, also after two years. Rah, rah for those of us who remain persistent! So many times I just got so discouraged, but I hung in there and it paid off. I'm so glad it did for you also. I'm new to this group and hope to make many good friends and find support, as I'm sure many of you have done.

Gentle hugs,

Debi

Hi CJ, and congratulations! What a relief you must be feeling. I'm glad you felt it was worth the wait...encouraging words for one whose claim and appeal have both been denied, so far.