Social Security Disability Advice Group

I am 34 y.o My disabilities are Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Depression, Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Migraines! I take Ativan, Fiorocet with codeine, Celexa 60mg, and Ambien.

we are the same age sometimes age is a problem bc. its really hard to say what the judge meant but there isn't anything you can do about it now. just try to relax and breathe. have you contacted your attny?

okay, I had my AJL hearing and want to get everyone's opinion on it.

At the hearing it was myself, my attorney, the judge, the court reporter and the VE. Prior to the hearing my attorney told me that this particular judge was the chief judge and usually approved 50% of his cases and that he heavily favored the ssdi claimants doctor information, which in my case is a good thing as my doctor doesnt want me to work. My lawyer made an opening statement, then the judge started asking me questions about my condition, my work history etc. then asked me a lot of questions about my condition and work based on my doctors recommendations. He then asked the VE what my job description was at my last job as far as climbing, bending, lifting etc. He then asked the VE, that if in my condition, according to my doctor's statement if I could work any gainful employment. The VE said no.

The judge then stated he had heard everything he needed to hear and asked my attorney if he had any further questions. My attorney asked a few brief questions then ended hos questioning. The judge then turned to me and apologized for the delay in getting a hearing stating he knew I had been through a lot. As we were leaving the hearing, the VE shook my hand and told me he hoped that things got better for me and that my condition improved. After the hearing my attorney was very happy and said I did outstanding and that the fact that the VE actually said those things to me was a good sign, as was that the hearing took all of 15 minutes......I would love to hear everyone's comments on my experience....

You should be very optimistic. After reading what you wrote, I have a gut feeling that things went very well for you which should result in a fully favorable outcome. It sounds to me like you had a very good attorney as well who was prepared for your hearing. The best thing is what you said about your doctor. You have his support and he does not want you working. SS must adhere to the treating physician rule. They can send you to their doctors to be examined (CEs) but what your doctor says and your personal medical records will by far carry the most weight.

I have seen other posts like yours in other forums and the outcomes were all good. Please come back and update when you get the decision.

@romeo1972, what medical condition or conditions prevent you from working?

I have ventricular tachycardia. I have had two heart attacks in the last three years, one of the them causing major damage. I have a defibulator/pacemaker as well. Of course I have high cholesterol, high blood press pressure and an irregular heart beat as well. Do some research on ventricular tachycardia. it is very dangerous and can be fatal. My doctor has me at stage 3 heart disease, which is just under the worst there can be....all this and I am only 39.....yay me!!

@romeo1972, oh wow! I am so sorry to hear this. There are some younger people sicker than older ones and should be approved more quickly IMO. It just depends on what your medical conditions are. Good luck to you my friend. I think your ALJ hearing went very well and you will get the fully favorable decision you seek. I also hope you can relax now and try to take as good care of yourself as you can to give yourself the best quality of life possible. As long as there is life, there is hope. Please come back and update when you receive the decision.

I have been waiting a few months shy of 3 years now.. When I went in it was just an office building with a waiting room and a few offices inside, one of which was the one my hearing took place in. Beforehand my lawyer met with me and took me into one of the offices, sat me down and again (2 weeks prior to this i had a scheduled phone interview with him) explained everything to me that was about to happen, of course with my issues being severe anxiety and depression it was almost impossible for me not to clam up and shut down. Thankfully the first thing I was informed of was that I had a female judge and there was no way I could have possibly ended up with a nicer one (after reading some stories I counted myself beyond lucky for once in my life). When it was time I went in and my atty. and the judge went back and forth I guess with case numbers and other things. I was asked simple questions and answered them to the best of my ability, which was the most emphasized instruction I had gotten from my lawyer, basically not to be "vague".. I told them about my issues, my prior work and how it effected me and how I got through it and couldnt have done it without adult vocational services/rehab. The vocational expert was asked if there was any work that I could possibly carry out in the end considering all of the mentioned evidence, and she came up with two options that were janitorial positions and a kitchen helper. When it was my lawyers turn to ask the vocational expert questions, he mentioned at my previous job I required a multitude of extra breaks and if it would be acceptable, which she replied that it wouldnt be acceptable in a competitive market. He then brought up the fact that my previous employer would often allow me to miss/leave early a number of days in a month and asked her if it would be acceptable at either in either of these positions along with the pace of the work and if she believed I'd be able to finish the work in the time necessary, she replied that it wouldn't be accepted in this competitive market as well. My lawyer also asked the judge for time to prepare two more pieces of evidence and she said she would give him a month and he said that much time was appreciated but not necessary.

It was a lot less stressful than I thought it would be. The judge did mention a "fully favorable decision", "medicare would help me get the help I need" and that "a review would need to take place in two years".. Most judges from my understanding would not mention their decision on the outcome of a case, so I think the fact that since all of these things were brought up by her, I may have a good chance. My lawyer also told me there was absolutely no way it could have gone better, which was a relief because I've hear of cases where even though people were only trying to convey their issues they "spoke to much and damaged their case". The judge said she was a bit backed up, but my lawyer said that a decision is usually reached within 60-90 days. He said that it seemed like she was wanting to review my case a little further, but from what I heard it seemed like it's only a matter of a little more waiting time now. I'm hoping for the best, and I do hope that everyone else has a good experience and the best of luck, and I thank those who wished me the same.

I also forgot to mention that my onset date was repeatedly hashed out between the judge and my atty. I had to sign paperwork stating that it was 1/08 instead of the prior onset that the SSA worker chose to go with, I wonder if the fact that they did that along with the other bits the judge mentioned is reason to believe that I have a favorable decision in my corner. Anyone else ever have anything like this happen?

Post edited by: MissKris, at: 07/03/2012 01:16 PM

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT IT MEANS IF MY CASE IS WITH THE UNDERWRITTER???

it just means the person who writes the letter for the judge is now doing there judge they do not have the time to do the paper work..... They have cases to hear each day 5-7 of them.