I'm sorry that this happened. Most people are denied 2-3 times before they are approved unless their death is imminent. Appeal and get a lawyer who does SSDI only. My hubby has done no job except painting since he was a teen and he was denied for his severe COPD caused by 33 years of painting. They said that he could do "something" that did not involve pulmonary irritants, but didn't say what that may be. He has no GED or HS diploma and no other work experience. It really pisses me off that most people collecting SSDI are not nearly as bad-off as he is. He is on his first appeal. You will need to appeal too and I hope that you prevail. You are 50 and that is good because that is a "magic" age in SSDI. (My hubby turns 50 this year.) Otherwise, you must match a "listing" which is very difficult. There are 18 "listings" I believe. If you match one, you are granted SSDI without having to go through appeals and hearings.

Don't give up appeal, appeal, appeal! I would if it were me. Sorry this happened to you. I guess everyone has difficulites getting SSDI. Tipper on here gives out some great advice on getting someone to help you get approved. You should ask her.. Don't feel too bummed about it, your gonna just have to jump thru all the same hurdles everyone probably has to I suspect. Chin up!! : )

jasp435 From your journal I see you are currently teaching are you able to continue or are youmissing work because of your pain? My Dr. says people who work at least part time seem to do better.At least for myself I say its true.Of course if you reapply chances are you willlbe approved.You have to know yourself.Hope this helps.

Don't give up! I have been waiting since 2008 for my appeal. I should be having a court date some time soon. I have a lawyer to help me out. I have no idea what I'd do if I didn't get it.

Awwww Jasp, I am so sorry Hun! But like ChronicIL said, sometimes it takes 3 times before you get approved, so don't take this first denial as a defeat, take it as a challenge! I know that I told you about Allsup, right? Is this company that specializes in approving people for SSDI, and they have a 98% success rate, you can go to their website, send the info that they ask for, and they will tell you if they are willing to take your case or not. If they decide to take your case, you can almost bet that you will get approve, so don't despair and go to their site;

www.allsup.com

Hun, don't be sad, get mad and start fighting, OK?????

{{{Hugs}}}

I'm sorry also jasp, cuz from your history and posts, I see that you surely would qualify. Like others said - hang in there and appeal it for sure. It took my brother 3 tries also, but in the end he did get back pay, back to the year and month that he originally applied, so maybe that's a good thing to look forward to. Don't know if you have a lawyer, but I've been told that your truly do need one. I've also heard that writing to your Senator really helps. Keep trying jasp - and keep your positivity up!
Big hugzz ~Sandy~

SSI is just plain evil IMO. I got my daughter on it then was going to have a change in income after the fact that I told them twice that it was chaning the idiots there never bothered to put that in my daughter chart, so after I had my anualy review they pulled my ssi and billed me over 2 grand becuase they say they overpaid me. I hit the roof I was so mad I told thoes usesless fools there and they never got it. I went down there last month and said my income had gone back to normal and told them just take 10% of the check out to pay your self back and that was a month ago and I have not seen another bill nor a check so I have no clue what's going on guess I have to go back in and see what's going on. SSI is a broken system and needs to be fixed and I am so sick of dealing with there crap

Sorry to hear that Jasp. Like everyone has said...put your best foot forward, and go back. I so empathize with you! It feels as though we have to fight daily just with the pain and getting into a comfortable position. Huge supportive hugs Jasp and take care of you, Eva

Thanks, everyone for your encouragement! I will appeal and try to get my finances in order for a long haul - and get an attorney. Thanks, Tipper, for the name of one. It's not like I want to be on disability, let alone fight to get it, but you do what you gotta do...

When i went before the judge in my case I told him i was on pain meds and that they make me so tired that i need a nap durning the day and he said no job will let me take a nap and approved me, Now I am sure it also had alot to do with all my medical files. But if you are on pain killers and if they are strong that can help in your favor. Plus doctors wrote resrictions on my forms no lifting more then 15 pounds, can not bend or twist, can not sit or stand longer then 15 minutes at a time. A whole bunch of lttle things that most dont think to tell the judge will help you in your case.

I got a lawyer, after i was denied the first time, and that helped alot he knew what to do and what to bring. Did you have a lawyer

had to have a lawyer--I was dennied because I was a women with children at home the old judge said int the denial letter that ment I was a housewife--how is that for descrimitnation--and thats why I got it when I went back --they didn't want a descrimination suit
keep fighting I haven't heard of anyone that got it on the first try--my children are supose to be getting ssi beni under me and haven't seen a cent so I am back to the lawyers next week myselof

I feel for ya. I'm in a similar situation but decided not to fight it. Fortunately, my husband is willing to support me. Unfortunately, inlaws are convinced if I were "really" unable to work I'd be on SSDI, lol. Otherwise I'm just lazy. Once on SSDI then I can be labeled a 'lazy welfare recipient' oh joy. It's a viscous game. And nobody seems to want you to win.
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The good news is that most people who fight eventually win. I'm with you tho- it's not like it's a battle I want to win either (being deemed officially disabled). But, if I had to face the world on my own, I would definitely get a lawyer and fight for it.

Best of luck to you! I may even give that lawyer a call, myself. =)

Jasp, I'm so sorry. I remember what it was like to get my first denial, my knees buckled. But I hung in there and the judge ruled in my favor at the third stage of the appeal. So, keep appealing and hang in there. I think they want to see if they can wait you out.

Best wishes,
Theresa