Tom
I am sorry. You are getting the standard answer to 90 percent of their applications. The deal is you have to PROVE it to them. They only know what they read. They only know what they see in black and white on paper.

I don't know where you are in your process but, most people go through 22 or more months before they obtain a favorable decision.

I know that the cane is not enough. In order for you to meet criteria of disabled due to muscular-skelatal issues, one of the criteria is: You must use two canes, two crutches or a walker. One cane is not considered enough of an impairment to substantially limit mobility.

Here is a great website that I found while I was researching my daughters SSI application. She just got approved--I filed in January of 2010 for her, she was approved October 27 (last week).
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/1.00-Musculoskeletal-Adult.htm

I hope that you continue to seek approval on your application. Don't give up until the very last appellate appeal. A friend of mine went through TWO hearings before a judge before finally receiving their approval last week.

HUGS and support.

I,m appealing my 3rd time.My Dr wrote a letter saying I.m unable to work . I don,t know if this is enough.There was a issue that I could work before now I can,t.Don,t give up.Keep apealing.I know its frustrating.Keep going to your dr.Have test done to back up your case.I.m going to show the judge how I walk.Hunged over only can take 5 steps before I have to sit down.I cann,t bend.I can,t sit more then 15 min.I can only stand for 20 min.Show the judge how bad you are. Keep me posted.We are in the same boat.Big Hug support.

The appeal papers have been sent back to the lawyer by now. Who would want to hire me? I was told I could not go back to my last job without the neurosurgeon given the "OK" for me to.(because of falls)(and complaining of pain and leaving early) I never got to go back at all. MRI was showing degenerative disc disease 3 back before last Christmas. Also, I did not go up to the church today. Why not? I could not stand up straight. That would be correct. It still does not feel good to stand up straight, but I can do it by now.(Eleve Liquid Gel, rubbing down with cream on neck, shoulders, and low back, and heating pad ) (and just got by with rubbing down a couple of times yesterday) I do have some Tramadol, but I never found it did any better than an Eleve Liquid Gel did for me. (which I don't think the Eleve did much today) I just feel like napping now. (like I did yesterday, the day before, and the day before) Yep!

I went back and forth with the clerks at the SSDI for 3 years and every appeal until I finally had a hearing before a Judge with my attorney. We had 20 page medical reports with analysis recommendations on how long I "could work " for a 8 hour day which was altogether almost 2 hours and maybe 5 days of work out of the month. The judge did rule in my favor 100%. It is just like stated before they want you to prove it to them and you have to overwhelm them with evidence in your favor.