Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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sandyclause 11/30/2014

Hi everyone,

I have been on SSI for about 5 years and had a recent review. It was denied stating that my condition has improved and I am no longer disabled as of November 2014. Of course, it was news to me that my condition has improved! The only thing that has improved is that I am taking gabapentin, which has helped with the pain, but leaves me almost comatose (yes, I am exaggerating a bit). Since my initial approval, I was also diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases.

Two questions: I remember there being a group that helps with disability claims for free, but can't remember the name...? Also, is the redetermination based only on the initial illnesses, or do they include the more recent ones? That is, did they include the autoimmune illnesses or just the fibro?

Thanks for any help--Sandy

ItsJustMe2012 11/30/2014

There aren't any places or anyone who helps when someone has had their benefits stopped. There is no backpay for them to be paid from. You can talk to legal aid, but I doubt they will take the case. You need to get a copy of your medical records and read them and see exactly what your drs have written. Medical and non medical evidence needs to be consistent. When you apply for disability, you have to prove to SSA that you're disabled. When SSA stops benefits in cases like thism it is up to SSA to prove that you're able to perform SGA doing jobs in tha national economy. SGA in 2014 is $1070 a month.

ItsJustMe2012 11/30/2014

Continuing Disability Reviews are based on only the impairments you were approved for. If you are found no longer disabled, then they will evaluate other impairments to see if they meet the criteria. There will have to be medical and non medical evidence that the other impairments prevent you from performing SGA.

PeaceN2You 11/30/2014

I don't know what's going on with SSA - they recently discontinued benefits for a friend of mine who has an inoperable brain tumor and end stage COPD.

She appealed and got the benefits reinstated, but on what planet did they imagine she'd "improved"?

Read your letter and see if instructions for appeal are there.

Hopefully others here will know more about what you need to do.

ItsJustMe2012 12/01/2014

You can appeal a cessation of benefits to an ALJ. But, you would have to pay an attorney/firm/group to handle it if you could find one that would, You only have a limited time to appeal the cessation. You can also request to continue to receive benefits while you are waiting for a hearing and an ALJ to make a decision. Have you tried to work or go back to school ? There is no room for exaggerating when it comes to disability and SSA. Inconsistent medical and non medical can be costly.

It is the same with cessation of benefits as it is when they determine disability. It is your ability to function that is looked at. Often a patient won't continue to tell their dr how their impairments affect them nor do they continue to get their medical records to ensure that the info SSA needs is there.

Appeal of an Initial Medical Disability Cessation Determination or Decision-
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OP_Home/rulings/di/04/SSR2013-03-di-04.html

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