My question is: Does anyone on here believe that it is easier for a man to be approved for disability before a woman?? I have not worked in a year. I had to sell everything...my car, my furniture, etc. and rent out my house or I would have lost it. I was denied LTD through my pemployers insurance company, Metlife. The first time they denied me, I was told I didn't go to the doctor enough..if I was so sick. Although I have over an inch of medical records just since this all started back in Sept. '09. Also was told that my VNG test came back normal, as a lot of people with MD does..it doesn't mean anything.
I also applied back in Feb of this year for disability through SSI and have been denied twice. i am on the appeal where it will go in front of a judge. That will take awhile to get here.
I cannot do anything more than just sit around and not do anything strenuous. Seems like everything is causing not only dizzy spells but the vertigo has come back as well. NOT FUN.
I have a decompression sac surgery scheduled for Oct. 9 and am hoping that it helps. It's just frustrating, as you all on here very well know. I just wish that someone from these insurance companies or a case worker for SSI could come and stay with me for 7 days and see what happens and what I go through everyday. Then tell me I can work.
I know that this process can be long and frustrating. I just wish that I could do something to speed it up. I do have an attorney for the SSI. I figured they would know more about the process than me.

Katiefens, I am sorry to hear you are having such problems getting approved. SSDI dose not discriminate against men or women I feel it is really about understanding the process. I think the fact that you have an attorney helping you with your case indicates you will probably prevail, however the wait is the problem and seems like you are not stable with your MD at this point. Is your attorney going to assist in your claim against your private insurance carrier? You will have back pay comming once you are appoved. Look online to find and understand the different steps SSDI needs to approve before you can win your case. The last step is allways the hardest, "can you do any kind of work?" Your attorney should be gathering from your doctors "functional capacity reports" he may even send you to a doctor who will do one that will help streanthen or even posabily weaken your case depending on your degree of disability. If you havent worked for a year it seems obvious that you have a disability issue. I think you are doing all you can at this point, your best shot at getting approved will be before a judge at this stage. Will keep you in prayer, be strong, its a struggle but worth it.

Rich