What are the chances of getting SSI at 36 ?

Question

I have bone degeneration disease and severe problems with c5-6-and 7...also disk problems in lower back per MRI"S and x-rays.

Hi Guys...quick note, I have records dating back to 1997 from x-rays and MRI"S. I even have a Kinematic MRI from 1999 on file . Total in all about 3 sets of x-rays and 4 sets of MRI showing worse every 3 years. The Kinematic shows I have severe attenuation in c5-6 and 7 and then something gapping in neck and also a tear on the anulous...I am not sure what that all means, Also states bone degeneration and etc.

Answer 1

Your chances are pretty poor, even poorer if you try it by yourself.

You need to build up medical records and establish a long-term history. Then you need proof on how this affects your ability to hold a job. You must have at least a two-year history of this, the longer the better.

Then you file with the Social Security Office. Expect to be refused; almost everyone is on his or her first try. Once that happens then you can hire a lawyer to help you. Look in your phone book under lawyers and you will find lawyers that specialize in this kind of work.

When you sue the Social Security Administration you are suing for the disability payments and the back payments that you are due. You must have back payments of at least $4000 to qualify for a lawyers assistance (current payments are 735 per month).

When I filed I was rejected. When I was unable to work and homeless I applied the second time and was refused again. Later I was able to sue and the date of my payments went back to the second time I applied. The first time the Social Security Workers didn't even bother filling out the entire form, because they knew that I would be rejected. My only problem was chronic pain, and I while I had almost a decades worth of medical history I didn't have "hands on" proof of a disease; nothing like clear bone degeneration or problems with the spinal disks that could be seen on x-rays or an MRI.

As part of the process I had to see doctors hired by Social Security and give them access to my medical records. I only saw the SSI doctor after my second filing because with my first filing I was denied so fast that it would make your head swim.

Finally, I hired a SSI lawyer. The lawyer worked on the case (mostly by preparing some documents) and set up a court appearance. I brought a witness with me who could testify that I was truly disabled by my disease and it did render me unfit to hold down a job. The critical point in my case was based on the issue of what my pain did to me; I suffered Fibromyalgia brain fog making me do stupid things. I could work and suffer the pain, but if I did so then the pain would turn me stupid and I would make important mistakes.

I got my settlement soon after and the lawyer charged me a percentage of the settlement up to a $4000 cap. Needless to say the lawyer got his $4000 and Social Security paid his firm directly, and I never saw that money.

I came down with my condition in 1989 and it wasn't until 2002 that I got my Social Security settlement. Like I said it was a long road for me. But, then I didn't have physical proof of my problem. Fibromyalgia doesn't work that way. If you have concrete proof then you are better off. If you have doctors that will say you are disabled and unable to work and if you can bring witness to your hearing who will say the same thing then you may have a good chance.

You will need patience, perseverance, and the ability to power through the pain long enough to beat Social Security. You should go to the Social Security office ASAP (as soon as possible) and start the application process. You can then fill out a release form letting you doctor(s) respond to Social Security's request for your medical information.

You need to keep records of your own. Not every pill prescribed, or every single visit, but milestones; like your doctor’s evaluation, when your condition started, when your condition got worse, what jobs you lost on the way. Then you also need to keep track of when you first filed and your repeated applications (I think there is a one-year requirement before you can apply again, but the rules may have changed so ask the Social Security Office). It would also be wise to collect credit card receipts and other bills that are related directly to your heath problem so you can show a record of payments you have made. Again they don’t want to wade through a huge record, they are looking for the highlights. Then if they want to check something specific you will have those records in a file storage box at home. Doctors don’t like to discuss their medical records with their patients so you shouldn’t try. You can request them, but it would be best to get a yearly summery. The doctor will have the detailed records ready for Social Security; if they ask, but he will probably only send them a 1-page summary and a short one at that.

The problem is not just that you are dealing with a huge bureaucracy, but you are dealing with one that doesn’t trust you and doesn’t want to pay you. There were so many cases of fraud that Social Security had to tightened the reins and couldn’t grant disability to too many people. When Congress found out about all the fraud and abuse of the system (after the media brought it to light) then were furious and ordered tighter controls on the system. As the budget gets tighter and the problem of Social Security Funding increases then the requirements to get that disability get tougher and tougher to meet. Also Congress has made it clear that they don’t want to give out the disability insurance to anyone without a clear need that can be traced back over time. So you are facing a tough road ahead, and I wish you luck.

Since I have to deal with chronic pain 24/7 365 days a year you can contact me if you need a shoulder to cry on or are looking for some advice. You can contact me via my avatar.

Answer 2

It is possible but don't be discouraged when they deny disability the first time you try (its normal). You will need an experienced lawyer who does this type of case frequently.
In the interest of trying to keep you out of pain - you and your health professional should read The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies. I have used a chiropractor (along with a massage therapist). The chiropractor is a muscle specialist and uses an activator DO NOT use one who does manual manipulation for your condition.

Answer 3

Well, you can apply for it through the Social Security Office and just wait and see. If they turn you down, you can appeal the decision and/or hire a lawyer to help you.

Each case is different so there really is no way to tell what decision they would make on your case. From what you are saying, I think you have a good chance as long as you submit paperwork from your doctor(s).

Answer 4

you should apply for ssdi (social security disability) i think you more than qualify. call the 800 number in the front of your phone book and see about applying........sometimes they will not authorize the 1st time you submit==do not let that bother you, just keep re-submitting until they ok it for you.
my mother alway told me that if at 1st you don't succeed, then try try again.
i hope this info will help you get the funding that you need. also..ask your doctor to fill out a handicapped placard form for you so you can park in the disabled spaces. i wish the very best of luck to you and really hope that you can get the funding and placard that you need............ i will pray for you....God bless and keep you safe and happy
i did all of the above and i qualified the 1st time.
i have interstitial pulmonary fibrosis and on oxygen 24/7
plus i have acute fibromyalgia and am in pain all the time and had to have surgery on both hands for carpal tunnel, plus i am mentally disabled as well.

Answer 5

Have you worked and earned enough credits for social security disability. That makes a big difference. I am and have been a stay at home mom for almost 9 years. On my social security papers i received around my birthday it says i didn't have enough work credits in the past few quarters to qualify. Contact Social security for your info. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

If you don't meet a specific listed impairment then the ssa goes by the totality of your problems and the impact on your daily life. Good luck!

Answer 7

I believe that your doctor will have to submit a report, and no doubt you will be turned down the first time you apply. You may have to have a lawyer help you.

Answer 8

I think you can receive S.S.I. As long as you have prove from your doctors. You can even do an evaluation online. Go to SSA.gov...

Answer 9

See a lawyer....best advice.

Answer 10

call your social security office..........they are the ones to ask