Workers' Comp & SSDI Support

I have my hearing on the 29th. I meet with the attorney this Friday. I'm already trying to come up with excuses on not going. My anxiety/social phobia is kicking in. I'm okay when I stay at home but when I go out the door is when I start freaking out. Just thinking about it is driving me nuts! And I don't have anyone to talk to about it. I have my husband, but sometimes it is hard to get it out of me. I'm paranoid about my medical records not being good enough (it never seemed the doctor would ask me anything other than how the medication was, and when I told him it never seemed like he would write it down plus I was afraid of telling him everything going on with me because they have a habit of sticking me in a hospital at the slightest thing.) I'm just really freaking out right now and don't know how I will get through this.

I looked up the judge for my video hearing. His name comes up a lot as an assistant attorney at SSDI hearings, not as a lawyer for but as a lawyer against. So that is making me way paranoid. The fact that my doctor didn't mention having to fill out one of those forms (what are they called, about my condition), I thought the lawyer would have him fill one out. But he rarely asks me about my problems, so the doctor might not fill out everything on the form.

So everything is going through my head right now, driving me nuts. I'm beginning to think this isn't worth going through since I'll probably be denied anyway. Someone come along and reassure me everything will be okay, please!

Stop thinking so much about it.  If you do get denied, just appeal that decision.  Appeal, Appeal until you win.  It took me 3 1/2 years and I wasn't going to give up.

I now it's hard not to be stressed about the upcoming hearing but your social and anxiety phobias might be in your favor at this time.  If the judge sees how hard it is for you to be out in public it won't hurt your case, as a matter of fact it might help. 

Just try to remember the hardest part is almost over which is the waiting.  When you meet with your attorney he/she should go over the medical records.  Even though you're looking for ways to get out of this meeting you NEED to go, the attorney will tell you what to expect when you go to the hearing and help you formulate answers to possible questions that may come up.  Talk to your attorney and don't be afraid to ask questions.  If it helps write everything down on a pad of paper and take that with you, if you have trouble asking your questions just hand the pad to the attorney. 

Good luck and my thoughts and prayers will be with you on Friday and the 29th. 

Hi Kelly

Just had to stop in.   Both Fran and Dee gave you great answers.   Just remember this is the day you have been waiting for.   YOU TOTALLY need to appear.   You can do it.   Just think of all of us that day.   Picture us all sitting with you and sending you positive thoughts.   Here's a picture of me.   Take it with you!  We are with you in spirit.   Just remember there have been over 100 IV Members that have passed through this board and have walked in your shoes.   We want you to be among the rest of us in wins.

This is the time the judge needs to see you exactly how rattled you can be.   Do not hold back tears. 

Remember to wear every day clothing ...do not look like you are made up to go to a party or to church.   You have stated to SSA that life is tough and very difficult so you don't need a lot of make up or a new hair style.  

I wouldn't wear heals even if you aren't claiming a physical disability.   If you are claiming a physical disability make sure you bring a cane or any other device you have been recommend to use by the doctors. 

Make sure you get an up to date copy of all your Pharmacy Prescriptions to take with you.   This one way to prove how much medication you are taking and the types.   Get it for as many years back as you can so you can show it is a continuous problem.

Ask dh to go with you in case they want to ask questions.   Mine did not go.   At least ask attorney if he wants a friend or family member there to verify how difficult life is for you now.

That is the most important thing we can tell you   SSA DOES NOT WANT TO KNOW HOW WELL YOU DEAL WITH LIFE WITH YOUR DISABILITY.    They want to know how DIFFICULT life is for you.

If you have kept a copy of the original forms you filled out for SSA especially the one where you stated how long you sat, stood, ran or whatever that darn form asked, read it.   THe judge may ask some of those same questions. 

For me it is a physical disability, so I made a point of talking about how much PAIN I have.   How difficult it was and is to go to a grocery store, play with my grandkids, how shut in my life has become.   Explained how productive I use to be and how my family suffers financially because I know longer earn the money I use to bring to help out the family and how that makes me very depressed.  

Again.........do not hold back.   PAINT the picture of your life.  It is just fine to appear upset and puzzled.  The judge will expect.

Sending you many many hugs for your day at the hearing.

Philly