Finally got my hearing date

[lstrl]

I applied for SSDI just over a year ago and got denied twice. I got an attorney after that and didn't think I'd ever get my hearing date, but I finally did today! Looks like I'll be going in front of the ALJ in about another month. Considering I'm only 29, I know that's why I was automatically denied before, so I'm really scared about this. Would anyone who has been through this before have any advice? I feel like it doesn't matter how bad off I am, the fact that I'm so young means it's a long shot.

[pennstater]

I can't offer any advice as I have not been thru it. Just want to wish you good luck. Has your lawyer offered advice and prep information? I would hope so.

[Rich Feingold]

Am I too young to be approved for benefits?

Hello, lstrl and pennstater. lstrl, it depends upon your case. Many younger individuals have been approved for benefits. Talk to your lawyer regarding your concerns and regarding the strategy of your claim and best of luck.

Rich

[Charles Reinhold]

I think that we have seen a recent trend where younger people are not automatically turned down, I think that it is good that we are seeing a shift towards this to be quite honest with you. I would be worried if being younger should somehow disqualify you for not receiving what you should receive.

[dokken67]

im 47 and thats why i got shot down , they said even tho i cant do my past work i could do other work.
seems like a common response from them. i myself didnt see a lot of specialists so i think that hurts at the initial claim.
tho i have had hospitals and my doctors say what i have , so i guess the lawyer will have to prove my case and my background. so hopefully you have a lot of documentation that will go a long way for your age..
but i don't blame you heck just the thought of sitting in front of the judge gets me all shaky lol im sure the judge takes all in consideration hopefully everything goes well for you !

[lstrl]

I won't actually talk to my lawyer until two days before the hearing, and then again right before the hearing starts. She warned me when I first talked to her about taking my case about the whole age thing and that most people my age will have to go in front of an alj.

I honestly have no idea how helpful my records are. I used to see a neuro who seemed like she didn't listen at all, but I later found out that she documented every single word I said. She left and the guy I'm stuck with now seems like he's even worse than her, but who knows. It could be the same way with him. I hope so. I also recently saw a physical therapist for a functional assessment and she said she thinks I should get approved. She deals with MS patients every day and really seems to know what she's talking about so I'm hoping that's a really good sign.

Dokken, that's exactly how it worked with me. They said because I can use my hands, there's something I can do. It seems like they pick whatever information they want and then totally disregard the rest. Back then, I actually kept having episodes (medically documented) where my whole right arm seemed like it went dead and I couldn't use it for anything until it went back to normal again. They seemed to skip over that info when they decided I could still use my hands. They'll do anything they can to save a buck, even though it means denying so many people the benefits that they've worked for and can't anymore.

I've got one week to go and then hopefully this will all behind me and I'll be approved. If not, I have no idea what I'll do, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

[dokken67]

I won't actually talk to my lawyer until two days before the hearing, and then again right before the hearing starts. She warned me when I first talked to her about taking my case about the whole age thing and that most people my age will have to go in front of an alj.

I honestly have no idea how helpful my records are. I used to see a neuro who seemed like she didn't listen at all, but I later found out that she documented every single word I said. She left and the guy I'm stuck with now seems like he's even worse than her, but who knows. It could be the same way with him. I hope so. I also recently saw a physical therapist for a functional assessment and she said she thinks I should get approved. She deals with MS patients every day and really seems to know what she's talking about so I'm hoping that's a really good sign.

Dokken, that's exactly how it worked with me. They said because I can use my hands, there's something I can do. It seems like they pick whatever information they want and then totally disregard the rest. Back then, I actually kept having episodes (medically documented) where my whole right arm seemed like it went dead and I couldn't use it for anything until it went back to normal again. They seemed to skip over that info when they decided I could still use my hands. They'll do anything they can to save a buck, even though it means denying so many people the benefits that they've worked for and can't anymore.

I've got one week to go and then hopefully this will all behind me and I'll be approved. If not, I have no idea what I'll do, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.

yeah most people get that letter they just change the names i think i read something like 80% get the denial letter. and most people dont know whats in there medical record its something you never really think about until you get so beat down that you cant move and then you go ut oh now what , and people say you should really file thats why the system is there and when you do that they kick you even more. it really makes you feel like a piece of crap.

so get through some dont , i know when my cousin filled she didnt get approved and she had a long list of problems her main heart stem almost killed her , she has all kinds of nerve damage in her neck arms legs and has all kinds of medical to prove it, and when she seen the judge he looked at her and said i seen your medical record and lets just say to make a long story short. he couldn't believe she was denied, your lawyer will fight for you and tell your story as well as you will be able to say things , it will paint a better picture then just black and white pages. im sure your nervous try and hang in there and good luck ! keep us posted.