social security benefits

I just after going thru and fight social 3 years ago, denied 2wice and then canceled my hearing because my lawyer told me, the judge might denie me due to me being on opiates and past history of drugs . So I thought well, I willl get sober, and see how I do. I got sober  still doctors diagnos me as bipolar 2 and gad, im on limictal , zoloft, cloanzapam, trazadine, I have been thru 60 jobs in 3 years , Ive been sober 3 years , I filed a year ago and finally they set up a state doctor to evaluate me about 2 months ago.  They didnt do that last time , they just denied , denied... so my question is is it a good sign that state doctor agrees after evalutating sober still bipolar, major anxiety disorder , unable to work. She told me thats her diagnosis...I should be getting a determination letter this week and Im so scared, I need this money I have not worked in 5 years ...My husband is going nuts always being broke...and we have a baby on the way..Please if anyone has been through this and know enough about fighting the social system please write back with something to tell me weather its looking good or no, or who knows until you get the letter just something would help.. Im really scared thank you

[ILADVOCATE]

Before I acquired my physical disability I did do representation in this area. I do know that Soc. Sec. has strict regulations as regards substance abuse but if you are in a rehab program now and have been through it through an extended period of time (and have not used during the eligibility period) and have written proof from them or from a doctor or psychiatrist that you have not used, that aspect should not be a problem. However you might get denied again but that would not be a reason to stop. It is essential to understand that many people are denied at the initial levels so it is always worth appealing although any history of substance abuse during the application period would of course be harder to contest than bipolar itself. The essential thing is to have detailed evidence from your psychiatrist that would support your claim. Google "ssa.gov" and go to the "questions and answers section" and "disability secrets" that explains some specifics about applications. You could also find out more from your local independent living center. There's one in every county of every state.

[ILADVOCATE]

Before I acquired my physical disability I did do representation in this area. I do know that Soc. Sec. has strict regulations as regards substance abuse but if you are in a rehab program now and have been through it through an extended period of time (and have not used during the eligibility period) and have written proof from them or from a doctor or psychiatrist that you have not used, that aspect should not be a problem. However you might get denied again but that would not be a reason to stop. It is essential to understand that many people are denied at the initial levels so it is always worth appealing although any history of substance abuse during the application period would of course be harder to contest than bipolar itself. The essential thing is to have detailed evidence from your psychiatrist that would support your claim. Google "ssa.gov" and go to the "questions and answers section" and "disability secrets" that explains some specifics about applications. You could also find out more from your local independent living center. There's one in every county of every state.

[vickie5989]

I went to a doctor SS told me to go to.  I went to 3 different doctors.  They paid for it.  I guess they have certain criteria they go by.  I know of a lady who has been trying to get her husband SS for 3 years now. I was told that if I didn't get it I'd have to get a lawyer.  No one expected me to get.  I guess I'm sicker than I thought.  The shrink is the last person I saw and he thought I was nuts.  Keep trying.