ddd if the thoracic spine

[corey4433]

Got a new mri and shows ddd got alot worse I also have disc hernation t7t8t5t6 Im trying to still work so hard im a waitress been with my company 22 yrs Im thinking of applying for ssdi I was denied two yrs ago my doctor said I should try again but I have to work so is it worth even trying again

[remar]

Almost everyone will be denied the first time like Philnoir said. Especially if you do not have a lawyer. You can be denied even if you have a lawyer but you should be able to appeal. It can indeed be a long and drawn out process and it takes a lot of work on your part.
It would help your case if you quit your job. They see that you're still working and think that since you're able to work you don't need disability. I do understand that you need your job and the money to pay bills, buy food, see your Dr, buy your medications.
Do find yourself a good lawyer so you can get started on your case as soon as possible.

[corey4433]

I went through all of it hearning the whole nine yards My attorney was shocked I was denied I had two physical tests by two different doctors stating I had tons of physical obstacles shouldn't stand more than 2 hr sitting can't for more than about40 min without my back going in a spasms my work even wrote a letter stating I only work one counter don't get ice or mop and my hrs are 5 hr shifts yes I got my Congress men involved too day of my hearing my attorney said  you look different I was what are you talking about he said he look younger I had my hair cut colored he said we will have to remind the judge you are 40 what crap and they gave only 2 jobs I could do a ticket taker  and the other one my attorney said a computer now does it I get so anger  I didnt ask to have the awful pain and because where my back is hurt in the t.spine its unusal to have such injurys there most doctors wont touch that part of your back so im stuck with chronic pain

[philnoir]

Everyone gets denied for SSDI -- well, almost everyone.

When I first considered applying for SSDI, my pain doc said "get a lawyer." I did not take his advice and was wrong.

This time, find a lawyer who has specialized in these cases. I have a small office, local lawyer because that's how I like to do things, but there are a couple of national firms that do disability litigation and are very good at it. Binder and Binder is one such firm. There are others.

Even the appeal process / request for hearing will take another 12 - 18 months unless you write your senator and ask them to look into your case. If your senator's staff is good, they will notify SDI to "red flag" the file, which puts it near the top of the list -- but first, you have to file the appeal and all the other papers.

Get a lawyer and get the process started. There's a lot of work to be done.

Here's how it works --

Your lawyer gets paid out of the "lump sum" of back pay you'll receive if you win. The amount depends on your "date of disability" and percentage of disability.

For example, my date of disability is July, 2010.  My case is supposed to come up for review this spring -- let's say June of 2015. If I "win" a 100% disability claim, SSI will owe me a lump sum for these 5 years of back pay, from July 2010 to June 2015.

My attorney gets 25% of this "lump sum" and I get the remaining 75%. I will also get a monthly payment once a month from SSI. The lawyer gets none of this.

You have to pay all expenses, so it will cost you up front to get your medical records and other little fees for mailing, copying, etc. My costs were over $1,000, most of that being for medical records, which extend back over 20 years.

I'd encourage you to do it. Find the lawyer and let them guide you through the process. Do it tomorrow.