The Decision to Apply for SSDI
Worked as a nurse and hurt my back during a Code Blue. We saved the pt. but that was the last day I worked. The medication they gave me for pain and inflammation put a toll on my liver, and it went into complete failure. Thought I had the flu, instead the doctors were telling my husband I had two hours to live. A doctor remembered they were doing a liver study at U.C.S.F. AND THAT SAVED MY LIFE! My back injury was in 1994 and I filed in 1996 and was denied. The liver failure was in 2000 and after coming out of the coma, it took 5 years to recover. Still being treated for the same injury and still in the liver study.
The Application Process
I filed in 1996, was denied. Didn't know the process so I applied again in 1998, 1999. Since my injury, I've seen a doctor every month, not worked a day since. Between 1994-1999 I was on so much medication and had so much therapy. In 1998, I even lost my voice for almost a year due to ulcers caused by anti-inflammatory meds. My vocal cords were burned. Between 2000-2005, I to learn everything all over again, still my short term memory is a mess. Attorneys will not take my case, "Too long since I last worked". I filed again in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, but didn't follow through with the appeals. My two oldest girls didn't get to go to college and I'm worried about my two youngest. In 2008 my memory was improving a little, but still fighting fatigue and filed again. I have to prove I became disabled before 1999. My case is still in reconsideration.
What I'd Do Differently
I have saved every piece of paper since my injury. My workers comp. att. had a heart attack, so my best interest was not considered. I was terminated from work and am not getting any money there. But last year an attorney took my case for two months then decided I wouldn't win. I'm now appealing the reconsideration and asking to see a judge. Still not able to work and still being seen by up to three doctors a month (one is still for the same injury). My brain swelled during the coma and I have a head trauma. But I should have appealed the first time and followed it through, and hired an attorney if I couldn't finish.
Was the decision to apply for SSDI bittersweet?
I try not to take it personally, 'cause the depression, it gets worse.
Did you use a lawyer to apply for SSDI?
No, but do if you can't finish on your own the first time.
How long did it take to get a decision?
Two to three months for reconsideration.
Applying for SSDI: 1-10 (1 = awful, 10 = no complaints)
ONE !!!!!!!!
