The interview
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion Archive: Archive August 2005:
The interview
I was so nervous I didn't sleep at all last night.
I still get nervous, anxiety etc (bad employer as anyone can recall).
She called at 9:10 and started off explaining all of the legalities.
Then it started, I had preregistered and sent my info in a week ago.
As I explained my situation, she made it sound like I wasn't worthy of it. Of course, worthiness and what I think of myself is in the very low percentile.
She made me go into the whole previous employer thing and what went on and why I was fired. So going into the whole thing put me into tears, had to explain it all, employer relationship, my mom's illness and the termination and the horrible names I was called in the end.
Of course, this made her sympathetic, which I am not looking for, it just takes me back to a horrible place and time I can not deal with very well.
She said she understood workplace abuse and that there is more of it than is told.
I told her all the doctors I went to and for what. She wanted to know all the kid's info and dh's info.
There are two types of benefits I could be eligible for, however, this info is sent to Harrisburg, and they will review. It will take 3-6 months. And since my time of employment was getting near the 5 year point, they will have to determine if I was disabled in 2001-2002. Which I don't think will work. My pain started 7-8 years ago but has increased over time.
The interview went well, however, she is not the one to access the information so I have no idea.
I know I'm such a negative person. I should have applied for it earlier, but I didn't think that it would get to this point.
As for the doctor, Amanda, I believe a fill-in doctor what have to have some clause. I really like the 1 doctor there, Dr. Greg, however, he is so hard to get into, he will see our children on preset appointments, but to just get into see him is very difficult. I like one of the PA's there, but the other doctors and PA's I do not care for as much.
Any idea what happens after this initial interview? She told me I should receive papers shortly from Harrisburg.
Thanks again.
Don't give up hope. I have a dear friend who has uncontrolled seizures. At 28, she is going through this process. It's not easy nor fun.
Would Dr. Greg be practicing with his wife, Dr. Diana? I don't know who covered and if you'd like to tell me more, maybe I can help sort out someone to help. There is a primary doc in Greencastle who has a secondary specialty of pain management.
If you are interested, let me know. I can be reached at ashaw @ wchsys.org
((((Marg)))) I hope it all works out for you!
Yes, Amanda, that is the same Dr. Greg, I like him and I like the PA there named Rachel.
However, Dr. Blanchett was on medical leave and Dr. Ed Zuroweste (I think I'm spelling that correctly) was filling in for him. I have seen Dr. Ed before when Dr. Greg was on leave and I truly like him. He is genuine and sincere and honest like Dr. Greg. However, Dr. Greg is so hard to see if you don't have a preset appointment. However I believe Dr. Ed is in Chambersburg.
I'm going to see a Dr. Wallick behind the Waynesboro Hospital on 8/29, main office is in Chambersburg. He is a plastic surgeon, but specializes in hands. If it doesn't work I may take you up on that offer. After I type or hold something for a long period of time, the pain is unbearable and at times, I can not move my thumb, or if feels like it is in a locked position.
After this initial interview, you will probably get some forms mailed to you to complete. Or they may wait to do this once you are denied the first time.
The forms are very lengthy and want great detail. Give it all to them. But have someone else complete them for you, since you are filing over a disability with your hands. On the back of the form is a place for a person to sign if they had to help you with your forms. This will show them that you truely cannot use your hands.
Then a decision will be made on your case, and will be mailed to you. This could take up to three months. Everything is very slow with the Social Security Process.
Once you get denied the first time (okay, I know you think I am being negative here, but remember, I was an appeals paralegal in a lawfirm handling these cases), you will be able to appeal within 30 days and your case will go to another level called Reconsideration, or the Recon level. Here again, you may or may not get more forms. And it may take another couple of months before you get your next denial.
Once getting your second denial, you will want to call and appeal within 30 days again to request a hearing. This is the important step. You will want a lawyer before you go to the hearing. Most do not charge an up front fee. They take a portion of your backpay after you win your case. You may want to go ahead and get an attorney after your first denial. They will do all the paperwork to appeal for you and everything. Very helpful.
They will schedule a hearing and this can sometimes take up to six months to get the hearing. You, your attorney, the judge, and an occupational therapist will be in the room.
Afterwards, you will wait on your decision to be mailed to you. This can take another couple of months.
As you notice, it can all add up to taking some time. That is why it is VERY important to keep on with your case. Expect denials. They do this to almost everyone to weed out those that they can. As long as you appeal on time, you will be eligible to get backpay from when you signed up. This is very important, because it can add up to thousands of dollars.
It's hard when you get those denials. But you need to remember that people who are dying from a disease get denied. The system sucks. Look at it this way when you get your letter in the mail. I opened mine thinking, good, I've finally gotten this denial, so I am one step closer to going to the hearing where I will be approved. And I was.
Good luck, and keep going with this. And try not to take anything personally through this because some of the people are very nice, but some can make you feel lower than dirt.
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them for you.
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