To Be or Not To Be… Disabled On Acceptance

It’s official. I’m disabled. I’d already actually accepted that I am, and then the Social Security Administration agreed.

Following an initial application denial and written appeal by me, a hearing with an administrative law judge who denied my claim in record time, my attorney encouraged me to appeal higher, to a 3-judge panel. That panel found the previous judge had made legal errors on three different points and they sent the claim back to the same admin law judge for the opportunity to remediate her findings. In January, we had a second hearing but this time I requested we do the remote appointment with video, in addition to audio, this time.

It was an abbreviated hearing because the judge had already heard much of the evidence previously. We submitted updated medical records and a statement from me about why I can’t work. Having video made me feel better because I think it makes it more personal.

On March 13, my mom died at 4:30 am and I got the call from my attorney that the judge had made a fully favorable finding at about 11:00 am.

The monthly amount is small-ish but it’s going to take care of massage therapy, chiropractics, and a housecleaner; those things will definitely improve my quality of life. Hope my fibro feels it.