If the disease wasn't stress enough

By jackrabbit006

1 min read

If having advanced acute hep C and stage 3 or 4 liver cirrhosis wasn't stressful enough with the pain, fatigue, memory loss, vomiting, etc, A person shouldn't have to deal with government stupidity. I am 51 years old, worked everyday of my life, raised a highly respected son, helped build this great country.

The first time I visited this site. Contact was made with attorney. We talked and help convince me to swallow my pride and file for SSI disability.

Got my first denial letter today. I never read anything so funny. These statements were in this letter.

1-- SSI recognizes advanced liver cirrhosis, but can be fixed

2-- SSI recognizes filer has advanced acute hepC, but not the kind that damages livers

3-- SSI and dot doctor states vision bad but not that bad

4-- Final determination is declined for reason of "filer not legally blind"

No benefits, this is the best catch 22 ever.

I'm unemployed because I seriously can't work without dizziness or vomiting.

Couldn't afford my insurance because of Obamacare increase and can't get help there because of not being able to show income.

Can't get disability or the insurance needed to try and fix me.

So now I'm a 51 year old Caucasian male, who spent his life working, raising family, making my ancestors and god happy, never in legal trouble.

But now it's like a government roadblock is everywhere. 2 hospitals and 3 doctors told me finish my bucket list quickly.

I REALLY DON'T NEED THIS STRESS.

Watching people go crazy for undocumented aliens, but then a life long working man is told to go to the corner and DIE...

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jackrabbit006 Member
Now I'm a basket case.....Had a influential gentleman asked me to get my medical records and he would see if could assist.. ..My records is what's got me livid.. Got the records from a doctor I saw for a year, then he dropped me cause of insurance. The last page with last date is an endocrinologist report showing upper GI as negative.but last line says "pt exhibits symptoms of hepC and liver damage, more testing recommended".. My primary never tested or mentioned that theory to me. I could had a 4 year head start. Instead this doctor was more worried for insurance money and what my records show repeatedly"poor grooming habits".. I am sick, never thought I had to where Sundays best.
sugaree11 Member
Jackrabbit: Please don't give up the fight for SSI. If you've paid into it for years you have the necessary work credits. Further you need to refer to the SD blue book and see if your diagnosis is included on their lists of disabilities. I can assure you, late stage cirrhosis is on there. However Hep C is now considered curable so you can't list that. Also, and most importantly, this is but your first attempt to apply for SSI and there are two to three more times you can appeal the decision. Almost 85℅of people who apply at the first level get denied. Then about 70℅ at the reconsideration stage and next would be a face to face hearing with an ALJ or Litigation Judge. At this level most claimants have their best chance at winning their case. Especially if you have an Atty to represent you. However the attention takes 25℅offtge top of your awarded back pay but that's another story. My point is apply for SSI is a long drawn out process that can take yrs! I applied Sept of 2014 and still waiting on a decisionfrom the ALJ hearing from July 4 mos ago! Anyway my point is get an Atty and don't give up they want to weed out the people who really aren't disabled by putting everyone through these hoops.ic your persistent and have excellent documentationof all your ailments by Drs and a scattered work history due to your illness it will prove you as disabled. It's a difficult thing to be granted but just hanf in there and your chances will improve. If you are in fact dealing with a terminal illness they are ruled to give you SSI immediately. Good Luck and do some research it's invaluable!
Meagan Heidelberg Moderator
Hi Jackrabbit006 - Thank you so much for sharing. Like Sugaree11 said, please don't give up. We want to share some articles with you that we hope you find helpful! <a href='https://hepatitisc.net/living/understanding-a-social-security-disability-denial' target='_blank'>https://hepatitisc.net/living/understanding-a-social-security-disability-denial/</a> <a href='https://hepatitisc.net/answers/how-to-appeal-a-social-security-disability-denial' target='_blank'>https://hepatitisc.net/answers/how-to-appeal-a-social-security-disability-denial/</a> Here are some resources that you may find helpful as well; <a href='https://hepatitisc.net/living-with-hep-c/hep-c-resources' target='_blank'>https://hepatitisc.net/living-with-hep-c/hep-c-resources/</a>. We are hoping for a positive outcome - and that you get the help that you deserve. Please know that we, and our community, are here for you! Please keep up the fight - you can do it. You will! Best - Meagan, <a href='https://hepatitisc.net' target='_blank'>HepatitisC.net</a> Team Member
kathyd Member
Hey there Jackrabbit, HepBird1 aka Kathy D here. Hey, you applied, once that applied date is documented (which it was) you're in like flint. SSI is underpaid and under appreciated. True, some slack and send out form letters like candy. Keep on appealing, a Lawyer will charge a certain percentage of your "winnings" once you get that 1st large sum of back pay. Now, from your SSDI, they will give you a Part A (Hospital Room), Part B (Doctor Visits). Some of the Part B could be used for "some medications". Part B is deducted from your SSDI. Part D (Prescriptions) that also is deducted from your SSDI. I urge you to copy and keep every shred of paperwork you've send in to SSI, that includes anything you get from a Disability Lawyer. May 2017, bring you much happiness and feeling of accomplishment.