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Asked 4 months ago - Fresno, CA
FlagI applied for Social Security Disability because I was in an auto accident and have chronic pain, weakness and numbness in my upper back, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. I had medical records that I submitted to them but they wanted further tests, because they believed that I could do my job. Unfortunately, I had lost my job and lost my health insurance and was unable to afford the tests (nerve conduction study & others) to prove the severity of my situation. I appealed their well over a year ago and have not heard anything else from them. Is there anything that I can do to have them re-look at my claim or pay for the medical tests (I do not qualify for any medical program) that would show them that I do have a disability? I am still unemployed and cannot afford legal aid.
If you filed an appeal of your application denial over a year ago, you should have received a response from SSA long ago. You should try to call your local SSA field office, or try the SSA 800 number (800)772-1213. If you can't get through, go to the SSA office where you filed your application to determine the status of your claim/appeal. Also, you should contact an attorney in your area who specializes in Social Security disability matters.
I am sorry to hear of your accident. You did the right thing to appeal your initial denial. Getting a response can take quite some time and result in yet another denial. Should that happen, don't be afraid to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. With the assistance of an SSD attorney, many claimants are successful at this 3rd stage.
Most attorneys will give you a free consultation and will agree not to charge a fee unless they take your case and win. Don't worry about being unemployed. Every disabled person is.
Check with www.nosscr.org and find a qualified lawyer (beware those who claim they are "advocates"--it's not the same) nearby.
Good luck.
In my experience the time it takes for SS to respons can be a little or a lot. My only suggestion is to contact SS at 1-800-772-1213 to make sure that they have your application and is still currently pending. Unfortunately there is no one to call for a status update. The process itself can be very impersonal at times. Best of luck to you.
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