[hello every1,im new this all of this and i recieved a letter today that i am goin to be goin in front of the ALJ and let me tell ya im a nervous wreck.
if any1 has been through this could ya please let me know what to look forward too.im really interested in what im going to be in store for,im a very nervous person to begin with and dont like crowds...any feedback would be deeply appreciated,thans linda
oh this is for ssi or ssdi.my 2 injuries were in less than 1 month 1 on 3/1/06 and the other 1 was on 4/13/06,thanks again.

im reposing cause im not sure i gave all the info i needed..
i was turned down twice for ssdi/ssi and now im gonna be goin in front of the alj which is my ?.
what to expect? and also im goin for wc which my employer at the time never gave me an oppertunity to file. i was injured 2 times 3/1/06 and 4/13/06 i collected td until it ran out,and that was a while ago,now im living off child support and my 1 son.
i also have 2 underage children.this is crazy,i have no one to talk to about this and this is my only refuge....im sure there is someone out there with a simuler problem.i really need advice as to what to expect and the wc case.
ive been to so many dr.s that it is crazy.
between mri's ultasounds,x-rays,bloodwork. pool therepy,psychiatrist,socialoligist....and i feel like all this is for nothing.
And the pain is unbearable to be goin to all these places,and these people dont understand the pain killers all they do is ease the pain for a while not take care of the problem...please help...thanks linda

I know this is easier said than done, but please try to calm down. Being nervous is not going to help you. Bring whatever documentation you have to support your case. Review the documents carefully in advance. It might help to prepare a list of questions you think might be asked and write down (and practice verbally) your responses. Answer only the question asked; don't volunteer extraneous information unless the ALJ asks a specific question and then answer just that question.

I doubt very seriously there will be "crowds". Good preparation is the best defense against nervousness in this situation.

Good luck.

thank you for responding. yes i plan on making a list of everything,but im not too sure like "what questions are they gonna ask me"
like i said im so nervous,i go to therepy for anziety and it is not helping,in february i go to the psychiatrist so im hoping she can help me with the mental side...
im in so much pain every day and the meds all they do is ease the pain for a bit...ya know also ive been getting serious headaches to wear my vision is blurry i dont know what that is from.the problem is i dont have anyone to talk tp that has been through this....and i guess i need some advice as to what is gonna happen,to tell ya the truth im scared.
my laywer is a w/c and diability laywer so i guess im in good hands with him,but i never get to talk to him,when i call it is always the secratarys and all they do is say(oh yea ,oh,and ok,and ok i'll tell him)thanks for listining.linda

good mornin,well yesterday i went to my pcp and now i have to go to an neurologist for my headaches.
and i went to the pool therepy and it was so nice,but when i was trying to get out i couldnt,so the lady helped me and then she took my blood pressure cause it was a little high at the docters but it was ok there and then came the hot tub....omg that felt so good, i didnt want to leave!!!
well every1 have a good day,i'll keep updates...linda

I'm glad you're feeling better, but do you really feel comfortable sharing so much personal information on a public forum? I feel rather uncomfortable reading it. :o

If you are pursuing SSDI/SSI, you need to have an attorney that specializes in disability claims. If yours specializes in both WC and Disability, that's good. But if he is a WC lawyer who justs dabbles in social security, you might do well to consult with an expert in Social Security. The good ones will sign an agreement with you up front and will only get paid if you win, out of the retroactive amount you receive. The retro will go back to the initial SS claim you filed. Some disability attorneys even specialize in mental health disability cases.

I worked on a lot of cases of people pursuing SSDI/SSI for mental health reasons (as a clinical social worker doing evals and coordinating the evals of the doctors). It's not clear if you are adding a mental health condition to your disability claim, but from what I've seen, being nervous has actually helped people!

If I completed tons of paperwork about a person not being able to handle gainful employment, and having severe functional limitations on life activities, and the person clearly can't even effectively handle the stress of the hearing, the ALJ tends t be sympathetic. (Though if the claimant fakes or exaggerates their anxiety, this is pretty obvious and will limit their credibility.)

I've had clients break down crying, faint, and have panic attacks in their hearings, and they all won. It's normal to be nervous, you don't have to present yourself as "perfect" in the hearing, so don't try to appear perfectly composed if you are not.

Good luck.

not at all,if i share my experience with the pool therepy maby someone who would be a little nervy about trying it maby if i told them my experience they would try it,ya never know.and i dont think that is too personal,it is part of my disability and hopefully part of my recovery.
and yes my laywer specializes in both w/c and ssdi,ssi so i am confident with him....except trying to get him on the phone he is always busy,unless i leave him a voice mail then he will call me back usally the next day.
and if i make you feel uncomfortable i apoligize,i didnt mean too.well have a good nite....linda

If you are pursuing SSDI/SSI, you need to have an attorney that specializes in disability claims. If yours specializes in both WC and Disability, that's good. But if he is a WC lawyer who justs dabbles in social security, you might do well to consult with an expert in Social Security. The good ones will sign an agreement with you up front and will only get paid if you win, out of the retroactive amount you receive. The retro will go back to the initial SS claim you filed. Some disability attorneys even specialize in mental health disability cases.

I worked on a lot of cases of people pursuing SSDI/SSI for mental health reasons (as a clinical social worker doing evals and coordinating the evals of the doctors). It's not clear if you are adding a mental health condition to your disability claim, but from what I've seen, being nervous has actually helped people!

If I completed tons of paperwork about a person not being able to handle gainful employment, and having severe functional limitations on life activities, and the person clearly can't even effectively handle the stress of the hearing, the ALJ tends t be sympathetic. (Though if the claimant fakes or exaggerates their anxiety, this is pretty obvious and will limit their credibility.)

I've had clients break down crying, faint, and have panic attacks in their hearings, and they all won. It's normal to be nervous, you don't have to present yourself as "perfect" in the hearing, so don't try to appear perfectly composed if you are not.

Good luck.


well i am nervous and always was,i also have panic attacks,but im not sure if my laywer is doin a mental too.i guess it would be a good idea to ask him.
but i try and hold stuff in when im in public,it usally dont work but i do try,i would usally go into a restroom or just leave a store "if that is where i am".
there was this 1 time my knees were shaking so bad that i couldnt walk,so i just stood there and waited till it passed(omg i was so embarassed)
well as far as crying goes,i cry all the time no matter what,it's nuts idk..ok have a good nite....linda

thank you for responding. yes i plan on making a list of everything,but im not too sure like "what questions are they gonna ask me"
like i said im so nervous,i go to therepy for anziety and it is not helping,in february i go to the psychiatrist so im hoping she can help me with the mental side...
im in so much pain every day and the meds all they do is ease the pain for a bit...ya know also ive been getting serious headaches to wear my vision is blurry i dont know what that is from.the problem is i dont have anyone to talk tp that has been through this....and i guess i need some advice as to what is gonna happen,to tell ya the truth im scared.
my laywer is a w/c and diability laywer so i guess im in good hands with him,but i never get to talk to him,when i call it is always the secratarys and all they do is say(oh yea ,oh,and ok,and ok i'll tell him)thanks for listining.linda
Be glad your talking to the secretary every time you talk to him there is a charge. If you have an attorney that is good just follow his advice.
JoeC

Alright I'm confused. What is your work injury? What are you filing SSDI for (what condition or conditions)? Has your WC claim resolved? If so, how (settlement, PPD, just stopped seeking treatment, etc.)? What are your documented work restrictions if any?

Please use full sentences and don't use text speak as it makes it hard to read and follow. There is no limit on the length of posts, so you won't run out of room.

Alright I'm confused. What is your work injury? What are you filing SSDI for (what condition or conditions)? Has your WC claim resolved? If so, how (settlement, PPD, just stopped seeking treatment, etc.)? What are your documented work restrictions if any?

Please use full sentences and don't use text speak as it makes it hard to read and follow. There is no limit on the length of posts, so you won't run out of room.

unforchantly i dont know what you are talking about ,"text speak".
im sorry if you cant follow how i write but that's how i write,sry.
well i was first diagnosed with R.A , panic disorder, depression, nerve damage, to my left arm and hand and upper and lower spine,.
now im diagnosed fibromyalgia instead of R.A.
as far as the w/c im going to docters now,i was never told about w/c all i was told was to collect temp.disability.from my employer and that ran out a long time ago.tommorow is my last time for w/c docters "i hope"not sure how that goes. thank you for lisining.linda

"text speak" means not using complete sentences or punctuation and capitalization when called for and abbreviating words, often by dropping vowels. When you are asking for help in writing, it's easier to help you if we can understand what you're saying.

unforchantly i dont know what you are talking about ,"text speak".
im sorry if you cant follow how i write but that's how i write,sry.
well i was first diagnosed with R.A , panic disorder, depression, nerve damage, to my left arm and hand and upper and lower spine,.
now im diagnosed fibromyalgia instead of R.A.
as far as the w/c im going to docters now,i was never told about w/c all i was told was to collect temp.disability.from my employer and that ran out a long time ago.tommorow is my last time for w/c docters "i hope"not sure how that goes. thank you for lisining.linda

This still isn't making any sense. The only way you can collect TTD is to file a WC claim. If you are seeing a WC doctor, then obviously you must know.

It still isn't clear what the injury was. What is R.A.? Fibromyalgia is not an injury induced ailment. If you have always been anxious, that would not be work induced either. Was the nerve damage from an actual injury or from something like nueropathy or Degenerative Disc Disease?

RA = Rheumatoid Arthritis

ruemitoid arthitis, and no i dont know about w/c my injury was in 2006,i slipped up my steps on the bus i drove and banged up my left knee,the 2nd injury 1 month later was when 1 of the kids on the bus freaked out and kicked the crap out of me and my aide. i was never told or knew any better to ask about w/c.
when i was injured the first time they sent me to the e.m.o and they took x-rays and said it wasent broke,thats it.when i was beat up they also sent me to the e.m.o and they looked at me and they said "oh you'll be fine" thats it.
so the following day i wasent feeling well and i went to the emergency room and they took x-rays of my back,left arm(that is where i was bit) and neck,they said you are just bruised go to your pcp in 2 days.
now i wasent feeling good at all,this kid beat the hell out of us for over 20minutes.
i dont know how i got the nerve damage, i do know that before all of this happining i was fine,my anziety wasent that bad.thank you for your replying linda

You keep contradicting yourself on the WC aspect. If you are going to a hearing on WC and have a WC lawyer, you obviously have filed a claim. You have up to a year to do so. It is your reponsibility to file the claim. It is going to depend on what the cause of your nerve damage is. The fall on your knee seems to be more of less a non-event and fully resolved. A bite on the arm wouldn't cause nerve damage. How could one kid beat up two adults for over 20 minutes? Trust me, I understand kids going off and lashing out at teachers/aides/drivers/innocent bystanders. But 20 minutes and 2 adults doesn't jive.

There are only certain things that can cause nerve damage and contusions/ soft tissue injuries are not among them. If you have had MRIs and x-rays, then the cause should be known or at least any organic cause should be ruled out as a result.

Are you saying that the anxiety is only as a result of this incident? Before you said you have always been this way.

What are you current restrictions? Are you still working?

You keep contradicting yourself on the WC aspect. If you are going to a hearing on WC and have a WC lawyer, you obviously have filed a claim. You have up to a year to do so. It is your reponsibility to file the claim. It is going to depend on what the cause of your nerve damage is. The fall on your knee seems to be more of less a non-event and fully resolved. A bite on the arm wouldn't cause nerve damage. How could one kid beat up two adults for over 20 minutes? Trust me, I understand kids going off and lashing out at teachers/aides/drivers/innocent bystanders. But 20 minutes and 2 adults doesn't jive.

There are only certain things that can cause nerve damage and contusions/ soft tissue injuries are not among them. If you have had MRIs and x-rays, then the cause should be known or at least any organic cause should be ruled out as a result.

Are you saying that the anxiety is only as a result of this incident? Before you said you have always been this way.

What are you current restrictions? Are you still working?


i am going for a ALJ hearing for the ssd not the w/c,and im gonna take 1 moment and explain how a 16 year old can kick the **** outa 2 adults(are you kiddin me) have you seen 16 year old kids,omg.n we are not allowed to touch the either cause they are handicapped, i honestly cant believe you ask that...
well anyway i never in my entire life done anything like this before,always worked,never got hurt.
i got a laywer cause i have no clue as to what to do.
i said i was always a nervous person,not anziety, and no i havent been working,havent worked since november 2006.
and as far as my nerve damage again i dont know the pain manegement docter says i have it,and didnt tell me how i got it,so i really dont know.
and as of 3 day(i believe it was 3) ive started with really really hot burning in the inside of my hands and feet and right side of my butt(the top of it). and i dont go back to the docters until thursday.i dont know what im going to do.
thanks again for responding linda

I work with 16 year olds. And yes, I have worked with developmentally challenged 16 year olds. 20 minutes is still an exceptionally long time. You either restrain the kid, seek help, get away or something before then.

OK, next question. Why haven't you been working? Anxiety? If anxiety have you been treated? Is it over this incident alone?

If not anxiety, what is your actual diagnosis? I don't buy that you have no idea what is wrong with you and have never asked. Your doctor had to have said something. If he or she did not, then why on earth would you not ask yourself?

Likewise, if you are having symptoms and you don't know why, you need to consult your doctor.

I work with 16 year olds. And yes, I have worked with developmentally challenged 16 year olds. 20 minutes is still an exceptionally long time. You either restrain the kid, seek help, get away or something before then.

OK, next question. Why haven't you been working? Anxiety? If anxiety have you been treated? Is it over this incident alone?

If not anxiety, what is your actual diagnosis? I don't buy that you have no idea what is wrong with you and have never asked. Your doctor had to have said something. If he or she did not, then why on earth would you not ask yourself?

Likewise, if you are having symptoms and you don't know why, you need to consult your doctor.

yes he was 16 had some sort of mental problem and yes he kicked our butts we restrained him while 1 was the other was running for help on a busy highway with another little guy screaming.
i havent been working cause i can hardly walk,stand sit,hold onto things,bend.....
i have nerve damage,i said i dont know how nor does the docter know how i got it.but it is there.
and also other little things,asthma,depression(working on that now)and a few other thing i'd rather not mention.thanks linda

Linda,
I know two people who worked as aides on schoolbuses, who were both assaulted pretty badly. You are stuck in an enclosed space, and it can take a while for the police to get there. It must have been pretty traumatic.

I think that what is confusing people about your story is that you mentioned worker's comp, when you are really in a SSDI/SSI case, and the fact that you sort of jump around when telling your story. But this is understandable, as you are nervous and have been through a lot.

This site is a really good place for people to get clear answers to clear questions, and that's what most of us are used to. But it sounds like you really need support rather than a few quick clear answers.

I hope your attorney does a good job for you. But maybe you should also get some other help through this difficult time, like counseling or a support group. It might be a big relief to meet other people going through similar situations (I have known so many!) Whether you call it anxiety, panic, or "nervousness," it's still a lot of stress on you, and some support could really help. My agency specializes in residential treatment, which doesn't sound like a good fit for you, but try to call the Mental Health Association Helpline in NJ: 1-866-202-HELP. They can put you in touch with counseling or support groups in your area.

I can give you some other resources in NJ if you want; just send me a private message.

I have also worked as a therapist with several people with fibromyalgia, and it seems the worst part of the illness is people not understanding what it is, or not believing you, because the diagnosis gets tossed around a lot. A few of my former clients used to go to an online support group. I'll post it or PM you if I find it.

Best of luck with your case.

The disease is usually caused by some trauma such as sexual or physical abuse, or illness.
CAN ANY 1 EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE ABOVE SENTENCE MEANS?TY LINDA

It means that the condition is caused by a traumatic experience. However, I'm not a physician and, to the best of my knowledge, none of the other responders are either. We would therefore have no idea whether this statement is correct or not.

It means that the condition is caused by a traumatic experience. However, I'm not a physician and, to the best of my knowledge, none of the other responders are either. We would therefore have no idea whether this statement is correct or not.

It is incorrect who ever made it.
fibromyalgia is pain. Unlike arthritis, the discomfort is not in the joints but in the muscles and ligaments. The pain is commonly located in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The tenderness is worse in the mornings and has been described as flulike, burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing
JoeC

[QUOTE=ElleMD;950598]This still isn't making any sense. The only way you can collect TTD is to file a WC claim. If you are seeing a WC doctor, then obviously you must know.

It still isn't clear what the injury was. What is R.A.? Fibromyalgia is not an injury induced ailment. If you have always been anxious, that would not be work induced either. Was the nerve damage from an actual injury or from something like nueropathy or De

This is what i am trying to get across,this was said yesterday"
Fibromyalgia is not an injury induced ailment.:" now if im wrong,im wrong,ok thanks linda

O.K deana here is what to do 你 会说 英 语 吗 你 学 英 语 多 久 了 from now on this how I will ansewer text lingo.
If you cant understand now, you know how I feel.
JoeC

O.K deana here is what to do 你 会说 英 语 吗 你 学 英 语 多 久 了 from now on this how I will ansewer text lingo.
If you cant understand now you how I feel.
JoeC
Are you serious? this was a person who told me that fibromyalgia cannot be from an injury.this is what im saying so please dont be so sarcastic,for this is not funny!!
I am in alot of pain and im guessing that there is someone here who does not believe that fibromyalgia is not a real condition,it was a point i was trying to make and it was not to you.

Are you serious? this was a person who told me that fibromyalgia cannot be from an injury.this is what im saying so please dont be so sarcastic,for this is not funny!!
I am in alot of pain and im guessing that there is someone here who does not believe that fibromyalgia is not a real condition,it was a point i was trying to make and it was not to you.
I am sorry if it seems I am making lite of your situation,and I want to help.
The point is I can not help if I can not read. It's a little frustrating. Patty politely told you to not use text speak. Also you claim Ellen wrote "The disease is usually caused by some trauma such as sexual or physical abuse, or illness".

Where did she write that? She didn't, all though EllMd will always stick up for the employer no matter what, she did not write that. Yes you are correct fibromyalgia is a real condition,it may well be covered under W.C similar to Carpel tunnel syndrome. Your attorney will travel that road if he feels he can prevail.

A 16 year old boy can do a lot of damage to an adult female,or Male for that matter. That is not in dispute. No one is picking on you or making fun of you.

It is just a little frustrating to follow this tread,given your writing style,and your understanding of some of the responses.

The point I am trying to make this new writing style (text) is something I don't want to learn,I have enough problems with correct spelling,and punctuation with the right spelling. I don't feel like learning a new one,that is not even recognized. At least Mandarin Chinese is a recognized alphabet.

If you spend a little time writting correctly you will get better responces.

No I dont think there is anything funny about a W.C claim,I dont think anyone else does either. I am sorry if it came across that way.
JoeC

This still isn't making any sense. The only way you can collect TTD is to file a WC claim. If you are seeing a WC doctor, then obviously you must know.

It still isn't clear what the injury was. What is R.A.? Fibromyalgia is not an injury induced ailment. If you have always been anxious, that would not be work induced either. Was the nerve damage from an actual injury or from something like nueropathy or Degenerative Disc Disease?

i didnt say that she said "Also you claim Ellen wrote "The disease is usually caused by some trauma such as sexual or physical abuse, or illness".

i said she said..Fibromyalgia is not an injury induced ailment.
and if you cannot understand my writing her's is above.
the exact post she wrote,but im sure you'll be able to understand her's.

I have yet been able to decipher the majority of what the OP has posted anyway.

Linda, it is a far cry from saying that fibromyalgia is not an injury induced illness to saying that it is caused by a trauma such a sexual abuse, etc. NO ONE here said that was the case. You're making HUGE leaps from what was said, to what you are claiming was said.

Where are you getting this and why are you attaching it to the posters here?

Linda, it is a far cry from saying that fibromyalgia is not an injury induced illness to saying that it is caused by a trauma such a sexual abuse, etc. NO ONE here said that was the case. You're making HUGE leaps from what was said, to what you are claiming was said.

Where are you getting this and why are you attaching it to the posters here?

as many others posted this website it sh**!so that being said im goin to be deleting my account.
for those that di help i apprciate it very much,thank you linda

yes he was 16 had some sort of mental problem and yes he kicked our butts we restrained him while 1 was the other was running for help on a busy highway with another little guy screaming.
i havent been working cause i can hardly walk,stand sit,hold onto things,bend.....
i have nerve damage,i said i dont know how nor does the docter know how i got it.but it is there.
and also other little things,asthma,depression(working on that now)and a few other thing i'd rather not mention.thanks linda

While you don't have to share the whole story here that is fine, but if you want any sort of reliable answer, you need to do so. If you only give us part of the story, we can only give you part of the answer. I can only hope you are more forthcoming with whomever you is representing you. Nothing frustrates a lawyer faster than not getting the full story from a client. Since written communication is not your forte, I highly suggest meeting in person.