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Topic: Waiting for Notice of Decision/Award in TX  (Read 403 times)
Gnamaree
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« on: February 02, 2012, 11:39:51 PM »
I finally had my hearing on January 10, 2012.  My initial filing was 5/18/2010! At the hearing, when it was all over, and representing myself, I was told by the judge that I had a fully favorable decision, AT THE HEARING! YAY! he took no testimony concerning other work I could do from the vocational expert because the medical expert already deemed me fully disabled until I have surgeries.  And then, in two years I will have a review.

Now I am waiting for the Notices.  I called yesterday and the SSA ODAR in Houston said  my file was closed 1/20/2012 and would be receiving notice any day now. Anyone have any idea how long it will take in my region to receive my back pay?  I check my application status and it send "No decision had been made" so I suppose I cannot go down to SSA and add my children for their benefits?  Thanks! Huh?
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If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd

« Last Edit: February 03, 2012, 04:41:09 AM by plgerrard »
JTB ~ Jane
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« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2012, 06:36:41 AM »
Way To Go!!    woooo woooo

I'd suggest keeping in touch with your Local SSA.  They have access to your claim, whereas the 800 nmber does not.

As for adding your children, that can be done through your Local SSA office, either in person or, sometimes, over the phone.

Congrats on your Fully Favorable decision.  bravo
Logged
Life is a series of problems to be solved...Abe Lincoln
Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be...Abe Lincoln
Name: Jane
Location: Illinois
Age at Application: 59
Disability: Spinal Cord Injury, Fractured C4, Left-side partial paralysis, severe spasticity
Date Applied: ... 7/21/11>Re-Opened 2009 application
First Approval/Denial Date: APPROVED 11/3/11 ... BACKPAY from 11/08
Additional Info: Rec'd partial BackPay 1/3/12...Balance of 36 months rec'd 2/13/12
SSDAdmin
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Posts: 8295
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2012, 10:05:36 AM »
Hi Gina,

Welcome to the forum.  Congratulations on your approval, that is great news. 

Once you get the approval letter you should be able to call or go to your local office to get your children's benefits set up.  You should also call to take care of the SSI interview so that will not hold up your payment. 

I got my back pay about 30 days after my approval letter and 60 days after my hearing.

Marci
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I speak from experience not expertise.
Name: Marci
Location: Florida
Age at Application: 35
Disability: Arthritis, Degenerative Disc, Migraines, Foot Injury
Date Applied: September 2005
First Approval/Denial Date: Denied February 2006
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: Denied October 2006
Date Hearing Notice Received: October 2008 two weeks before hearing
Hearing Date: October 2008
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: Letter Received December 2008
Date Award Letter Received: January 2009
Date Back Pay Received: February 2009
Additional Info: Approved at hearing, no Attorney
A Wall
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Posts: 65
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2012, 10:21:10 AM »
Hi Gina  I to had my Hearing in Downtown Houston but on 1-11-12 and I called this Morning at 10:13 and was told case was closed on 2-1-12 and should received a letter with in the next 2 weeks we will see.
Logged
Name: Richard A Wall
Location: Houston Texas
Age at Application: 50
Disability: CTS Nerve Damage Hands DDD DJS feet elbows knees back
Date Applied: 9-20-10 My Date SSA Date 10-11-10
First Approval/Denial Date: 1-29-11 Denial
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4-3-11 Denial
Hearing Date: 1-11-12
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: Waiting
Additional Info: ALJ Daniel E Whitney
Dragon Fly
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Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2012, 06:43:51 PM »
Hi Gina,
Welcome to the site.
Are we twins?
What surgeries are you having?
CONGRATS.
>;<
Dragon Fly
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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
Gnamaree
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Gender: Female
Posts: 56
« Reply #5 on: February 03, 2012, 06:53:51 PM »
Quote from: Dragon Fly on February 03, 2012, 06:43:51 PM
Hi Gina,
Welcome to the site.
Are we twins?
What surgeries are you having?
CONGRATS.
>;<
Dragon Fly

I know, right?  I had three spinal epidural injections to both cervical and lumbar areas in between August and December 2009, before I lost my insurance. So I have been on pain management until insurable or qualified for medicare.  I need to spinal fusion surgeries! And since it took so long to get SSDI I am automatically eligible for Medicare!  Except I am going to have to wait till October for the 1st surgery because I found out I am pregnant!
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Gnamaree
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Posts: 56
« Reply #6 on: February 03, 2012, 07:04:53 PM »
Quote from: A Wall on February 03, 2012, 10:21:10 AM
Hi Gina  I to had my Hearing in Downtown Houston but on 1-11-12 and I called this Morning at 10:13 and was told case was closed on 2-1-12 and should received a letter with in the next 2 weeks we will see.

I just called the 800# for status on my claim.  They told me the same thing that the ODAR did two days ago.  My hearing was on 1/10/2012 (also Dtn Houston) and they closed my case on 1/30/2012.  This SSA rep told me that my decision letter should be here anyday.  He also said my local office would be handling the benefits award letter, etc.  Does that mean "local" or a Dtn Houston SSA office or ODAR? I need to go down to my local office (Conroe) to apply for my children's benefits so maybe they might have more information?
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Dragon Fly
Glitter Queen SSDFacts Doughnator
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Gender: Female
Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #7 on: February 03, 2012, 07:31:50 PM »
Gina....we ARE twins! Except for the  baby. Congrats! Omg. You will need to promise to check in with us about how the pregnancy goes with your spinal issues...

Similar timing. I had all my injections August-November 2009, first spine surgery November 2009. Then had lumbar fusion 4/26/11 and cervical fusion 9/2/11.

Please keep us posted!
>;<
 dragonfly
Logged
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
Gnamaree
SSDFacts VIP
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Gender: Female
Posts: 56
« Reply #8 on: February 03, 2012, 08:31:44 PM »
Quote from: Dragon Fly on February 03, 2012, 07:31:50 PM
Gina....we ARE twins! Except for the  baby. Congrats! Omg. You will need to promise to check in with us about how the pregnancy goes with your spinal issues...

Similar timing. I had all my injections August-November 2009, first spine surgery November 2009. Then had lumbar fusion 4/26/11 and cervical fusion 9/2/11.

Please keep us posted!
>;<
 dragonfly

I will definitely keep everyone abreast of my progress (pun intended), but I can already tell you how it goes.  BECAUSE...this is my 3rd (1st is (17yoM) and my 2nd is ONLY 10moF! I went through all this with my disability and I can tell you it was rough, but worth it!  And this one (and 2nd) were both surprises but we love them.  Now my husband is wanting a 3rd (1st is mine)!  I told him NO WAY after this one! YIKES!! crowded
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Dragon Fly
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Gender: Female
Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2012, 09:36:41 PM »
 family family family family

 Cheesy
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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
Gnamaree
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Gender: Female
Posts: 56
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2012, 09:31:58 PM »
I see that you had cervical and lumbar surgeries about 4.5 months apart.  How was your recovery on each and did they seem to impact each other on your overall physical health? I am planning to do the same thing after the baby is born, October probably.
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Dragon Fly
Glitter Queen SSDFacts Doughnator
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Gender: Female
Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #11 on: February 07, 2012, 07:54:36 PM »
Hi Gina,

Since you have some time before making the decision, here are a couple of posts about each surgery...

Lumbar Fusion: http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php/topic,1176.0.html

Cervical Fusion: http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php/topic,2966.0.html

My neck feels pretty decent. But I must admit my lower back does not. My reasoning for doing the cervical fusion so close to the lumbar fusion was 1) it was covered on my insurance after having to pay a LOT of $$ out of pocket, so if I did it in 2011 it made financial sense. Sad reason, I know. And 2) I was already so bad after the lumbar fusion, that it behooved me to go ahead and get the neck done as soon as I was strong enough to handle it. I was already physically at half mast....and I knew that the neck posed the greatest potential risk of neurological damage, so it had to be done.

It's been 9 months since the lumbar fusion and I continue to have constant pain. It's not exactly the same, the shooting fire-like burning, tingling leg pain is better, but the pain itself is still maddeningly constant and seems to be getting worse. I tried to listen to my surgeon and they thought I was insane for demanding to get Xrays, MRI, Catscan and bone scan but again, the year was ending, and I was still in pain and wanted to rule out a possible problem.

A lumbar catscan done in December shows more herniation and contact with the ventral cord in my lumbar spine, right where I had the surgery. I was devastated by the news, as I thought it was an impossibility now that I am "fused." But my surgeon says it's normal. And that could be the leftover disc material, ligament that has not healed, scar tissue, or one day, bone can actually "over grow" and poke into the cord like bone spurs do. "The only way to know is to open it up."

Um. No. I can not handle that.

So....I do not regret doing the surgeries. But, it's been a rough ride. I had an unexpected ovarian surgery right before the lumbar fusion too, so it could be that I am still upside down physically and mentally for all sorts of reasons.

Wishing you the best!
>;<
Dragon Fly
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"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
Gnamaree
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Gender: Female
Posts: 56
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2012, 08:29:50 PM »
WOW! What an ordeal or journey depending on how you look at it! I have to have the cervical fusion on C5-C6-C7 and a foraminectomy at C3-C4.  I had a couple really bad cases of whiplash that my attorney blew off as soft tissue damage in suing for the two So Cal rear-enders I was in in 4 months, 15 years ago.  I got $15K GROSS.  Total bull because my neck curves the wrong way and the disc degeneration and I have nerve compression AND bone spurs.  I was scheduled in June 2010 to have the surgery and when my neurosurgeon put in for the approval and my insurance company cancelled me. (It was through my former employer who back dated my cancellation date, out of spite!)

My lumbar has become progressively worse and although I had originally thought it was worse than my cervical, it has degeneration faster.  Now that I was approved for the Medicare, I am worried that I only have 2 years to get both surgeries because of the Continuing Disability Review. I'm wondering if that is from the date of the hearing or from when I actually begin receiving everything.  AND with the baby coming, I have to wait at least until after the birth in late July and recovery.

It scares me after seeing others in my neurosurgeon's office who have had bad results because I don't want to stay on disability forever.  I want to go back to school and get my master's degree as a physician asst.  I can't finish the nursing because of my back.  And I can't live on the measly amount of SSDI forever. Sad
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Dragon Fly
Glitter Queen SSDFacts Doughnator
Global Moderator
SUPERSTAR Member
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Gender: Female
Posts: 7448


Crinkly Piece of Aluminum Foil
« Reply #13 on: February 07, 2012, 08:45:15 PM »
Gina,
I understand 100%. Your CDR should be scheduled from the date of approval. However, you are doing what I am SO guilty of, and worrying about your CDR before you even got to celebrate your approval!

If you have not already read it, this is an awesome post about the CDR process from DP:

The Dreaded CDR:  http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php/topic,4412.0.html

I should probably read it again myself.  blush

Try not to put a time frame on your recovery. And remember, as a new mom, you might find that it's easier to deal with holding the baby before having any surgeries. This is something you should definitely discuss with your prospective surgeon. If I had known that I would feel this way now, I would have spent more time getting stronger (only to get weaker, really) but because I can't do what I thought I'd be able to do by now. However, no results are typical. And everyone of course is different. Some people I know were able to run 5K's 5 months after their spine surgery. I'm just not one of them. Our mental focus has to always be on recovery and getting better...not the CDR. The CDR can be late, on time, early or never happen. Since it is so entirely out of our control, our energies are better spent on healing...

Now, will you play that back in a recording so I will listen?
 girl (angel)
>;<
Logged
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music." --  Friedrich Nietzsche
Name: >;<
Location: CA
Age at Application: 37
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Chronic PTSD
Date Applied: October 8, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: Approved verbally March 15th, 2011. Approval letter dated April 5, 2011
Additional Info: 2 weeks in QR, Received backpay April 4th, 2011
Gnamaree
SSDFacts VIP
Valued and Trusted Member
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Gender: Female
Posts: 56
« Reply #14 on: February 07, 2012, 09:13:38 PM »
Dragon Fly, your hilarious and very helpful too! My grandfather had two level spinal fusion at 80 years old and he's 96 now! He went on to be almost good as new except the surgeon told him he should have done three levels! My grandpa said, "To hell with you now!"

I'll check out the articles you referenced once I can get baby to stop grabbing the  laptop cord! UGH! As for holding her and the next one, it's almost impossible because I have a giant baby (hubby is 6'6 300lbs, I'm 5'4" 155 right now) and expect another jolly green offspring soon. crowded
Logged
If Life is a bowl of cherries, then what am I doing in the pits? ~Erma Bombeck
Name: Gina
Location: Houston, TX
Age at Application: 41
Disability: Cervical & Lumbar DDD, Spinal Stenosis, Radiculopathy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, PTSD, Sleep Apnea
Date Applied: May 18, 2010
First Approval/Denial Date: 11/1/2010
Reconsideration Approval/Denial Date: 4/19/2011
Hearing Date: 1/10/2012
ALJ Approval/Denial Date: 1/10/2012 Bench Approval-No Attorney
Additional Info: 1/30/2012 (2/6/2012 rec'd) Notice of Decision; 2/15/2012 Back Pay rec'd; 2/21/2012 1st Notice of Award rec'd
Pages: [1] 2 Print 
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