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Regular Contributor
Posts: 193
Registered: ‎08-01-2018

I have suffered from moderate, now severe rheumatoid arthritis since I was 16.  When I had the opportunity to retire in 2013, I did due to difficulties.  I applied for SSA disability.  I was denied, I appealed, and apparently was denied although I never received a notice.  I reapplied in 2017.  Again, I was denied.  In August of 2018, when notified of the denial, I appealed again.  I did not hire an attorney.  I heard nothing.  So this past Saturday, 2.16.19, I received a Medicare card.  I was confused.  So, yesterday I called the SSA.  I was approved on 1.29.19.  So now I am a youngish disabled person, and I feel like Goliath, I went up against the government without help and I won.  That moral I guess is that you don't always have to threaten to sue or hire a lawyer to win.  Trust in yourself.  I know what many of you will comment about me, so don't bother writing something without thought.  Thank-you

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,067
Registered: ‎06-15-2014

Good for you. Hope you’re feeling well.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,797
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Glad to hear that you finally got approved!  I agree it's weird that they never sent you a letter either way.

 

My husband was approved the first time he applied.  We went in person and brought his extensive medical records which helped.  In addition, he was 59 and the older you are the more likely you'll be approved.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,463
Registered: ‎10-21-2010

Congrats you stayed with it and won. I was a lucky one and got approved the first time at 41. Luckily I had years and years of medical records and just got out of the hospital so it seemed a pretty straight forward case.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 23,835
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Yes,  the older you are, the better the chances.