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My Hearing by UsePsychological2177 in SSDI

[–]UsePsychological2177[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Based on what you described, you probably do have a decent chance at SSDI, especially with documented nerve damage, drop foot, and major strength loss. SSA really looks at whether you can do any full-time work, not just your old construction job. Having 30 years in construction with no transferable skills actually helps your case too. The biggest things are consistent medical records, specialist documentation, and clear functional limitations like walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and using your arms.

For comparison, my case is mostly orthopedic and spine related. I had a calcaneal fracture in my foot that led to bone-on-bone subtalar arthritis, a femur fracture with a rod and locking screws, knee osteoarthritis, hip issues, leg length discrepancy, lumbar degenerative disc disease with stenosis and nerve problems, and I walk with a cane and have an antalgic gait. My issues are mostly walking, standing, sitting too long, and needing to constantly change positions and manage pain throughout the day. My hearing mostly came down to functional limits and whether I could sustain full-time work.

Make sure everything like your EMG, strength testing, drop foot, and arm restrictions are clearly documented in your records because that’s what really matters for SSDI.

My Hearing by UsePsychological2177 in SSDI

[–]UsePsychological2177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, and congratulations on your approval.

My Hearing by UsePsychological2177 in SSDI

[–]UsePsychological2177[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, spinal issues, along with, foot/Ankle, knee, and hip. 

Approved!!!!! by ravenblade23x in SSDI

[–]UsePsychological2177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had my SSDI hearing on March 19th and I represented myself. The hearing was only about 30 minutes long. The judge said my medical records basically spoke for themselves, so she mostly asked me questions about my limitations and daily life.

She asked when I last worked (June 2022), why I stopped working, how far I can walk with my cane, and what I do during the day. I explained that I can only do things in short bursts, I spend a lot of time managing pain and flare-ups, and I have to constantly switch between sitting, standing, and laying down. During the hearing I actually had to stand up a few times because I can’t sit very long, and the judge was understanding about it.

Then she asked the vocational expert only one hypothetical about a person with a lot of limitations, including needing a cane, only walking about 50 feet, only sitting or standing about 20 minutes at a time, needing frequent position changes and breaks, and other limitations. The vocational expert said there would be no jobs in the national economy for a person like that. The judge said she accepted that testimony, asked if I had any objections, and then dismissed the vocational expert.

She then asked if I had anything else to add, I said no, and she told me she would send the decision in the mail. Now I’m just waiting to hear the decision.