United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I got injuried a little over eight years ago... Car insurance; health insurance; disability insurance; welfare; and Social Security all denied me benefits so it took me almost eight years to pay the bills off... Now I am at the point I need to slow down and stop working two jobs... My doctor has said it is time I took care of my health before it is too late. I wanted to open a business but cannot find any help to do this. Vocational Rehabilitation in my state has been giving me the run around for over a month so I seriously am doubting I will ever get help from them or ever be able to talk to someone. Are there any other resources in the US to help?

Thanks

Where are you and why so long before asking those who might better to help you help yourself?

Ok Now I'm confused myself.

Where are you? Ok, the Volunteer State(thanks for helping at the Alamo...)

Why so long? We(UBPN)can help you better than most Message Boards when you ask for or desire to help yourself.


Message was edited by: swhite1

I am in Tennessee.

I am not sure I understand the rest of the question...

I tried in the very beginning of this injury to get help to rebuild my life but when your told by an attorney, "You have exhausted all resources and you will never see one penny for this despite the fact it was not your fault.", as far as I know there is nothing else you can do. In my case pain and all I went to work to pay the bills.

Now eight years later I have to slow down but not sure how.... Hence the reason I am asking is there any resources out there to help?

UPDATE
https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/POMS.NSF/lnx/0424580030
Have you had any help yet?


Don't give up on Social Security. When it does come through it will be pro-rated.
I'm pretty sure you need to apply for Social Security DISABILITY not SSI. You also will be eligible for Medicaid
Good luck.


You can apply for Social Security or SSI benefits at your local Social Security office. You should have your child's SS# and birth certificate available. You will also need to provide records that show your income and assets, as well as those of your child. You may also call this number 1-800-772-1213. You will notice in the list provided by the SSA, that it states "2 limbs amputated", but families and/or caregivers should not give up if they feel they have a good case. It is also mentioned in this information you may be more successful by having an attorney represent you. Heed this advice. It is not uncommon to be routinely denied. Please keep this in mind and proceed to the next step. Don't give up.

The following web links may be helpful:
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10026.html#applying
http://www.nosscr.org/hallfaq.html#03


Message was edited by: swhite1

Don't forget about asking your local Congressional representative for help with the SS. My niece's husband works in our Congressman' office and helps with SS matters all the time.

John P.

1-800-66 BINDER

It will not hurt to call
but think of what will happen
IF YOU DON'T.

Things have changed in the last eight years. You may find that you are eligible now where you were not then. Social Security can be a VERY difficult to obtain. However, if there is medical documentation to back you up keep pushing! Sounds like your doctor is supportive. So that is very helpful.

I hope you get some relief... physically and financially!

Social Security is a no! Cannot stress that enough. Trust me the lawyer tried every avenue possible and appealed until there was no more appealing to be done for over two years and in the end was paid nothing. Social Security said no because I still had one functioning arm and this is a nerve injury. If this was deeemed a spinal cord injury then yes I would be eligible but this is not considered that hence Social Security does not consider tbpi injuries to be paralysis. The Social Security office feels its a nerve injury meaning they feel it will heal! I spoke to them again at the beginning of this year and they said the same thing after reviewing my case. I know people get Social Security benefits with this injury but I have no clue how they have done it and neither does the lawyer. I have the documentation from the doctor and the lawyer even found medical articles that explain tbpi injuries are permanent paralysis.

My arm has not received care in almost eight years because I cannot afford to go to a doctor unless there is no choice so currently there is no current medical information. If I had my way I would not even ask for help now but living with one arm and a whole lot of medical injuries from the car accident that never healed right is forcing this issue to the forefront.

So again does anyone know of any other resources in the US or are we bluntly just left with nothing?

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but totally seperate from the issue of tbpi, do you have an organized group of women business owners in your area? (I'm assuming you're a woman from your screen name, forgive me if I'm mistaken). They are prevalent in my area and some of the women are very well connected, know the ins and outs of starting a business and know alot about different ways to get start-up capital through grants and low-interest loans. Plus, many of them are very intersted in helping other women get their businesses up and running. I know they were very helpful to a friend of mine when she started her business a few years ago. Not sure if that is the kind of info you were looking for, but good luck!

Perhaps you need to talk to another attorney!

While Social Security may have reviewed your case the beginning of the year. They reviewed OLD information. If I am understanding you correctly you are loosing more and more of your mobility in your effected arm. Was that part of what they reviewed? If not, it means there is new information available to show there is a problem. Not to mention that eight years later not only are you not "healed" you are worse.

I receive Social Security. I have since 1993 or 1994 can't remember which right now. It took me two to three years to be approved. I had to insist on going before a judge. Social Security frowns upon putting a 28 year old woman on disability. They do not want to have to pay me until I die! Not cost effective!

I had to prove that I could not be a productive or dependable employee and that my injury diminished my quality of life. That was done with doctors, physical/occupational therapist, family and a sit down with the judge.

Since then I have to be examined by a doctor that works for Social Security every three to four years. Every time I am nervous about the appointment. The last time the doctor was mad because they had even sent me to him. His comment was, "You are obviously disabled. I don't know why they waste your time or mine!"

If we post we are posting any resources we may have. Above is the only resource I have to offer. My personal experience.

So, again, I hope you find some relief physically and financially.