Hopeless in San Bernaradino, CA...HELP!

[dngwic2]

Hi everyone. I am so upset and sad. I don't know what to do. This weekend I received my second SS denial. Can't even believe it. My uro says I am severe and yet. I will continue to the next step which is a judge. I have been very stubborn in wanting to do this without a lawyer. It just drives me absolutly nuts to think I cannot represent myself. But, I am defeated. This is a shout out. Does anyone live in the Riverside/San Bernardino area of the Inland Empire? Can you recommend a lawyer that help you win your case? PLEASE HELP ME. I am sick in my soul and desperate.
Jacqui

[Berkshire Road]

In the following thread, at post #8, I've written down some tips for coping with the Hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge (which is where you are in the process).

http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48592

If you think you could use a lawyer's advice, then you should probably retain one; they will at least be able to look through your file and tell you if there's anything in the file that contradicts your claim, or anything necessary that's missing.

This will probably get deleted for "advertising," although I have no financial or other connection with them; have never been employed by or represented by them; and have not been asked to recommend them -- so I'm going to try posting it: I understand that Binder & Binder is generally pretty good. You do get a lawyer even though they don't call themselves a law firm, and they are nationwide. If they don't happen to have an office near you, they'll have someone "meet" with you on the phone, and then fly out to do your hearing. (If the name of the company gets deleted from this post before you see it, please PM me!)

You might prefer someone local, or a smaller firm. Think about what kind of environment would make you most comfortable. To find Social Security specialists, the Yellow Pages is as good a place to start as anywhere else.
Whatever lawyer you choose to retain, be sure to double-check that he/she does have extensive experience with Social Security appeals, and does work on a no up-front fee basis. They should be willing to accept a percentage of your backpay from SSA as their fee; if you don't win your case, they don't get paid.

And for your own well-being, please remember that the overwhelming majority of applications are denied in the initial rounds; your hearing is your opportunity to get a human being to listen to you describe your daily life and limitations (again, see my earlier post on hearings). And remember that this hearing is not the last level of appeal that's available to you.

You're in my thoughts. Let us know how it turns out for you, OK?

[dngwic2]

Hi Carolyn, We spoke quite a long time ago when I hadn't even submitted a claim. Actually I did read your post about the hearing and one's own behavior. I also saw your reference to aforementioned company and I am considering that as a possibility. Currently I have a contact referred by the county bar assoc. I have sent him an inquiry email and await reply. I have saved a lot of stuff but I do not have a copy of my medical records. As I'm sure you know this would be of great physical pain for me to obtain these records. Would a lawyer be able to obtain them for me? I know I must have a no fee up front agreement with no fee unless they win. I have no money and would otherwise have to go without representation. I will keep you in the loop. Thanks for your support. I've been so miserable lately and this doesn't help. I tried out Elmiron in my instills instead of Heperin and the nausea seems worse than usual. Must take a hot bath and get the gel pack on.
Later, Jacqui.

[ICNDonna]

This is the point where some people feel a need for an attorney. I hope the appeal is successful for you.

Donna

[Berkshire Road]

SSA can gather your medical records for you, too. (Sorry, I've been offline for a while!) Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable, as far as getting a lawyer. And good luck.