A Small Victory

Today we had a small victory...we won our appeal in court for Mark's SSI/disability benefits. We have been fighting for these benefits for the last two years, since his short term state disability ended after he stopped working. It boggles the mind how the "system" works for or against certain people and why it takes so long for someone who needs/deserves benefits to get them. I know firsthand how difficult it is to go through the maze of paperwork...forms, doctor reports, work status updates, etc. having gone through disability when I had carpal tunnel syndrome several years ago. For Mark, we did everything we were supposed to do. We got doctor reports, filled out forms, went to the Social Security office for an interview. And for some reason, they denied the claim, stating that he was in workable condition....how in the hell do they expect someone who is going through chemotherapy, requiring 30+ restroom visits a day, on multiple pain management medications, etc. to work a "normal" 8 hour day, be able to concentrate on that work AND be able to drive to and from work. Pain meds cause side effects...some of them major, like drowsiness, hallucinations, foggy head. Not to mention the chemo side effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, body aches, dizziness, neuropathy, fatigue...the list goes on. Yet the person who reviewed his case denied it? Then sent it off for a secondary review and denied it again?? I know people who are on disability...some need to be but some do not. How can someone justify they cannot work because of pain but can go on shopping sprees and stand all night at a night club or concert? What about someone who claims to have mental anguish from being fired but can sit all day at a casino and play Black Jack? But someone who has been fighting cancer for 3 years, is in constant pain, has weight loss because he has no appetite, who has been in ER twice in a month span because of dehydration from night sweats and diarrhea is expected to work? We contacted the Cancer Legal Resource Center of Los Angeles. It is a wonderful organization that provides free advice and guidance for cancer patients to work their way through the confusing system. We were given a referral for an attorney who specializes in disability cases. We were blessed to find an attorney who genuinely feels compassion for their clients and encouraged us to appeal. Our first court date was scheduled back in July...July 3rd to be exact. We were scheduled to appear at 11 am in West Los Angeles, a nice 1 1/2 hour drive in morning traffic. We received a phone call that morning at 8 am to tell us our case was being rescheduled because an official was not going to be in the office that day...in other words, someone decided they wanted an extended 4th of July weekend. So, we rescheduled and here we are today. We were fortunate the "medical expert" they had phone in from Oregon understood Mark's condition and the severity of side effects. Not only the cancer but the heart condition as well. Should be a no brainer, right? It should not have taken us this long...and we still have to wait a month before we see any benefits. The good news is, the battle is over. The great news is they will retro-pay the time lost since we applied. With all the ugliness in the world, I finally got a glimpse of the system working. One that does good for people who need and deserve benefits. I feel like today shined a little glimmer of hope that the "system" works and will continue to work so our futures don't have to seem so hopeless.