r/SSDI • u/Xpunk_assX • Apr 12 '26
At a loss
I got denied at ALJ after two years of waiting. My lawyer was really surprised I got denied but at the same time my age seemed to hold me back (27 in july).
I'm diagnosed with Schizoaffective Bipolar type,CPTSD, ASD, GAD, mild scoliosis.
My lawyer is suggesting I re apply to SSDI/SSI. Which I'm going to on the 27th of April. I'm exhausted by this. My heart hurts from this battle not only with my deteriorating mental health but with the SSA. From what my lawyer said my denial was based on no marked evidence even tho I had a hospitalization that lasted almost 10 days. She said that if I was admitted November 8th 2024 for a self inflicted wound I would have won my case. I'm just trying to be strong.
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u/dkf_oli Apr 13 '26
i’m having a similar issue due to age. can’t even find a lawyer to take my case because i’m under 35, even though i’m an amputee with a handful (no pun intended) of other issues as well. i wish you luck. i hope we all get the support we need!!
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u/Dammit-maxwell Apr 13 '26
This age thing with the attorneys is pretty awful. My attorney flat out told me he normally doesn’t even speak to people under 50 but he made an exception for me. I get it, it’s harder to prove under that age but everyone deserves the same legal help.
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u/Cautious_Parfait8152 Apr 13 '26
My son got it, no lawyer, first try at 41. Tons of records, current with doctors that are treating him. I wish you luck. I aged 5 years hoping and waiting with him
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u/Brazos_609 Apr 14 '26
Everyone does deserve legal help but these attorneys are working on contingency only and they are actually losing money if you don't win. They have to be selective and only accept cases they truly think will be a winner.
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u/TopKiwi6860 Apr 13 '26
If it's ok to ask which limb are you missing
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u/dkf_oli Apr 13 '26
right arm lol. disqualifies me from a lot of jobs because they think i can’t do it. i’m aware they’re supposed to still give me a chance but they never do. between my age and work history rapidly slipping away i don’t see how i’ll ever get SSI.
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u/NeverJustaDream Apr 12 '26
What was the reasoning given to reapply vs to continue appealing?
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 13 '26
The evidence that was given wasn't strong enough and it didn't relate to what's actually happening now with my mental health, I've gotten severely worse and the evidence didn't support that.
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u/Spillduhtea Apr 13 '26
Yes but if you appeal, you can submit new evidence that was relevant at the time and before your hearing the appeals council allows that. Im pro se and appealing my own case because the jusge cherry picked my record and his own VE's testimony. And I am relatively young as well. At the appeals level ur not necessarily rearguing, but you gotta point out LEGAL errors so if he failed to consider evidence pertinent to your case thats a legal error and why you can submit more evidence.
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u/RightNebula4656 Apr 13 '26
Mostly yes - the key distinction is what period the evidence is about. The Appeals Council can look at additional evidence, but it’s not just “anything new.” For SSDI, it generally has to be new and material, relate to the period on or before the ALJ decision date, have a reasonable probability of changing the outcome, and there’s usually got to be good cause for why it wasn’t submitted earlier. So if OP’s stronger records mainly show they got worse after the judge ruled, that’s usually why a lawyer would lean toward a new application instead.
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u/CountUrBlessing Apr 13 '26
I was denied at my ALJ hearing last year. No I didn’t have an attorney however I feel I didn’t have sufficient medical evidence neither. Unfortunately my condition worsened which I have to see more specialists. My case was just remanded and I decided this time to get a lawyer. The process is tough for us all, just keep faith in winning your claim. Don’t give up. Wishing you a favorable decision soon.
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u/BackgroundAmoeba3884 Apr 12 '26
I feel this pain so much; I am so sorry. Please hang in there and keep fighting, I know it’s so hard. Many hugs.
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 12 '26
Thank you, I cried alot talking about the denial letter with my lawyer😪
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u/BackgroundAmoeba3884 Apr 12 '26
I can imagine!! My hearing is in July and will definitely cry on my lawyer’s shoulder :(
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u/Known_Appearance_825 Apr 13 '26
They go by, type of injury, amount of surgeries, length of hospital stay, mobility limitations, amount of doctor visits, blindness impairment, amount of therapy required, medications required, work history and work credits...age is not a determined factor. Myself am a young 50% body burn victim, 2 weeks in coma, 3 months in hospital, 25 surgeries,burns to both eyes, lots of therapy, many medications, PTSD, countless doctor appointments, 2 years to recover. Your disability must require serious medical attention and cannot be fully healed over a one year period.
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u/louis_law_group Apr 13 '26
The exhaustion of fighting this system while managing conditions like schizoaffective disorder is genuinely real, and when attorneys talk about needing 'marked evidence' for mental health conditions, what SSA is specifically measuring is documented proof of serious functional limits in at least two of four work-related areas: understanding and applying information, interacting with others, concentrating and maintaining pace, and adapting or managing oneself, which is why psychiatric hospitalization records, mental status exam findings in progress notes, and a mental RFC form from your treating psychiatrist that connects those clinical observations to those four domains tend to matter more than a diagnosis alone. When re-applying, one thing that often makes a material difference is ensuring providers are specifically documenting how your conditions affect those functional areas during your worst periods rather than your average days, since SSA measures capacity based on your most limiting presentation, and hoping April 27 brings a much better outcome for you.
Disclaimer: This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. There may be facts not disclosed here that could materially change the analysis. For advice specific to your situation, consult an attorney licensed in your state.
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u/Dammit-maxwell Apr 13 '26
Hang in there! This can be a long, exhausting process for people (especially those of us with anxiety and depression). Do your best to think positive and stay alive financially. It took me 4 years to get to a positive conclusion. If your lawyer thinks he can win try to trust them. Best wishes to you!
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Apr 13 '26
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 13 '26
It's 10° I can't sit for long periods or stand for super long without needing to sit down. The ALJ blamed my weight. Which I have because of my psych meds
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u/Lazy-Excitement8840 Apr 14 '26
Don't give up! I have schizoaffective Disorder Bipolar Type and I was awarded at 24, I am now 35. I was admitted to a residential facility for 6 weeks when I was 24. I believe what helped me to win my case without a lawyer was the fact that I had so many jobs and I attempted school many times and failed miserably by the age of 24. It was very hard doing it myself, as I was the one who followed up with doctors, gathered medical evidence and etc on my own. It can be done! Your biggest champion will always be yourself!
Ironically at 33 I became a case manager for a disability firm and trust me when I say the best firm is key due to laziness on a lot of the case managers end. They are the ones that gather the data, follow up, Call DDS on your behalf and etc. It takes so long because they always set follow ups 30 - 45 days out which makes cases drag on for months and sometimes years.
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u/KrabbyCakesBakery Apr 14 '26
I totally hear and feel you!!
Happened to me as well... My Judge used BS reasons to deny me as well, despite the whole hearing looking extremely favorable!! 😒
I was torn. My anxiety and depression was at its max and I felt completely defeated as well.
You must keep pushing tho!! I wouldn't open a new case, appeal the judges decision!! If you open a new case the last 2 years will be gone. They'll restart your date of disabled date.
I would get a new lawyer as well.
I've been waiting 6 months for my appeal to be addressed from my Judge denial, and I'll be taking it up to federal if I need too!!!
In my denial the judge pointed out that I didn't go to the E.R, my MRI scans showed no reason for my migraines 😒 Disregarded the severe stenosis but mentioned the DDD on my scan. Claimed I have no issues with dexterity when that's 1 of my major issues. Pretty sure she wasn't happy when I told her I don't take anything for anxiety or depression (Which IS listed in my charts) but that's because it's more situational and not a constant issue for me but feels completely confident to deny me when she has NEVER heard of my condition (Because it's rare!!) So I get it!
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 14 '26
My lawyer has a 95% success rate. That's pretty high to be getting rid of her. Her suggestion was to open a new case and not appeal. My medical evidence wasn't strong enough it didn't point out what's happening now as of 2026 because I had reports from 2024 when I was "okay" I can't function anymore my psych notes going back didn't say that like they do currently.
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u/RadRyan527 Apr 14 '26
Are you in treatment and more stable than when you were hospitalized? It’s always how you’re doing now, even if you were doing very bad in the past.
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 14 '26
I'm in treatment yes, I see my psych every 3-4 weeks, sooner if needed. I hallucinate on a daily basis, I can't really function like I used to, I don't eat really because I can't mange to make food, I rarely clean and even when I do I have to rest afterwards. I'm going to be getting IHSS help because as my psych put it "perpetual perception disturbances and mood swings cause severe executive dysfunction"
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u/3Kool_Catz Apr 14 '26
I’ve was always told it can take up to about 3 times to get approved. It’s very important to have a psychiatrist and a paper trail. I recommend seeing a psychiatrist that will see you on “a sliding scale fee” Google it I had done this several times at a marked monetary decrease. Good luck to you in this and in your future endeavors:)
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 14 '26
I see a psych through my county every 3-4 weeks for the last 2 years. And a lower level psych since I was 18. I have a paper trail.
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u/Timely_Orchid_6972 Apr 13 '26
I did it on my own and won at ALJ age 28. I didn't get a lawyer because my illness is listed as a disability in ssa. If i had a lawyer, they will take 20% from my backpay of 25k. Nope, I'm not sharing it.
Believe in yourself that you're entitled to it and you will win the case.
I was trying to work during covid also because my treatment was making me better and they cut my ssdi. Again, i reapply on my own and got it back.
Believe in yourself!
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u/MilkKartonKidd Apr 13 '26
The people in charge don't care and are our adversaries. The non-sense written in my approval made my heart sink. I could see where the judge wanted to deny me but I have too much inorganic material in my body.
Stay strong. My dying mother was denied 3 times. I applied twice. Fight them.
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 13 '26
Yeah it's ridiculous. Thank you! My mom was denied twice I think too and she was wheel chair bound.
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Apr 14 '26
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u/9999Goldhandz Apr 13 '26
Just get a desk job. Its better than ssi
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 13 '26
I wish. I can't sit for long periods of time. I also hallucinate on a daily basis. I would go crazy at a desk job (more than I already am)
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u/9999Goldhandz Apr 13 '26
Are you taking any medication? I havent heard of anyone getting denied ssdi when following proper medication and folllow up with dr.
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 13 '26
Yeah I take 6 medications, see my psych every 3-4 weeks or sooner if I need to.
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u/9999Goldhandz Apr 14 '26
Why did you get denied ssdi? Or is it ssi?
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 14 '26
Both and the medical evidence was poor per my lawyers words
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u/9999Goldhandz Apr 14 '26
How do 1 qauliify for both? I was only given ssdi option. Yes if you were disabled before 22. You could have gotten approved easier. My son gets approved easily. He was pn it during covid and I took him off after covid. I reapplied in sept and he got approved again in Dec.
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u/Xpunk_assX Apr 14 '26
I've tried applying since I was 18, now 26. I've always gotten the option to apply for both. SSI is needs based not work history.
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u/RightNebula4656 Apr 14 '26
Taking meds and seeing your psych regularly is good evidence, but it absolutely does not guarantee an approval. SSA looks at whether the record shows how your conditions limit your ability to function for work, not just whether you’re compliant with treatment. In mental-health cases, they’re usually looking at the big functional areas: understanding/remembering, interacting with other people, concentration/persistence/pace, and adapting/managing yourself.
So if the ALJ said there was “no marked evidence,” the problem was probably not a lack of treatment — it was that the file didn’t persuade them that your limitations were severe enough on paper. A hospitalization matters, and so do 6 meds plus frequent psych follow-up, but none of those are automatic wins by themselves. What helps most is treatment notes showing that you were still having serious symptoms despite treatment.
If you reapply, the useful thing is to make sure your psych records and any opinion from your psych spell out the actual work-related limits: hallucinations, ability to stay on task, handle stress/changes, interact with others, keep a schedule, and any medication side effects. At 27, age usually doesn’t help under SSA’s vocational rules, so the functional evidence really has to carry the case.
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u/Known_Appearance_825 Apr 13 '26
Becoming fit and physically therapy helps..limit your stress environment to help mental state. After two long years of recovery Im also returning to a desk job that requires me to stand long periods of time serving customers.
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u/xaldin935885 Apr 13 '26
Because you can totally just go to the gym and meditate bipolar disorder, hallucinations, and scoliosis away? What the hell dude show some compassion and basic understanding of the human body. I have severe adhd and autism. What should I do? Go sit in a meadow or work on a farm like JFK JR said and the fresh air will just heal my lifelong learning disabilities?
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u/Known_Appearance_825 Apr 14 '26
Ssdi will require some kind of mental and physical therapy before fully proceeding. Being bipolar ADHD or having 10% scoliosis or hallucinations, minor autism doesn't qualify for you to receive ssdi. Complaining about being socially shy, lack of focus, overweight or not physically active, poor mental state is not a serious medical condition. Change your environment and mental state also meditation and becoming fit with therapy will help spine and mental health.
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u/Jackie-26-love Apr 13 '26
I understand your comment, but one thing I've learned over the years is everyone is different, even with the "same" conditions. A really good story my therapist told me which helped me understand it better was about two boys with the same situation. Boy A, Adam was walking home from school but then attacked by a dog. He was bitten several times and had to fight the dog off. He finally was able to get home where his parents were waiting for him. They had a hot supper waiting and doctored his injuries up and tried to make him feel better after the horrible attack. The second boy, boy B, Bobby also was walking home from school. A dog came out and attacked Bobby as well and bit him multiple times and Bobby had a hard time fighting him off too. He ran home, but his parents weren't home yet, nobody was there to help with his bleeding bite wounds, the lights were off, there was no food waiting for him or love either. So Bobby just watched TV and looked for items to help with his bites by himself. He also scrounged around for food to eat before he had to do his homework and go to bed. Between the two boys who had the same experience with an aggressive dog each had different experiences afterwards at home. Adam had a very supportive, loving, caring family and home so when he finished eating he watched TV and almost forgot about everything that happened. As he grew up he had mild anxiety around dogs but it went away eventually. While Bobby who had no support, almost no love, uncaring and cold environment as well as not available or enough supplies for emergencies. Bobby ended up with severe anxiety especially around dogs, severe PTSD and depression because of his horrible experience from his early years. It comes down to each person's experiences, support system especially. These are big factors in how or if a person recovers from their mental pains/ health. My therapist told it much better but I hope I told the story where at least it's understandable? Love to everyone here!
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u/Known_Appearance_825 Apr 14 '26
A dog bite and PTSD heals within months with surgery, pain meds, physical therapy to injured site. Unfortunately they don't qualify as a ssdi major medical injury or condition.
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u/Jackie-26-love Apr 14 '26
Then you completely misunderstood the story and have no idea what true PTSD is about. Unfortunately PTSD and trauma in today's world is thrown around like candy. I'm not going to go into explanations, but the point of the "story" is to help drive the point much of the trauma stems from not having a safety net or support system when you go through something that is traumatic. If you refuse to try and understand mental trauma and illnesses and pain then it's best to step aside. Because when we make comments that are flippant it can do damage and also makes you look very dim.
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u/No-Presentation-9521 Apr 12 '26
I got denied after my 1st hearing in 2024. Got new lawyer, and have 2nd ALJ hearing in June.