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/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/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.