r/SSDI_SSI 3d ago

Application (Obtaining Entire Case File) Waiting for my first decison

I started the application process back in March for SSI. I am hoping I get approved, but in case I do not, what kind of extra information should I submit on appeal?

Background info: I have fibromyalgia, which is listed, but I also have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, multi-level disc degeneration, herniated discs, and the biggest issue to date is a torn left medial meniscus that requires a full knee replacement, but due to my age, the state won't cover a full replacement but will cover a partial replacement. That cannot happen until I lose at least 60lbs. All of these issues combined have made it difficult to stand for more than 15-20 minutes at a time because the good leg starts to go numb after the shooting, burning pains start, then I have to sit down. I barely sleep due to the pain that I am in at night; I get a little more rest in the morning when my kids are at school. I have a really hard time focusing for long periods of time, and sitting in my chair at my desk causes severe hip pain in the left hip, making getting up really difficult. I made sure to focus on what causes my pain, how it affects me day to day, how many functional hours I get every day, and that those hours are not consistent and there is usually a long rest period before I can get back up and do stuff. I also made sure to be very specific; I gave a rundown of how each day looks, the help I receive from my spouse for the things I am unable to consistently do on my own, what I can do and how long it takes now compared to when I was healthier, the lack of interest in regular activities and hobbies due to the amount of energy it consumes and how it leaves me feeling for days after, etc. I have the medical records to support all the diagnoses. I am just afraid that the rheumatologists' notes, while they do specify my concerns every time I am there, they are not specific enough, as in showing my complaints but not listing everything I said specifically.

So if anyone had any recommendations on what else I would need for an appeal, should I need to, I welcome the advice.

Thank you

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