u/TripleJs1121

I just got the denial in the mail, and I am so angry at their reasoning. Their reasoning, after the long list of physical issues I have, I can work with my knee issues. Yep, of all the things that were listed- torn meniscus that requires a full knee replacement, spinal stenosis, multi-level disc degeneration, herniated discs, arthritis in both knees, fibromyalgia- the one thing they focused on and claimed was my primary issue was knee issues: arthritis. So that is their reasoning for denial. I provided pages on how all these issues limit my daily activities, my ability to function, and how it affects me physically overall, and it seems like they didn't even look at that. I got a lawyer to help with my first appeal; wish me luck!

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