Social Security Disability Benefits Denial

Dear President OBAMA

I am a 54 year old cuban born, raised in Miami, divorced, living alone woman.   I had a great life as a flight attendant for Pan Am World Airways till I was involved in a traumatic automobile accident in 1987.   I was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital (Ryder Trauma Center).  I sustained multiple maxilofacial fractures, multiple femur & multiple pelvic fractures.  I was disabled in 1987 for about 7 years.  I had to undergo many surgeries, physical therapy, psychiatric treatment and pain management injections to learn how to walk again.  I tried to go back to flight status but could not handle it.  

I began working at the age of 16 years old.  I was attending Miami Senior High and held 2 jobs, one at Butler Shoes and the other at Orkin Exterminators.   I have worked all my life and have been an honorable citizen of our great nation.  I have not been able to work since October 2008.     

My hip and back pain are so extreme that I live in my bed most of the time and very rarely leave my home.  I also have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.   I have not been able to pay my mortgage since May 2010.  Due to my depression, bipolar & pain issues I may have a few good days out of a month where I am able to focus a bit to sit down as I am doing now to compose a letter to you.   My capacity to express myself are with very poor judgement and no clarity as my memory is terrible from so much anguish when I have been to see many doctors.  Pain medication does noting for me anymore.  My mental and pain issues have intensified to the point that I am very limited to do simple everyday tasks and am not coping well with life.   All I do is cry and have negative thoughts.  I do not want to be like this anymore.  I need your help.

I applied for social security disability benefits and have been denied twice.  I was disabled at age 29 and went back to the work force in 1994 but now at 54 my health issues have progressively worsen.  I do not feel normal at all.   I find it very discomforting to talk to people that have not lived here for as long as I have, never paid taxes and are non U.S. citizens and once they land here in Miami, they are granted automatic financial and medical benefits.  Please do not misconstrue that I wish no benefits to immigrants.  I just do not want to be denied mine!  I have been humiliated and questioned regarding all my extenuating medical circumstances.  As a single woman living alone in America, because we have no children we are being overlooked in its entirety and are not considered at all in the system when we need assistance.  What is going on with our system?  If I cannot work, I cannot work regardless of the fact that I have a child or not.  I have a dog.  I cannot walk my lovely dog.  I have to let her out in my backyard and sit in a chair so that she gets a bit of exercise.  I used to walk all my dogs always. This gorgeous being is the only thing that keeps me going in life right now.  I want to be well again!  I want to live life!

Mr. President, I have been told I need hip replacement surgery but that will not help my lower back issues nor my bipolar condition.  Since I am not old enough, hip replacement is not recommended until I am 70 years old.  Can you understand my frustration?  I need to get my life back now.  I want to get well.  I want to work and function as I used to.  Please help me get my disability benefits and medicaid as soon as possible.  I have worked so hard and I want to be well and do not want to loose my home.  I want to leave this world a proud woman and a good example to my nieces and grand nephew and I want to do many things in life!  

I only hope and pray with my faith that this letter will get to you and you will help a very lonely woman that used to have a beautiful outlook in life and a fabulous personality.

Awaiting to hear from you, I remain.

Very truly yours,