Charlie Wilson Looking Into Social Security Denials
After a recent CBS News report about a widespread “culture to deny” Social Security disability claims, Rep. Charlie Wilson is seeking answers. He’s written a letter to Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue (available after the jump) expressing his outrage and asking for an explanation.
January 31, 2008
Mr. Michael J. Astrue
Commissioner of Social Security
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
Dear Commissioner Astrue:
I am writing to inquire about a report that aired on the CBS Evening News on January 15, 2008. The report detailed allegations that Social Security examiners have been encouraged to deny disability claims. According to CBS News, nearly three dozen former examiners in 14 states, including Ohio, reported that there is a system-wide “culture to deny” disability claims.
CBS News reported that two-thirds of all applicants denied last year—nearly a million people—gave up after being turned down the first time. According to Trisha Cardillo, a former examiner in Ohio who was featured in the profile, Social Security examiners “know a certain percentage of people, once denied, will never file an appeal.”
I am shocked and disheartened to hear such news. It is unacceptable that my constituents may have been denied the benefits to which they are entitled simply because an examiner has a quota to meet. Disability benefits act as a crucial safety-net, helping injured American workers bridge serious gaps in employment. I would appreciate your prompt response to these allegations and more information on steps the Social Security Administration is taking to ensure the fair and timely consideration of claims. If you have any questions please contact Joan Gregory in my office at 202-225-5705.
Sincerely,
Charles Wilson
Member of Congress
March 4th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I just rec’d my denial letter from Social Security.
I have had a problem with my back for years. I held a job with the Navy for 8 yrs (1998 to 2007) doing hard labor on working parties and lifting and offloading material from Navy vessels.
I had back surgery in June and still am not right.
Everyone thinks I should be fine by now…but I am not. They are not in my body and feel the everday pain that I do.
How dare I be denied my right to the money I contributed for 35 years.
I am an United States citizen not an illegal or welfare case trying to cheat the government.
It is not right that I am denied but I see welfare people and people from other countries have no problem getting help from MY government.
July 21st, 2008 at 7:26 am
I am a disabled veteran who severed my country for 12 years (6/81-9/93) hononrably. VA declared me Unemployable effective January 12 1998 – approved May 2004, because of frost-bite on fingers/toes hands and feet, Rhaynaud Disease, bleeding ulcer, severe pain, and other multiple service connected disabilities.
My VA counselor advised me to apply for SS disability in June 2004.
I did and was denied three time and received a final denial via a review judge (April 2007) based on me not be totally disabled before 1998.
Why would SS deny anyone who has contributed for more than 30 who now need it. Who and where do I get help?