Question:
I need help with an appeal letter

I am seeking help to save my life. I have been informed that I can no longer receive SSI benefits because I am no longer disabled. Well according to my psychiatrist and my surgeon I am more disabled now than three years ago. I believe that I am being removed from SSI because they are unwilling to provide me with necessary medical care. I am 5'1" and at 400lbs i can barely walk. I was denied approval for a gastric bypass even though I fit the NIH criteria. I believe I am being denied for reasons other what is legal. I have been informed that because I no longer struggle with polysubstance abuse I am no longer disabled. I disagree. Polysubstance was a secondary diagnosis. I was primarily diagnosed with major clinical depression. I am still in therapy, I am still dependant on anti depressants and I am med compliant. I also am a client at Community Care Service a community based mental health program. I feel that i am not being given the chance to save my life and resume life as a productive member of society. I have no plans to live my whole life a broken woman and I have worked hard to maintain my sobriety, be a good mom, and educate my self. I requested the gastric bypass to save my life and continue in school. I am so scared. please help me. I can be reached at [email protected] Dana - Adversity not only builds character, it reveals character!    — Bigbountyful (posted on June 1, 2002)

May 31, 2002
I have some appeal letters on my profile page--you are welcome to use them--although they have not helped my cause--contact me at babigotblueyes@aol--I will be glad to share any info I have
   — Linda L.

June 1, 2002
There is people out there who can help you. first send it your appeal because as long as you are appealing they will not take your benefits away (I have read that on their paperwork) then contact your nearest legal aid office because they should have lawyers that have experience in dealing with ssi and social security issues, I cannot believe they are doing this to you since the Social Security Adm has determined that morbid obesity is considered a disability
   — Grace H.