What's your opinion ... on Social Security?

Yes, we are victims - all of us. Our son, 43, filed for disability in 2006 because of severe back pain. His claim was denied when a woman called him into a room and gave him a cursory exam. He assumes she was a doctor, but does not know for sure. She told him he could find another line of work. Since that time, he has been unable to work, has been to two neurologists, four pain clinics, two therapists, among others. His marriage has fallen apart and he is now living with us - his parents. We are trying to help raise two grandchildren - one with child support, one without. Because he had no place to go, when he moved to our home, he lost his Missouri Medicaid and did you know - Kansas Medicaid is tied to Social Security disability? It's not the total determining factor, but if you have disability, Kansas Medicaid is easier to get. However, Kansas says since he lives with us, our income has to be factored in. Why? He has hired an attorney and his disability appeal is coming up soon. We have over sixty pages of medical documentation and still, we have no guarantees it will be approved. In the interim, we are having to purchase his medications and pay his doctor bills. We are depleting our savings. There has got to be a better way!

My new neighbor collects disability. Before he moved in our builder said he was handicapped. He walks with a limp to be sure. I was somewhat perplexed when his house was built with a second story deck with a full flight of stairs leading down to a rec room entry lower patio. Seemed strange for someone disabled to build. Perhaps he is not seriously disabled but can not perform his prior work function. We have spoken and he is perfectly capable of working besides the limp. Retraining or education instead of a lifetime check might help. He is about 46 yrs old.