<div>Hi, my name is John Mckusick.
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<div>May 9, 2025 Update and fundraising restart.
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<div>I have several updates to share with you starting with the obvious need to request your help as my disability case is in the appeal stage after the initial claim denial March 18th. My Attorney filed my appeal on March 19th so we're in the hurry up and wait mode again with one clear exception.
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<div>I completed a Functional Ability Assessment with a Dr. in Phys. Therapy earlier today and it clearly demonstrates my severe limitations accomplishing most tasks. (The FAA was originally scheduled for December but my heart problems forced the cancellation.) I am willing to share the contents of my FAA if you request it. It limits me to maximum 3 hours of sedentary work per day, with no lifting, reaching, and very limited standing and walking. Once that gets in front of the appeal judge, it should be a simple decision. 
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<div>The Appeal process from here,, according to my Attorney should be as follows. I'm currently in the reconsideration phase where barring a miracle, they will deny again. (The SS website and my denial letter state that that process takes 15-30 days.) I'm hoping to hear from them any day now as it's been almost 50 days. Then we appeal to an Administrative Law Judge and that's where my lawyer says we should win. He said that we should have our appeal heard by the end of the year.
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<div>On the good news front, I have been released from my heart surgeons care, having no further issues with fluid on my lungs, my medications all seem to be working with no bad side effects so as long as I continue to monitor my diet and activity, I have a very positive outlook. I should also be starting Cardiac Rehab in July or August, as soon as they get that program up and running here in Vandalia.
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<div>I really want to express how humbled I continue to be from your prior generosity and that I must ask again due to these circumstances forces me back on the same roller coaster of emotions ranging from shame to hope.
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<div>I still struggle with my self esteem as far as believing that I am worth your kindness and generosity. I know things are difficult for so many of you now so please know that won't take a single dollar you give lightly or for granted. I raised the goal to $13,000 as that takes my $1200 a month cost of living and would cover my expenses into November. 
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<div>There are so many days that remind me of the miracles that you all have blessed me with that when my situation seems so dire, filled with the anxiety of waiting for unknown periods of time, it has been your words, kindness, love, support and generosity that have kept my head above water.
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<div>Please accept my undying gratitude for taking the time to read and hopefully donate to help me get through this tunnel (hopefully the last part) of life.
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<div>Love,
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<div>John Mckusick
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<div>I've had 4 lumbar back surgeries since October of 2021 with no success so I filed for Social Security disability in August of 23.
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<div>My first appointment with them is set for January 7th after 17 months wait. Yes I used an attorney from the start.
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<div>I started having chest pains a couple of months ago and today I had a nuclear stress test done with the bad news that the left side of my heart has "moderate to severe blood flow blockage.
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<div>Living in rural Illinois means a medical desert so I can't get a heart catheterization til January 27th even though the left side is the bad one.
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<div>This will only delay my case further as I can't even schedule a Functional Ability Assessment until my cardiac issues are resolved. (Chest pain from simple walks etc).
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<div>My finances were never good to begin with and this is making things so much worse. I'm seriously afraid that the stress of trying to find a way to pay my modest bills will kill me alone.
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<div>My monthly expenses run about $1200 a month if I make only the minimum payment on my Credit cards that I used to get by for the first several months. That debt total about $5500.00
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<div>I'm trying to survive into the summer as that seems like what would be a reasonable time frame for a decision knowing my first appointment with a SS Dr is January 7th.
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<div>I can't begin to describe the despondent feelings that are now overwhelming with this new news and I know I won't survive the agony of trying to get something paid each month when I have no idea where the money will come from.
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<div>Does anyone have any suggestions or tips that I can learn just to alleviate the near panic and anxiety that I experience more and more every month?
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<div>I get food stamps and have Medicaid but I also live in Illinois, one of the states that have trigger laws for the ACA expansion should the funding for that end.
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