Filing for SSDI. Expect to fail at least once on this action.

leftyf

SSG Stumpy-VA Terrorist
This is the documentation that the SSA sends you to prepare you for your application. The application be done in person or via the phone. I would recommend doing it over the phone. Your personal documentation is easier to find when you are at home. As opposed, to trying to bring all of it with you during your interview.

The key to this interview is preparation. They will ask for a list of your drugs, doctors names and address. Your various ailments will have to be documented by your physician. The SSA will contact him directly.

You should prepare your self for the fact that, depending on where you apply, that fully 90% of the applications are denied the first time around. Do yourself a favor. Hire and attorney and let him handle everything after the interview.
 

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cjbearden

Visitor
Maintaining a thorough medical history is important. Don't know about the rest of you, but my visits have been so frequent and so many issues have reared their ugly heads that I have had to put it on the computer and print out every time I see a new doc. Some love it, some hate all the reading but at least they know I am serious.

As much as possible, I try to obtain copies of medical records after every surgery, after CT and MRI tests, and major doctor visits (specialist when dealing with a key disability issue).

I agree with Lefty, do the initial application via phone. Go to the interview with as much documentation as you can provide. Have phone numbers and addresses for all your doctors. If you are unsure how to proceed, get an attorney and cut the BS.

My husband and I did not use an attorney. I worked on J.D.'s case for about 2.5 years before he received his diabetic disability after he temporarily lost eye sight, had cataract surgery and retinal detachment surgery. He had great benefits from Office Depot which also paid a monthly stipend until his SSA did kick in. Of course, he had to pay a lot of that back when he received lump sum first check; but, at least he got his SSA disability.

When I decided to retire from a state job (can't disclose specific in order to protect the innocent), the department head assisted me in applying for state SSA disability benefits. I received my benefit approval within six months and medicare kicked in after 18 months. Federal SSA was automatic after state approval. Disability designation increased my state employee benefit. I was able to retain retiree insurance benefits, which helps tremendously on meds for J.D. and me.

We feel truly blessed now that the income issues are settled and we have a workable budget that enables us to stay on the road or stop and set a spell whereever our hearts desire.

When you have worked all your life and things turn sour, it is time to take advantage of every monetary benefit you can get. I know of many cases where people have received approval on the first try but there are so many more that have to repeatedly appeal SSA decision until they get the benefits they deserve. What it so sad is the 'system' itself and 'who processes' the application. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes not. I have seen well-deserving folks get denied first time and then the not so deserving get approved first time. May feel like a crap shoot but you have to be persistent and don't take 'no' for an answer.
 
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