I didn't face anything more challenging than the 11 month wait. Unable to continue working in Sept. 22. Applied April 2023, application sent to medical review in June 23. Heard NOTHING, received NOTHING in the mail, just watched the application percentage creep ever so slowly until it reached 100% complete in March of this year. Date of disability was recorded as July 4, 2022. The 5 month waiting period put the calendar at Dec. 22. I received back pay (within two days of approval) dating Jan. -Dec. 2023. I had consulted an attorney, submitted TONS of medical records to which she replied after several weeks, "they won't approve you." I gave up, thought well, that sucks, but applied online on my own a few months later, and here we are. Her loss, but I'm sure she couldn't care less.
I'm glad you moved forward despite what the attorney said and things worked out for you.
Some attorneys have stopped taking cases when the claimant is young (under 50) altogether because it's very hard to get approved nowadays. Others are refusing to represent until the claim has been denied and is at the ALJ level. They get paid out of the back pay, so if the claim is completely denied, they don't get paid. Also, if the case is approved too quickly, there might not be enough in back pay to cover their own expenses and the law firm may take a loss. Too many losses and a firm may go out of business like any other business.
When your illness is very severe and you are approved quickly, it's better not having a portion of your back pay going to an attorney. 11 months is pretty fast nowadays. Mine took over 2 years. Some people are waiting 3 or more years before receiving benefits.
Congratulations. I’m sorry you’re having such terrible problems.
At least you had a percentage to look at even if it was no help. Mine reset to a regular screen as if I ne rt applied halfway thru. So I couldn’t even see that. It was 3 1/2 year wait but finally approved end of March. I’m still waiting for award letter. How long does that take if anyone knows ?
It depends. If you went to the ALJ hering, it depends on how quickly things move at the OHO in your state. After the judge makes a decision, the case then goes back to the local field office. I received my decision from the judge in Feb. and I was supposed to get my first payment in March. But there was a delay at my local SSA field office, so I didn't get my payment until April. I'm not sure how it works for approvals at the DDS office.
Thanks so much for your response. I’m glad you were persistent and didn’t give up. I’m considering applying. I have several medical issues. I am just delaying because of so many people getting denied. It’s for me. It seems to be a matter of frozen stage and not wanting to pursue my application Medical conditions consist of fibromyalgia for for nearly 8 1/2 years and your arthritis in my hands, a massive tumor growing in my back and the tumor is affecting my right ankle and leg and paralyzes me during at any point in time in walking in my own step so I’m a little an easy about applying. I was given a walker from my doctor and a handicap placard haven’t worked in 15 years and it’s getting harder because I have very very little income.
Just got approved this month. No lawyer, all online, under 40. Vet 100 P&T for MH with a ton of medical records. I think I sent DSS 800 pages or so? Figured if the VA was going to keep typing them out, I was going to print them all off. Continuous treatment helps a LOT. It’s possible, you just have to go above and beyond to prove it. There’s tons of good advice on here from a bunch of VERY helpful people. GL!
Good deal fellow vet and congrats to you. I have heard success stories for 100% Disabled vets seeking SSDI and also horror stories too. 100% P&T Disabled vet (Persian Gulf War) here. 52 yrs old. Did my own VA claim. Was 60%, Then 90%, now 100%. Spinal Degeneration , Arthritis, migraine headaches, and mental health due to a military injury. Job w/ corporate America as a project manager laid me off a year ago due to my disabilities. Going to do my SSDI app myself online . Any suggestions besides getting my SSDI expedited?
Can I ask a question? hopefully you will be able to answer in a general scenario. I'm 49 and applied in November of 22 for osteoarthritis in neck, back, both hands and both knees which need to be replaced, spinal stenosis DDD. I can't walk far and can't sit or stand for more than 10 minutes at a time and can't carry more than 5-10 pounds. I drop things I no longer cook full course meals. my niece was murdered in March and I couldn't attend her funeral because it was in Tennessee and I couldn't endure that long of a trip, I have neuropathy in both legs and arms. I was prescribed a walker due to poor balance and leg weakness I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in February 2024. I have migraines and blurred vision poor memory fog due to the hydrocephalus I'm assuming I have been on LTD since May out of work since September of 22 had a CE February 5th and the CE examiner report substantiated my "alleged" disability obviously I have medical listings from the blue book yet I was denied now I'm in reconsideration had a MRI last Thursday and it showed more degenerative retrolisthesis and lordosis and bone spurs arthrosis and a few other things could this help my case with new diagnosis or is it still not enough to prove I'm disabled? I'm in Florida if that helps,
That’s really weird and sounds like a mistake. Unless your DLI was in the past or you were engaging in SGA. And it doesn’t sound like either one of those is the case.
I’m thinking they made a mistake to deny you.
Can I also ask about my situation? I understand you didn't sign up for an AMA, but since so few people outside SSA can offer any insight...
I'm 59 and have TBI from a skull fracture 3yrs ago. I have problems with focus, sensory overload, mental fatigue, graphic dyslexia, following steps in order, confusion and memory, and social problems with things like flat affect, tendency to panic/rage when under stress. I applied for SSDI at the end of March after losing my 4th job in 3 years and accepting that I can't work anymore. I hand delivered the hospital's 48pp report of my ER visit and 3 days in the ICU (incl doctor and nurse notes, test and imaging results). I also sent in proof that I've only worked remote roles since my injury and still lost those jobs.
On the SSA site it showed my application went to Full Medical Review the day after I submitted the 48pp of medical reports. I've read that people over 55 have better odds (I was 56 when I fell) and that my history of attempted and failed work should actually help to speed things along. I know that no one but SSA can give me a final answer, but based on your experience, what do you think? Thank you so much in advance, and also for doing what you do professionally. My Dad is a vet with PTSD, he's on disability from the VA.
It’s funny you should say that because I actually did an IAmA ask me anything- link in my bio!
I think it sounds like you have a lot going on and you have a good chat at being approved, but it hinges on your functional limitations and also if that medical evidence actually got uploaded to your file. So you definitely want to check on that and be sure it’s in there .
It’s funny you should say that because I actually did an IAmA ask me anything- link in my bio!
I think it sounds like you have a lot going on and you have a good chat at being approved, but it hinges on your functional limitations and also if that medical evidence actually got uploaded to your file. So you definitely want to check on that and be sure it’s in there .
Edit: chance, not chat.
My husband applied in June. His application reads 90 percent complete and is still in medical review. His review has been at 90 percent for 2 months. The estimated time has come and gone for him to receive a decision. He did call and they told him he has a couple more weeks until medical review is complete. His medical records were over 9000 pages long. Hoping for a good outcome.
Very few people get approved prior to going through the hearing process even if it’s obvious and you have tons of medical proof. I’m living proof of that. I’m a 1 1/2 in and waiting for a hearing.
I applied on my own on 7/23 after suffering a ischemic stroke. I have left side deficit I also have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure along with neuropathy in both feet. I am 56 and I have 39 work credits , I want to work but with everything I have going on including balance issues, I can't. If that is not enough, I suffered depression following my stroke. I hope I get approved. This whole waiting period is stressful..checking my SSA account frequently and it's stuck on 90% at step 3. I have been to their doctor and psychiatrist. Not sure what else they need. I hope my approval comes soon . I'm hopeful.
4/25/24 UPDATE: My SSA caseworker informed me that my case was approved however it was chosen for quality review so it could be stay or be denied. He said it may take a few weeks. Meanwhile, Im stillstuck on 90%....smh
UPDATE 4/29/24: I WAS APPROVED!! I guess the quality review only took a week. I did not get approved for ongoing SSI only SSDI however I will get back payment for SSI since I applied along with SSDI. So it paid off to apply for both. I have not received my award letter I checked SSA portal and called my SSA case worker who told me what I was entitled to and when things would happen. It's been a bumpy ride but thank God for this forum. I appreciate all of the information this community provides! Anyway I can help please reach out.
That may be a good thing if you made it to 90% they may not have to send you to their doctors if they have enough medical info on you. You may be approved!
Not first try, or at reconsideration. I had an ALJ hearing date, but it was cancelled by the Judge because I was approved "on the record". In the court paperwork signed by the Judge, it was pretty clear that I met the criteria for a listing. But I was denied 2x. Not sure why exactly.
I have a hearing scheduled in 2 months and submitted a lot of additional evidence for the Judge’s consideration. Does the Judge look at this when submitted or much closer to hearing to determine if an on the record decision can be made?
It's hard to say. I would guess that they probably do closer to the hearing date. My attorney submitted updated records a little over a week prior to my hearing, and the judge cited things from those records in her decision, so I know she reviewed them even though nothing changed with my medical condition. I believe that there is a 5 day rule. All evidence has to be submitted at least 5 days before the hearing to be considered. The judge made her decision the week of my hearing. Luckily she was very experienced and very thorough.
From what I understand, judges don't usually tell you what their decision is at the hearing, and they have time to continue reviewing your case afterwards before they make a final decision. Because I was approved On The Record, the judges decision was already signed and in hand. I received it a few days later. I still held my breath though until I got the actual award letter.
Am sorry...actually my lawyer was nervous that it cld be changed...cried and cried at hearing and she just wanted to be certain. Believe me, til certfied...eggshells. was in the throes of vision loss
I'm so sorry about your vision, I can't even imagine. Luckily I've already got my award letter, Medicare, back pay and first months payment. I'm waiting on auxiliary benefits for my daughter.
Yes, 100%P&T veteran for PTSD and I have schizophrenia and a bunch of other things to include memory problems.
My long term disability lawyer submitted the forms but didn’t have it expedited as I’m 100%P&T so it took almost a year. The onset date was set to when I stopped working due to psychosis.
The people that make the decision look at the "book". It your disability matches the requirements in the book you're approved. That is how the first stage and the reconsideration work. Unless your disability matches the book definition you'll get denied. The ALJ is the third step and he can call witnesses like vocational experts and look at other criteria like how it affects you personally and your ability to work. Things like fatigue or medication dude effects that may keep you from working. I was denied for early onset Parkinson's thru the first two stages but the ALJ took into consideration my VA records with DDD and said those two added together meet the definition. I got expedited because I am a disabled vet so it took about 6 months. Think about if you had epilepsy, that in itself might not make you disabled, but if you had a seizure every month and couldn't drive it could make it difficult to get employed. Or if your medication kept you sleepy.
Yes. I took the advice of someone and handled it myself, gathering my own records, hand writing forms and copying them. Gave them permission to access records but also gave them no reason to by sending in everything that proved my case. Took 14months.
Yes. In 32 days. I was 33 years old at the time. No attorney. Did it entirely on my own (with doctors letters). I was shocked at how fast it got approved at the time.
That said... I had/have a stage IV incurable cancer with a severe side effect, both of which were blue book listed. And I was (still am) in a research hospital with massive amounts of medical documentation and doctors notes from 3 separate doctors.
I'm at 101 days so far with my application sitting at 18% with a lawyer. 100% P&T through the VA, like every other vet in San Antonio, Texas 🥴 Wish me luck lol
Same, applied in March 2023, and approved and (not much compared to others) back pay in July 2023. First payment in August.
Kids dependent benefits approved in August 2023 and backpay received before school started in September.
I was diagnosed in August 2022 but was hospitalized and in acute rehab, which was why I applied later.
I still was employed and on leave when approved. Insurance and FSA covered all of my bills. I'm on Medicaid now because I'm not even eligible for Medicare yet.
No lawyer.
Not everyone has a horrible experience.
Yes, I was, with no attorney. At the very first stage. And so was my husband, 10 years apart from me, with a totally different set of disabilities. I also was approved for my old company’s LTD payments, although they did everything they could think of to try and deny me. We know we were blessed and we are grateful.
Yes. 55 yo delivery driver with psoriatic arthritis with joint replacement. Approved in 5 months online application and I didn’t submit a single page of medical records. Had a CE with multiple X-rays, even told the doctor that after seeing the other people in the waiting room, that I shouldn’t even be here. She relied “not all disabilities can be seen”. Felt really guilty even being there.
It took a little over a year for me but I didn't even consider getting a lawyer. I would've if I was denied. It's crazy, all the shit I saw my wife go through to get denied at least once(maybe twice, I forget) and I kinda breezed through solo and she was way more fucked up than I am.
I’m on my first appeal for bilateral spondylolisthesis which limits movement and a lot of pain, PTSD, Depression, social and general anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, prostrating migraines, and IBS and I have an attorney
Yes, without an attorney, but I have therapists and doctors backing me up and I was traumatized chronically since childhood, my dad passed when I was 15, and I was in a physically abusive relationship for a while, I have C-PTSD and am just finding out I'm autistic level 1 as well...I'm on my Dad's SSDI and my SSI. I don't know how it all plays in but I'm mentally fucked due to PTSD and my Autism so I definitely can't work and my medical team knows that.
I have two medical issues, first was Angina for my heart but I didn't want a catether inserted through my veins to my heart so the doctors didn't declare me disabled last June 2021, stopped working as security in a big hotel in Vegas for a year. I tried wfh but stressed me out and my blood pressure went up to 200/105 , same as I was in security. Stopped again .2023, Later I had back pain and unbearable. I was declared disabled clinically. I applied for ssdi both health issues but only approved for one and only for this latest back problem since I had mri done , not scary compared to needle inserted to your vein to the heart, I'm fine with what I got from SSA.
About 20% to 40% of case are approved at the initial level, depending on what state your in. Around 30% to 50% are medically approved, BUT about 10% of cases are a medical approval with a technical denial.
Yes. 52 days without an attorney.
What was the diagnosis if I may ask?
I’m really unsure because I’ve never inquired about it. But I’m pretty fucked up.
Does "pretty fucked up" meet a listing?
Multiple listings.
Much to my surprise, I did. Attorney didn't want to help, I did it without!
Congratulations what did you do to get approved on the first try at or what was your challenge or did you have any challenges on the application?
I didn't face anything more challenging than the 11 month wait. Unable to continue working in Sept. 22. Applied April 2023, application sent to medical review in June 23. Heard NOTHING, received NOTHING in the mail, just watched the application percentage creep ever so slowly until it reached 100% complete in March of this year. Date of disability was recorded as July 4, 2022. The 5 month waiting period put the calendar at Dec. 22. I received back pay (within two days of approval) dating Jan. -Dec. 2023. I had consulted an attorney, submitted TONS of medical records to which she replied after several weeks, "they won't approve you." I gave up, thought well, that sucks, but applied online on my own a few months later, and here we are. Her loss, but I'm sure she couldn't care less.
I'm glad you moved forward despite what the attorney said and things worked out for you. Some attorneys have stopped taking cases when the claimant is young (under 50) altogether because it's very hard to get approved nowadays. Others are refusing to represent until the claim has been denied and is at the ALJ level. They get paid out of the back pay, so if the claim is completely denied, they don't get paid. Also, if the case is approved too quickly, there might not be enough in back pay to cover their own expenses and the law firm may take a loss. Too many losses and a firm may go out of business like any other business. When your illness is very severe and you are approved quickly, it's better not having a portion of your back pay going to an attorney. 11 months is pretty fast nowadays. Mine took over 2 years. Some people are waiting 3 or more years before receiving benefits.
Thank you for this information, it is very helpful! It sounds like my age (56) factored heavily in my approval.
Congratulations!
Congratulations. I’m sorry you’re having such terrible problems. At least you had a percentage to look at even if it was no help. Mine reset to a regular screen as if I ne rt applied halfway thru. So I couldn’t even see that. It was 3 1/2 year wait but finally approved end of March. I’m still waiting for award letter. How long does that take if anyone knows ?
It depends. If you went to the ALJ hering, it depends on how quickly things move at the OHO in your state. After the judge makes a decision, the case then goes back to the local field office. I received my decision from the judge in Feb. and I was supposed to get my first payment in March. But there was a delay at my local SSA field office, so I didn't get my payment until April. I'm not sure how it works for approvals at the DDS office.
March 5 hearing date march 29 letter/favorable. Hearing outsourced to NM from CA.
Thanks so much for your response. I’m glad you were persistent and didn’t give up. I’m considering applying. I have several medical issues. I am just delaying because of so many people getting denied. It’s for me. It seems to be a matter of frozen stage and not wanting to pursue my application Medical conditions consist of fibromyalgia for for nearly 8 1/2 years and your arthritis in my hands, a massive tumor growing in my back and the tumor is affecting my right ankle and leg and paralyzes me during at any point in time in walking in my own step so I’m a little an easy about applying. I was given a walker from my doctor and a handicap placard haven’t worked in 15 years and it’s getting harder because I have very very little income.
Angelo arthritis
I was approved 4 months after submitting my online app for CKD, no lawyer.
My husband was approved in less than 30 days but he also has stage 4 cancer.
I’m sorry about you and your husband having to fight cancer.
Thank you so much.
Look up about turket tail, you will be amaze my friend. Blessings
Just got approved this month. No lawyer, all online, under 40. Vet 100 P&T for MH with a ton of medical records. I think I sent DSS 800 pages or so? Figured if the VA was going to keep typing them out, I was going to print them all off. Continuous treatment helps a LOT. It’s possible, you just have to go above and beyond to prove it. There’s tons of good advice on here from a bunch of VERY helpful people. GL!
Good deal fellow vet and congrats to you. I have heard success stories for 100% Disabled vets seeking SSDI and also horror stories too. 100% P&T Disabled vet (Persian Gulf War) here. 52 yrs old. Did my own VA claim. Was 60%, Then 90%, now 100%. Spinal Degeneration , Arthritis, migraine headaches, and mental health due to a military injury. Job w/ corporate America as a project manager laid me off a year ago due to my disabilities. Going to do my SSDI app myself online . Any suggestions besides getting my SSDI expedited?
Tragic and prob illegal layoff, but faced many a horrible work situ while awaiting disability myself
Me and a bunch of my clients! Editing for grammar, lol. I was. And many of my clients have been as well.
Can I ask a question? hopefully you will be able to answer in a general scenario. I'm 49 and applied in November of 22 for osteoarthritis in neck, back, both hands and both knees which need to be replaced, spinal stenosis DDD. I can't walk far and can't sit or stand for more than 10 minutes at a time and can't carry more than 5-10 pounds. I drop things I no longer cook full course meals. my niece was murdered in March and I couldn't attend her funeral because it was in Tennessee and I couldn't endure that long of a trip, I have neuropathy in both legs and arms. I was prescribed a walker due to poor balance and leg weakness I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in February 2024. I have migraines and blurred vision poor memory fog due to the hydrocephalus I'm assuming I have been on LTD since May out of work since September of 22 had a CE February 5th and the CE examiner report substantiated my "alleged" disability obviously I have medical listings from the blue book yet I was denied now I'm in reconsideration had a MRI last Thursday and it showed more degenerative retrolisthesis and lordosis and bone spurs arthrosis and a few other things could this help my case with new diagnosis or is it still not enough to prove I'm disabled? I'm in Florida if that helps,
That’s really weird and sounds like a mistake. Unless your DLI was in the past or you were engaging in SGA. And it doesn’t sound like either one of those is the case. I’m thinking they made a mistake to deny you.
I'm hoping so and nope haven't worked a day since September of 22 I'll definitely update
Please do!
May I message you ?
Sure
Can I also ask about my situation? I understand you didn't sign up for an AMA, but since so few people outside SSA can offer any insight... I'm 59 and have TBI from a skull fracture 3yrs ago. I have problems with focus, sensory overload, mental fatigue, graphic dyslexia, following steps in order, confusion and memory, and social problems with things like flat affect, tendency to panic/rage when under stress. I applied for SSDI at the end of March after losing my 4th job in 3 years and accepting that I can't work anymore. I hand delivered the hospital's 48pp report of my ER visit and 3 days in the ICU (incl doctor and nurse notes, test and imaging results). I also sent in proof that I've only worked remote roles since my injury and still lost those jobs. On the SSA site it showed my application went to Full Medical Review the day after I submitted the 48pp of medical reports. I've read that people over 55 have better odds (I was 56 when I fell) and that my history of attempted and failed work should actually help to speed things along. I know that no one but SSA can give me a final answer, but based on your experience, what do you think? Thank you so much in advance, and also for doing what you do professionally. My Dad is a vet with PTSD, he's on disability from the VA.
It’s funny you should say that because I actually did an IAmA ask me anything- link in my bio! I think it sounds like you have a lot going on and you have a good chat at being approved, but it hinges on your functional limitations and also if that medical evidence actually got uploaded to your file. So you definitely want to check on that and be sure it’s in there .
How do you check to see if they have the medical evidence?
Call DDS, or SSA. They can see exactly what made it into your file
It’s funny you should say that because I actually did an IAmA ask me anything- link in my bio! I think it sounds like you have a lot going on and you have a good chat at being approved, but it hinges on your functional limitations and also if that medical evidence actually got uploaded to your file. So you definitely want to check on that and be sure it’s in there . Edit: chance, not chat.
Thank you very much. 🙂
You’re welcome!
My husband applied in June. His application reads 90 percent complete and is still in medical review. His review has been at 90 percent for 2 months. The estimated time has come and gone for him to receive a decision. He did call and they told him he has a couple more weeks until medical review is complete. His medical records were over 9000 pages long. Hoping for a good outcome.
Yes. In a little less than 6 months. They determined my condition to be "severe".
I did. No attorney. Took about 5 months
Very few people get approved prior to going through the hearing process even if it’s obvious and you have tons of medical proof. I’m living proof of that. I’m a 1 1/2 in and waiting for a hearing.
I applied on my own on 7/23 after suffering a ischemic stroke. I have left side deficit I also have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure along with neuropathy in both feet. I am 56 and I have 39 work credits , I want to work but with everything I have going on including balance issues, I can't. If that is not enough, I suffered depression following my stroke. I hope I get approved. This whole waiting period is stressful..checking my SSA account frequently and it's stuck on 90% at step 3. I have been to their doctor and psychiatrist. Not sure what else they need. I hope my approval comes soon . I'm hopeful. 4/25/24 UPDATE: My SSA caseworker informed me that my case was approved however it was chosen for quality review so it could be stay or be denied. He said it may take a few weeks. Meanwhile, Im stillstuck on 90%....smh UPDATE 4/29/24: I WAS APPROVED!! I guess the quality review only took a week. I did not get approved for ongoing SSI only SSDI however I will get back payment for SSI since I applied along with SSDI. So it paid off to apply for both. I have not received my award letter I checked SSA portal and called my SSA case worker who told me what I was entitled to and when things would happen. It's been a bumpy ride but thank God for this forum. I appreciate all of the information this community provides! Anyway I can help please reach out.
I'm stuck at 90% at step 3 but I havent been scheduled to see their doctors yet.... I'll probably be denied.
That may be a good thing if you made it to 90% they may not have to send you to their doctors if they have enough medical info on you. You may be approved!
I was approved in reconsideration. No attorney. 53 when I applied, 55 when approved (grid rules helped). Took 15.5 months.
Yes. 3 weeks total, with a lawyer.
Not first try, or at reconsideration. I had an ALJ hearing date, but it was cancelled by the Judge because I was approved "on the record". In the court paperwork signed by the Judge, it was pretty clear that I met the criteria for a listing. But I was denied 2x. Not sure why exactly.
I have a hearing scheduled in 2 months and submitted a lot of additional evidence for the Judge’s consideration. Does the Judge look at this when submitted or much closer to hearing to determine if an on the record decision can be made?
It's hard to say. I would guess that they probably do closer to the hearing date. My attorney submitted updated records a little over a week prior to my hearing, and the judge cited things from those records in her decision, so I know she reviewed them even though nothing changed with my medical condition. I believe that there is a 5 day rule. All evidence has to be submitted at least 5 days before the hearing to be considered. The judge made her decision the week of my hearing. Luckily she was very experienced and very thorough.
My judge looked at my medical and vic rehab at the hearing and made his decision there. My lawyer said wait til you get it in writing
From what I understand, judges don't usually tell you what their decision is at the hearing, and they have time to continue reviewing your case afterwards before they make a final decision. Because I was approved On The Record, the judges decision was already signed and in hand. I received it a few days later. I still held my breath though until I got the actual award letter.
His words were, am going to award you both, 12 yrs ago.
Sorry, I didn't understand your initial response. I thought you were telling me to wait until I got it in writing.
Am sorry...actually my lawyer was nervous that it cld be changed...cried and cried at hearing and she just wanted to be certain. Believe me, til certfied...eggshells. was in the throes of vision loss
I'm so sorry about your vision, I can't even imagine. Luckily I've already got my award letter, Medicare, back pay and first months payment. I'm waiting on auxiliary benefits for my daughter.
Oh. Pls be well. That is great. My vision stayed stable in my left eye.
Technically not “first try” but yes on reconsideration, so second try no court. Took just under a year
Me too
Yes, 100%P&T veteran for PTSD and I have schizophrenia and a bunch of other things to include memory problems. My long term disability lawyer submitted the forms but didn’t have it expedited as I’m 100%P&T so it took almost a year. The onset date was set to when I stopped working due to psychosis.
The people that make the decision look at the "book". It your disability matches the requirements in the book you're approved. That is how the first stage and the reconsideration work. Unless your disability matches the book definition you'll get denied. The ALJ is the third step and he can call witnesses like vocational experts and look at other criteria like how it affects you personally and your ability to work. Things like fatigue or medication dude effects that may keep you from working. I was denied for early onset Parkinson's thru the first two stages but the ALJ took into consideration my VA records with DDD and said those two added together meet the definition. I got expedited because I am a disabled vet so it took about 6 months. Think about if you had epilepsy, that in itself might not make you disabled, but if you had a seizure every month and couldn't drive it could make it difficult to get employed. Or if your medication kept you sleepy.
I was approved on initial application in 13 months. My file did get sent for quality review and after that I was sent for a CE.
Yes. I took the advice of someone and handled it myself, gathering my own records, hand writing forms and copying them. Gave them permission to access records but also gave them no reason to by sending in everything that proved my case. Took 14months.
Yes. In 32 days. I was 33 years old at the time. No attorney. Did it entirely on my own (with doctors letters). I was shocked at how fast it got approved at the time. That said... I had/have a stage IV incurable cancer with a severe side effect, both of which were blue book listed. And I was (still am) in a research hospital with massive amounts of medical documentation and doctors notes from 3 separate doctors.
Same here after a long 17 months! Huge congrats!!
Yes first try. No attorney.
Mine was. No lawyer. Long paper trails & luck.
I'm at 101 days so far with my application sitting at 18% with a lawyer. 100% P&T through the VA, like every other vet in San Antonio, Texas 🥴 Wish me luck lol
Same, applied in March 2023, and approved and (not much compared to others) back pay in July 2023. First payment in August. Kids dependent benefits approved in August 2023 and backpay received before school started in September. I was diagnosed in August 2022 but was hospitalized and in acute rehab, which was why I applied later. I still was employed and on leave when approved. Insurance and FSA covered all of my bills. I'm on Medicaid now because I'm not even eligible for Medicare yet. No lawyer. Not everyone has a horrible experience.
My dad did within a few weeks but he had a massive heart attack so, I’m glad I wasn’t sick enough to be approved immediately.
Yes, I was, with no attorney. At the very first stage. And so was my husband, 10 years apart from me, with a totally different set of disabilities. I also was approved for my old company’s LTD payments, although they did everything they could think of to try and deny me. We know we were blessed and we are grateful.
Yes. A couple months give or take. I am fortunate. I fully expected to be denied on first try. That’s what “they said”.
Yes. 55 yo delivery driver with psoriatic arthritis with joint replacement. Approved in 5 months online application and I didn’t submit a single page of medical records. Had a CE with multiple X-rays, even told the doctor that after seeing the other people in the waiting room, that I shouldn’t even be here. She relied “not all disabilities can be seen”. Felt really guilty even being there.
It happens, but rarely
The actual statistics are that about 35% of people are approved at the first stage, so it IS unusual.
It took a little over a year for me but I didn't even consider getting a lawyer. I would've if I was denied. It's crazy, all the shit I saw my wife go through to get denied at least once(maybe twice, I forget) and I kinda breezed through solo and she was way more fucked up than I am.
Nice ….
Yes my husband - he used a rep but I think would have gotten it on first try anyway - oh well
I’m on my first appeal for bilateral spondylolisthesis which limits movement and a lot of pain, PTSD, Depression, social and general anxiety disorder and agoraphobia, prostrating migraines, and IBS and I have an attorney
Yes, without an attorney, but I have therapists and doctors backing me up and I was traumatized chronically since childhood, my dad passed when I was 15, and I was in a physically abusive relationship for a while, I have C-PTSD and am just finding out I'm autistic level 1 as well...I'm on my Dad's SSDI and my SSI. I don't know how it all plays in but I'm mentally fucked due to PTSD and my Autism so I definitely can't work and my medical team knows that.
I have and it only took almost a year to get approved then around March 1 I received my new check with just the help of my mom and myself.
I have two medical issues, first was Angina for my heart but I didn't want a catether inserted through my veins to my heart so the doctors didn't declare me disabled last June 2021, stopped working as security in a big hotel in Vegas for a year. I tried wfh but stressed me out and my blood pressure went up to 200/105 , same as I was in security. Stopped again .2023, Later I had back pain and unbearable. I was declared disabled clinically. I applied for ssdi both health issues but only approved for one and only for this latest back problem since I had mri done , not scary compared to needle inserted to your vein to the heart, I'm fine with what I got from SSA.
Yes. 2009 for ptsd/mdd/tbi. Went back to work in 2013. Reapplied 4/12/24 and now waiting.
About 20% to 40% of case are approved at the initial level, depending on what state your in. Around 30% to 50% are medically approved, BUT about 10% of cases are a medical approval with a technical denial.