Originally Posted by Wheeler

Hello All,

I have been reading this thread for days trying to see if my husband's situation would be a smooth process for applying for social security disability insurance. I am hoping some of the experts here can help me or give me some guidance or words of wisdom.

A little back story....about 4 1/2 months ago my hubby age 60 had a hypoxic/anoxic brain injury that took all of his short term memory. After a hospitalization and numerous doctor visits with neurologists we found out he has sleep apnea. Due to the sleep apnea it appears he stopped breathing for too long one night and damaged his hippocampus. He has had neuropsych testing and the outcome was a diagnosis of dementia He is unable to recall anything that happens the previous day or weeks before and this goes back to at least 8+ years of lost memories, life events and everyday living. Obviously he is unable to return to work since he can not remember what happened yesterday and he is responsible for many employees.

He is now receiving state disability and through his company he has long term disability. However, the company that will pay his long term disability wants him to apply for social security disability so the company will not have to pay all of the long term disability. So here is why I am worried not that I do not already have enough on my plate dealing with dr. appts, paperwork, running everything to do with our family and household etc etc. but also trying to figure out the whole social security disability process.

Is anyone familiar with the diagnosis of dementia as one that would qualify for social security disability without a long drawn out process? I have read a lot about using an attorney or advocate but that is more money that would have to be spent we do not now have. I really appreciate if anyone knows about this diagnosis and the ongoing process? I wish I did not feel so pressured by the company to apply for SSDI and just go with the long term disability but they said we have to try and get SSDI

Thank you