thank you for your helpful response

I dont know if I should get SSDI and then attempt some work return or ask my employer to take me back and then apply for SSDI if that fails.

Because of LTD i do have to apply for SSDI now.

The three ways to go forward include the companies group (which claims to have 60% success on the first try), an independent attorney, or doing it myself. This is my current dilemma. all of these groups sing the praises of the extra services they offer if i go with them. most have had concerns in all the above also.

Im wondering if its better to be approved on the first try so i can start planning my life appropriately. It caught my attention is that there was a member Mike who had a friend that helped people succeed on the first try i dont know if he is still here. I appreciate Litlov's offer to talk off site and am open to other ideas.

I am hopeful that I can qualify under an impairment and possibly even a compassionate allowance.