Originally Posted by Janke

File a claim. Provide all the information. Be thorough. Start at socialsecurity.gov and submit an internet claim. If the surgery works and you are able to return to work in less than 12 months then a denial would be correct. If there are additional problems, you may be approved. However, I don't think SSA is going to make an approval on the basis of what MIGHT happen so you could be denied initially. If you keep your case open by appealing, later evidence may lead to an approval. Or you can wait and see and do it all later. But I think filing a claim now makes more sense.

Good luck with your surgery.