My daughter applied for SSD back in 2007....she's been denied twice and has been before an ALJ last year.....the committee overturned the ALJ's decision and she's waiting for a new ALJ.

When I applied in 1992 due to RSD, Bi Polar, etc, it took me 5 YEARS to be approved......

From my experience, and listening to most people, 99% of people who apply are denied the first time, they appeal, are denied again, appeal, go to an ALJ....some are approved, but about 45-50% are denied and have to appeal that. After that, something like 80%-90% are approved.

Your mom sounds like she was lucky. Your father's case is MUCH more common