I am starting this thread in hopes that it will somehow help someone avoid all the headaches and worries that others have suffered in this forum including myself. And believe me; this advice is in no way coming from a professional. Just from my experience and what I have learned from it. There are a lot of people in this forum that are a lot smarter than me. They know a lot more about this stuff than I do. When I decided to file for my SSDI; I did not research any at all. I went at it blindfolded you might say. I had not hired a lawyer to start with so I had no legal advice on an SSDI claim at all. I simply went to the SSA office and filed the paper work. I signed several forms giving the SSA permission to get my medical records thinking this was enough.
This positively will not get the job done.

1. If you have several medical problems as I do, you need to list in detail each and every one of them on the initial claim or the appeal form.

2. For each and every medical problem you list on the claim or appeal form, make sure you present copies of medical records to back up each problem including any x-rays. Your hospital or doctor can not refuse to give you copies of your records or x-rays. Don’t let them tell you they can’t. Present these records to SSA at the time of your claim or appeal. I didn’t do this. SSA does not accept word of mouth or the fact that something is written on the claim.

3. List all medications you take, the name of the drug, your prescribed dosage and any side effects the medication may cause. Some medication may cause side effects on you that they don’t normally cause on other people. Don't leave anything out.

4. This is very important; I think this is where I failed. On each and every question on the form, go deep into detail. Again, don't leave anything out. I figured that the records would provide the details so I answered most of the questions with the shortest answer possible. Wrong.

5. Be honest on your claim and don't tell a fib. I'm not saying that I lied on my application but I have read in another forum where someone got caught in a couple of lies and was denied. Their lawyer refused to represent them anymore in their appeal because they were being dishonest.

This initial application or the appeal is very long and takes a while to finish. Don't make the mistake I did. Whether you are filing for the first time or filing your appeal, take your time and answer each question with all the details you possibly can. Believe me; this will benefit you greatly in the long run. In my opinion and I could be wrong, but a lawyer is not necessary until when and if you are denied the first time. Then I would definitely get legal advice. I just believe that if you do the 5 things listed above, you will stand a lot better chance of winning your claim. And last but not least, SSA does not get in a hurry by any means. Don't expect an answer in a short time period. Some people get an answer in as little as 4 to 6 months, then again some people wait for as much as 5 to 7 years.