You are right that most get denied the first time around. The statistics show that 60% of those denied in the first application eventually get approved. I am sorry to say but it took me three years to get my first check with a sizable back pay amount.

Now I am dealing with the debt I accrued while waiting to get approved. I got most of it canceled but now the IRS wants to tax me on the $30,000 of debt forgiveness. They want $5000 in taxes on the forgiven debt.

Yes, this is a miserable life while waiting to get approved and get decent health care. Stick with it and things will get better. Most of us have gone through this struggle.

The second application is a bit easier. The Disability Determinations Service will do better analysis of your case. You can contact your US Senator or Congressman's office and they can fast track your application. It is not a real fast track but it does get a bit of better review.

It does not help to get your doctor to diagnose you as 100% permanently disabled. In fact, it appears that it can get in the way. DDS is very wary of doctor shopping to get a doctor to write up a favorable disability report. Instead, it is best to get support of the tasks you can and can not do. The neuro-psych assessment will be a great start.

Do not try to prepare for the neuro-psych assessment. In fact, if you show up a bit tired, your symptoms will be more pronounced.

You should be able to find a local SSDI attorney in your phone book under attorneys/disability. Call and ask about experience with mTBI.

Keep up your efforts. In time, you will prevail.

And, know that you are not alone.

My best to you.