After working as a school nurse for 4+ years, I found myself unable to continue because of a worsening of my symptoms. Before I applied, I read that it is important to really list ALL the things that make it impossible to work and not to just say Parkinson's disease. I think, before I started filling in my application, I was still in some sort of denial about how disabled I really am. I stopped working on the last day of school before XMas Break. I HATED quitting. I started the process, filled in and completed paperwork Feb 2, 2010, and my first ssdi check is July 28th. I think the first 6 months after a person applies is not counted, therefore no payments. These are some of the symptoms that I have, pretty common with this illness. Tremors of body, muscle pain, neck pain, tripping when walking, stiffness of body, anxiety & depression, inability to concentrate, Urinary frequency, urgency, incontinence, falling asleep often. I included everything that I experience. I did see a Psychiatrist and started meds so my anxiety/depression had documentation, My neurologist was extremely non committal about my application, and I finally asked the office for all my records to foward to social security. I met with the ssdi MD and a ssdi psychologist and was just honest about what I've been through. (Ironically, I thought both of them were MUCH more compassionate than my neurologist) The anxiety was awful while waiting for a decision, & I realized that it was really amazing that I kept working out of stubborness to quit. I would have hired an attorney if I was denied, but really, how Could anyone work if they are tripping, falling asleep in meetings, having frequent pain, incontinence etc. The last day I worked I had a minor emergency in the clinic. Now, I handled it correctly, but my hands shook, my neck and shoulder were killing me, and I could no longer count on the meds to kick in within a few minutes. I think I am writing a book here, so to sum it up, I'd suggest listing EVERYTHING on your application, be ready to meet with the ssdi md's, and feel out where your neurologist is with you applying. Acceptance about how sick I really am was & is difficult but necessary to getting the assistance I need and deserve. I wish you the best and hope you are successful! FG

just took a quick glance
http://www.parkinsons.northwestern.e...0FOR%20SSD.pdf