Does anyone know how to go about doing this? I don't know where to start or where to look even. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

Jenn

Here is a link to the Social Security forum that is hosted by NeuroTalk. A good start and plenty of threads to read.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

Also log onto the Social Security Administrations site. Select the disability link.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Seriously consider getting legal representation. The success rate for people with representation is significantly higher than for people without. Yes, there is a fee, but it can seriously expedite things for you......

Jennifer,
Everything that Birchlake is telling you is what I would tell you too. But please, please find an attorney that practices RSD situations first...

I'm going to disagree with Jimbo (a rare thing indeed) that you need an attorney with RSD experience. You just need a really good SSD attorney. RSD in not a "listed impairment" so you need to really document your functional limitations. Being in denial can delay your approval. A few appointments with a pain psych doc is probably important right now. You didn't have a WC psych claim, when this started, but you very likely DO now.

I'm even more blunt now than normal due to pain... Sorry.

Another good resource is a social worker. There may be one connected to the medical facility that you use. Any good SSDI attorney will work on a contingency fee, i.e. if you get paid they get paid. Be aware that this is a long procedure and you may want to start now rather than later. There is also a lot of paperwork involved with the initial application, and of course the waiting time since it is a federal program. Lisa

I agree about getting legal representation...the first time I applied, I had no idea what I was doing and half of my medical records didn't get to Social Security. I am "lucky" in the fact that I was born with Cerebral Palsy and I worked in the same field for 24 years. I also suffer from severe depression and anxiety, so hopefully with all that I will get my SSDI. I have one more exam and SS has ALL my medical records. My legal team is fantastic so it's looking really good right now. Make sure that you have EVERY single record you have. Also if you get a lawyer, they WANT you to win so they can get paid..

Welcome to this site. Neuro talk has the forum to talk to about SSI. As you go through the process you will have many questions. Please consider getting a representative. I didn't have a lawyer, but an assistant and it worked out ok. One of the benefits of that is they know how to keep your case moving along more smoothly. Keeping all your medical records on hand at all times, and that will help too. I wish you all the best. It is not easy, but there is support here when you need it. Ask the questions, and someone will be sure to answer you. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Hi All, I do believe that you need a lawyer that focuses on SS disability as well. They seem to get medical records from the doctors more quickly, and they are so familiar with all the red tape that it is just another day to them. That said, my son is an attorney, but will not touch my case because that is not what he specializes in. However, if I ever land in jail, he knows just how to get me out! My daughter, who is a social worker, told me that over 90% of the cases get denied the first time through and to just expect it. She was right in my case, and it was really helpful when she helped me fill out all of the paperwork. It also made her understand RSD better.

Hope everyone is having a better day, Lisa