Husband was diagnosed last week so we are very new. His symptoms all started in March 2012 after a tetanus vaccine. His neuromuscular doctor said he moved through the stages very quickly. He is now on short term disability because he is on weight restrictions with his arms (zero lifting with his left dominant arm and 15 pounds with his right arm). We are attempting PT to try to regain the strength, but at the end of 6 weeks if he is unable to lift 50 to 100 pounds he cannot go back to work as a machinist. The PT was amazed at the profound weakness in his left arm. We are hoping for the best, but starting to prepare for the worst that he will be unable to return to work. I'm wondering if anyone has received SS disability due to RSD and if so, how long did it take you to get approved? The worry is because he was the breadwinner. I work parttime from home as a medical transcriptionist with no benefits so in 6 weeks we could very likely only have my parttime income without health insurance. Thanks for any information! It is very appreciated