I applied for disability 5 months ago. I have RSD and it leaves it hard to walk very much. I walk with a cane now. I still have heard no reply either way. Is this normal for it to take so long? Ever time I call I can not get anyone on the phone.

Look up Allsup on the net, its worth a phone call....they got me on in 5 months and my disability company paid their fee. I have an old high school chum that has been waiting 26 months!

Since RSD is NOT a "recognized" disability... ie..not in the blue book of approved disabilities... it could take a while...

There are some that have been approved immediately though that is not the "norm" for RSD and disability.

There are also some with RSD who have filed and been denied repeatedly... some eventually get approved... others are still waiting...years.

IF you are denied.... DO NOT GIVE UP.... find a good lawyer whom you are comfortable with and keep at it!!

I would hire an attorney. I hired Allsup after my first denial. I was dnied 1 more time and did win at the ALJ level. Just because you walk with a cane that means nothing to SS. I also walked with a cane because of several knee surgeries Allsup told me there are jobs in the economy that can be done while on a cane. They can help you out considerably. Call them and explain your situation and they will tell you what your chances are.

The fact that it's taking 5 months is a hopeful sign. Depending on your state and the backlog and immediate rejection would have been in about 3 months. Th fact that you haven't heard means your case is working it's way through the 5-step evaluation process. Good luck.

Have you check your status lately on the ss website lately? Same thing just happened to me, then after a little over 5 months, the site said they had a decision that would be sent in the mail. A week later I recieved a letter saying i was approved. I felt extremely blessed at that point. I've seen the headaches of the system first hand with my mother who was denied a couple of times(while fighting a terminal desease no less) Don't want to get your hopes up...but like the last poster said it could be a good sign!

Thanks for all the replies! My case worker called today and I wasn't home so know were playing phone tag. I'll keep u posted.
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I finally got my case worker on phone today. She wanted to know about some jobs I had worked over 10 years ago. I can't remember alot about them did the best I could answering them. She said I should hear something soon.

I just wanted to let you know, you're probably in the last 2 steps in the process which is good news. In step 4 the SSA determines if you can do present or past work. In step 5, the last step, they determine if you can do other work. (like sedentary work, answering phones as an example)

The downside is that 30.7 % of claims are denied because the SSA determines that you can do other type of work and 26.2% of claims are denied because they determine that you can do current or past work.

It's all based on what they call a medical-vocational profile.

Hang in there. You're nearly through the process.

Today I recieved my denial letter. I am going to fight it though.