Welcome to NT Jasmine !

I know there is a limit for how long ago they will open a new claim, but I don't know what that limit is. It was just mentioned recently on this forum, so if you are able to read through a few of the older posts here, you will find it.

The law firm that I used was not a national chain, so I am sorry that I cannot make a referral in that regard.

One thing I did want to point out to you is to be very careful in the application process with what you say that you can and cannot do. For example (and I say this to caution you, not to reprimand you) if you write that you can't use your arms, they might wonder how you type on a computer or wrote out the application. It would be important to note that a friend or relative did that for you. In my case, I have difficulty with raising my arms. Technically, I CAN do it, but it increases my pain. I can type for a few minutes (as I am to writing this) I sometimes use voice recognition software, but I don't have a seperate microphone, so leaning in close to speak in my laptop mike strains my neck and increases my pain. In my case, it would be misleading to say that I can't use my arms.

Mind you, I'm a little paranoid about such things because I am also WC and they LOVE to 'catch' us on things like that

The documentation on a SSDI is critical.....both what you write and what your doctors say. Are you receiving regular care from a MD and does his/her documentation also reflect how debilitated you are ? If you are bedridden and can't get to a doctor, you would obviously be disabled, but wouldn't have the medical documentation to prove it.....a very tough spot to be in and one SSDI would deny a claim for.

I found having a lawyer to be a godsend with the SSDI process. Sometimes my brain is functioning well and other times the brain fog takes over and makes it impossible to concentrate on filling out the paperwork, getting medical records to SSDI, and all of that stuff.

Hang in there ! You have new friends here now who understand how difficult this journey is

Thanks finz for your kind message. You are right, what I meant is I can't lift my arms ( I can put them straight out but not lift), so its hard for me to get dressed, I can't pick up a pot or pan, I can't cover myself with a blanket, things like that.

I am in the situation you mentioned with not good drs documentation. For years I didn't go out of the house except to drs appt, I have to get a ride up to the door and as soon as I get out of the car be in a wheelchair (the hospitals here have people who transport you in a wheelchair to the appt), I can't use a wheelchair by myself because of my arms. Anyway, I don't have insurance and transportation is too difficult so I haven't gone to the drs for awhile (they had no hope for me even when I was going).

I tried to call some lawyers and they said I should get some current drs notes and then call them, they won't take the case without me having current letters, so it is a problem. I am in the same boat as you with the concentration, I have big piles of mail from the last few years I haven't opened, I just can't think straight and am too depressed and anxious even to read a letter or talk on the phone.

Anyway, I looked on the internet and it looks like the time limit to reopen depends on a bunch of things but within 1 year it seems easy to reopen but still doable within 4 years for disability if you show a good reason. In any case I think I need a lawyer to help with this.

I really appreciate your kindness and encouragement, just trying to find a lawyer I am already frustrated and feel so hopeless.