I began the SSDI journey in July of 2012 by filing for it due to Parkinson's disease. I began reading all the internet info I could get my hands on regarding the process. I was loaded for bear and ready to do battle.
The intake person here in San Diego brought me back to her desk and was very kind and compassionate as she put in my claim. Throughout the rest of the process, she was the true "Information" office for me. She had the latest info.

The claim went through all the expected hurdles, including two different independent medical exams and being randomly submitted for audit prior to final approval. The adjuster I got was in training, so that might have something to do with the audit.

Anyway, I was granted SSDI in October of 2012, 4 months after applying. I know it doesn't go like that for a lot of people, but I just wanted to give folks hope that this same thing could happen to them!

Hi Bill! Glad you had a good experience, I did too! I applied online in April 2013 and was approved 3 months later. My payments are due to start in October (for September). I did not need to have any medical exams, etc. I had the majority of my medical records and letters from my PCP and and pain management dr. We dropped them off at the local office. I think this saved them a ton of work and time because I had everything all organized for them.

I am soooo thankful!!

I really had no bad experiences either. My claims rep was always professional. I did a lot of research before applying for SSD. So I already knew what I was getting into.
All in all, the whole process took nearly 4 years (denial, reconsideration, denial, ALJ Hearing......FINAL APPROVAL) mostly due to the 5 year backlog in my state.

My brother who lives in the same state as I do, was approved for SSD in 4 months last year. I gather the back log has cleared up some!