It's been 2 years since I first filed for disability, and I've been denied twice. I had a hearing with an ALJ on Monday. Of course, I won't know the outcome for months, but I had a good feeling about it. So did my attorney.

The judge went over all my work history, what duties I had, etc., then listed off my main symptoms. She asked the occupational expert if, given the limitations of the symptoms she listed, I could do any of those jobs. He flatly said, "No."

So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best! I'm really glad the hearing is over with, anyway.

Hi msarkie! When I had my ALJ hearing, it did not take months to receive a fully favorable decision. Only took about two weeks. I received back pay to my onset date of 2001. Of course, a big chunk of the back pay had to go to the LTD insurance company. But no matter, it was a huge load off my mind. Congrats to you!