About 98% of the folks filing for SSDI and/or SSI do not realize this. Which is really . Then they get really mad, confused & frustrated when they are denied at all levels and/or no atty will take their case.

Finz has posted about this very eloquenty several times, at length. Perhaps we could get her to to add this to the sticky, "Don't start your claim unprepared"...

It's so easy to waste time on what a person assumes is logical, but unless they understand the process, and where they're at in the process, they can't really help themselves.

I know that there is some great info in that thread, LL.

Unfortunately, I was reprimanded one to many times for commenting on the misleading and incorrect info that is also in that thread, so I am still uncomfortable posting or reading there.

What thread are you referencing?

Somehow I think I missed a large part of the subject matter to which you refer.

I think they are talking about the sticky thread
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread148967.html

The sticky threads are special info threads at the top area of every main forum topic page.

Yup ! Glad Jo Mar could point you in the right direction.

There is a lot of great info in that thread.

For so many of us, typing lengthy posts comes with a cost on ye ol' painometer. For many topics that come up repeatedly here, it's easier to link or direct someone to some of the more lengthy/detailed/instructive posts instead of trying to retype things every time the topic comes up. How to manage the application process and, hopefully, get approved are VERY frequent topics here.....as you can imagine.

Having everyone's comments on that topic in one place also helps newbies get more info as they can read the tips from all posters over the years. Many people "move on" after they get accepted. Often posters will focus more on their "diagnosis" forum. Having the one "stickied" thread lets newbies benefit from the all of the different viewpoints of the many posters who have been here. You never know which tip could be just what you need to help you through the process.

You'll have to add to that thread when you get approved All of your difficulties with lost records, an incomplete record, doctors who've moved on are a lesson to ALL SSDI/SSI applicants. The applicant, or his lawyer or representative MUST make sure the application is complete and says what it needs to to prove disability.