Congratulations Frank. You did good!

We work hard all our life, and pay into the system all the years. It shouldn't have to be that hard to get the money we deserve. Not like we are going to be cured like some injuries are. It permanent.

I don't know why people have to jump through hoops to get it. If your doctor says you have a disabling disease, you are disabled, period. This is how I think now when I look back.

I was approved on the first try and was surprised. I have MS 30+ years and worked most of them, fighting to get through the day, three kids. I thought you had to be half dead to get SSDI. When I got it I thought I must be half-dead then.

Everyone said don't bother to sign up for it, no one gets it. Their doctor (SS)thought different. I still live in denial. It's my comfort zone, my space. Keeps my happy.

Vonn, in my case I had a vocational expert at the hearing who determined that I performed "heavy labor" in the past and could not be expected to continue doing so. He also ruled out so called sedentary jobs. I used to install large machines used in semiconductor manufacturing, so I get the "heavy labor" part. But I also knew electronics, so I was surprised that the dude ruled out sit-down jobs as well. But I wasn't about to object.

My attorney had told me not to volunteer any extra information or embellish anything that had already been said.

After my award, he also told me that the neuro's statements were some of the biggest guns in our arsenal. So I hope that your docs are all on board with you. I remember telling my neuro that I felt funny applying for SSDI and he said "Why? You've earned it." And that's true. I started paying into SS at age 17. Was dx'ed at 44. So, yes I did earn it.

So, just follow your attorney's advice and you'll probably be fine.