I used my pdoc. I also had a lawyer who specialized in getting SSDI so I got it the first time around. It was worth it. Not that my stipend is so great. But the drug coverage is vital. And it covers hospital stays. Really vital.

I saw a pdoc, that they sent me to. She had her own private practice.

After you first initialy applied how long was it before they told you to see the appointed pdoc?

I never did. I had a psychologist who really knew his shit and a reg doctor no pdoc at the time. I had allsup.com behind me also. They take a big chunk iup to $7,500 out of your first ceck but that can still leave you with 7-10 thousand. (first check only).

I plan on using allsup if I get denied!

They sent me to their own pdoc. It was a nightmare and I hated it but had to do it. I do not like the administration. I also had to see their gdoc. My doctors had filled out papers but they wanted their own. I became disabled on July 1st but they have it as July 4th of 1992. I filed in October of 1992. I was denied the first time, per their games. Then I got a lawyer and he took care of everything from then on. He just mailed me forms to sign and I sent them back to him. My lawyer was in Little Rock, AR and I was in Missouri. I was lucky to have him. I had heard bad stories about the lawyers around me. The first time I called the lawyer, it was before I had received me denial and he told me to call him back after I received the denial and then we would go from there. He wouldn't take the case until then. I had was sent a notice of a hearing date and went before the judge in January of 1994. I sat outside the chamber doors. There were two. This lady was beside me and talking. I was a nervous wreck. She kept going on about the judge behind the second door and how that judge was awful, she had been before them before and he/she was mean. I sat there praying that I would get door number 1, LOL. When I was called into door number 1 I was so relieved. I went in and there was the judge, a voc rehab rep., my lawyer, my husband, and some other people I don't recall who they were. I remember the judge questioning me and he asked me when my son's birthday was. I froze. For the life of me I could not remember what his birthday was. He was only 20 mos. old. Yep, I was a wreck alright. I just looked at my husband for the answer. I know they all thought I was horrible for not remembering. He asked me several questions, then asked the voc. rehab. rep. what his opinion was. The voc. rehab. rep. said that I had training in any field that they had training for and that even given that I was not able to perform the jobs because of my physical and mental conditions. They asked me to leave and then they questioned my husband in private. Then they asked my husband to leave and talked to the lawyer, I guess about legal stuff. The lawyer couldn't really tell me anything at that time and it was just a wait game until I received the determination in March 1994. Then I received my first checks in May. It took 17 mos. total. I have seen people saying now though that it is taking much longer because of back logs. I think that is dependent on the state and what area you are in. I wish you the best of luck and pray that you are blessed in your endeavors with this. Just do what they ask and don't give up. Even if they deny you 2x, don't give up, that is what they want you to do. They are viscous people.

God bless,
Teressa

Oh CRAP! I am so long winded.

SORRY!

Yes, my doctor filled out the paperwork and then I received a letter with a dr appointment and where to go. It was easy-I just honestly answered the questions he had-bring whatever medical records you may have and the appointment is easy. You have a legit illness that qualifies you for entitlements as an american-good luck. You really do not need a lawyer until you get a rejection and even then don't worry it. Lots of people get rejected many times before they are approved. They will pay you back to the time you applied until the decision is made so you will get a large first check that must be spent to keep your assets low so you can still keep getting ssdi-stupid system. Write anytime.

My first interview was with a local phycologist(who appearantly didn't know shit about BP)
I was denied.I immediately reapplied,my second exam was done by a Chiropractor..all he had to do was see I was unable to stand one on foot(dizziness from meds)and I got approved.

Get every documentation from your Pdoc,his assesment of you inability to work full time,all medical doc's,every time off you've had to have because of the inabilty to work...document everything,then find some more!

I did not. My therapist's and pdoc's notes were enough. However, I also have a severe back disability, so I was approved first application, no seeing their docs, no attorneys and judges. From what I hear, I am extremely lucky!

does anyone else think Nick is just adorable?

I was always under the care of my Phyciatrist but they did send me to a Psychologist for Psyc testing or whatever it was called. I spent part of the day there answering questions on different kinds of tests.
I was denied the first time and I got a Disibility Attorney and had her appeal it and was lucky to get it with the first appeal.

I heard that they always deny it the first time so I was expecting it. Infact I was expecting them to deny it again and go into a second appeal but they suprised me. It can take a few years to get it but they have to pay you back to the day you applied for it. Of course the attorney gets a chunk of it but its well worth it to have one. I never had to go to court. My attorney did all the work!
Good luck and just be patient to anyone applying.

I didn't have to see an appointed doc. I think my medical paper trail must have been long enough and contained enough info for me to get SSDI. In VA you have to be out of work for 6 months before they consider you.

took 1 1/2 years

I go for my appeal hearing in march and had seen their pdoc 2yrs ago when i first applied and was rejected but my current law firm has a 94% success rate and only charges 5500 my lawyer is going to prep me for the meeting on the 29th