I've said it before, I don't think you need a lawyer and the money you'll save, you'll need. Make sure your Neuro is on your side. Helps most if your neuro has experience with patients who've gotten SSDI.

You'll need the money that you'll spend on Lawyers. Check NMSS.

Sorry, I guess the law is the same, but of course people vary. That would be a good reason for hiring a lawyer.

As I said (also) was that I found out your doctor has a lot to do with it. I was turned down twice (because as I found my letter to my doc was intercepted by his office staff (to save him hassle, I guess) and when he finally got my request heaing that I had been denied, He wrote me a letter that got me approved immediately.

Sorru for my Naivite, Larry

Sorry to hear all the horror stories. So much for Federal programs. I know I was forunate to have a strong doctor (Neuro with 50 + years) and almost a 'God' in the field. And when he heard I had been turned down, twice, boy I wouldn't have wanted to been in his way.

Therefore I guess I'd concentrate on getting the Doctor to say 'basically' that you're a basket case.

Again, I will state, whether you want to hire an attorney or not, go to the site, DiabilityKey. Carolyn is a specialist who has worked for more years than 9 out of 10 attorneys, and she has a higher success rate than most attorneys. She has information to assist you, and it does not cost a dime. She also has MS, and so her site is set up to assist people with MS. It is your choice, pay 1/4 to 1/3 of your final settlement to an attorney, or keep it all yourself.

I am currently out of work for 2 weeks, My neuro says i need it to recouperate and to think about what applying ofr disability. I have my regular neurologist's support, recommends disability due to major fatigue, pain & depression, and I'm also going to the MS Center in Atlanta in a few weeks to see them as well. That is where I was originally dx. I have not seen this doctor in 3 years. I'm taking mris for compariaons for him to look at and updating him on how my condition has not changed in 3 years. Most of it the same chronic problems with a few additional symptoms. I'm hoping i would have a decent chance at getting disabilty. I will have my neurologist, a M.S. Specailist, and a phychiatrist that has dx me as major depression. Do you guys think this is enough criteria?? I'm sure they will say "OH well, she's walking and not blind, she can do something". Thanks for all the replies. My quality of life is greatly lowered. i stay on the couch or in the bed. What a grueling thing to go through. :(

If there is a set criteria list, I've never heard of it. I was turned doown twice and when my Neurologist heard (aparently his office staff wanted to save him the bother).

He wrote a litter that pretty much said "while Mr. Stahl can sit at one place for several hours, he won't be very productive". My Neurologist believed that I could not work at a full time job (and I had a desk job, programming).

I've always felt the most important thing is you can't work at what you have always done.

Good-luck! Too bad this is happening to you although it is good you have disability Insurance.

Are you on pain medication, because that helps too. Also if the Dr. states that you cannot stand or sit for long periods of time that will help, Social Security will send forms to your Dr. to fill out. It is a lengthy process.

Usa a company called Allsup. They will evaluate your case they only take cases they think they can win. They have a 95% success rate. and you only pay if awarded, and they are not too expensive.

1. They only get money if they win... You should win, You've been paying for it all your working life and now you cannot work. That is why it is called Disability Insurance. Easy for me to say, I have my award. Just remember, what you pay the lawyer is money that you may need after you are living on disability (do I sound like I don't like lawyers?... I like them fine but you should check the NMSS and your local Social services advocates first.

Larry

I contacted an attorney's office today and am starting the process on Wednesday. So far, they made no bones about how difficult this may be. They did say having such difficulty taking care of my home and my yard could be a good thing. Guess we'll find out and I will share what I learn.