1 is to get all medical records -labs-make at lest 4 copies-keep 1 for yourself-- 1 for for making extra copy later- 1 for a lawyer or 1 for an advocate- check out whats been written - 1 copy using different colors highlight mark stuff that doesn't make sense- stuff you don't remember talking about--stuff your Dr put down you don't remember discussing---get a binder to keep things in to keep neat and clean put in a safe place--if the lawyer or the advocate asks for one it saves time and you might discuss the things that don't make since/things said or things that are missing--our records read like once apond a time they lived ever after --most of the important stuffs missing-- the middle---if you get the records your self its going to cost a bit--your lawyer/advocate can get the copies with you permision---sons Drs forgot to write that they saw him staggering -falling on the floor passed out-passed out on the exame table or have examed him that includes the Shrinks-we could not believe what we found on his records so ssi says theirs nothing wrong with him- sons going to have to go in front of the judge---hopeful you'll be the 1 who gets it the first time around---

we got an advocate the second time we filed in calif--she gets 25% of the first check nothing more -she takes care of the paper work -keeps us informed -if ssi calls the house I tell then son will call back -I call the advocate and let her know they called -she'll call them and ask why they are calling and them call us to let us know them we'll call them back--after filing its the waiting game

i just applied for ssi i was denied two time and now i going to a judge as well my lawyer is one that you only pay if you win and it a percentage of your back pay i have 16 month before i c a judge my lawyer is pretty sure that we will win good luck and don't give up

got another letter from ssi --dang all they want is another medical release formed signed-------

thanks for the info. i'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I am waiting for my appeal with a lawyer and will probably also have to go to court. One piece of advice a different lawyer gave me when filling out the forms for my first try by myself was to keep my answers brief. I first applied early september, and was denied in the end of november, so the early part of the process was at least a little faster than I expected. I immediately got a lawyer who as well is only paid if I get approved and he felt I had a strong case. It seems to just be a matter of how long I can survive with barely any income. The waiting game is the hardest part- good luck.