I see so much about having legal to help you, but not sure of the advantage the first try.

Any help would be nice.
Thanks

It's not required.. No. Some get one to help them with filling out paperwork but even if you think you might be having problems you can speak to someone who knows or even a social worker at a doctors office. I started a thread here about what I've learned about filing for disability so if you search my name you should find it or else look in this section. I have some different views about the lawyer issue but everyone will tell you it's not REQUIRED.

No..it isn't required. Do your research and keep your file up to date yourself. I was recently approved after only 3 months, doing it myself. I have a recent post in the Fibromyalgia area detailing.

I was approved after about 6 months on the first try. I did all the paperwork myself. However, I think the majority of people do it themselves once, get denighed and then hire an attourney. The attourneys don't take any money from you unless you win your claim.

I did not have an atty. I was denied 2#, waiting for hearing. It seems even with an atty. they deny, so I would try it alone. If it goes to hearing you may benefit more with an atty. I got approved prior to the hearing after sending a letter to the judge detailing again my situation. Who better than yourself to represent YOU. I felt confident with my medical records, I kept, and history. I have found throughout my life if you want something done do it YOURSELF! I believe in justice and it prevailed.

FWIW I was denied the first time around, immediately appealed, no lawyer, and the ALJ ruled in my favor without a hearing.

I suspect that what happened was the ALJ was the first person to actually READ the file instead of just rubber stamping it.

My case was also a bit extreme, probably far beyond the "average" which also may have played a part. I never considered a lawyer since they are just bloodsuckers. Attorneys ought to be giving away these kinds of services, not making money off of them. But if you feel insecure about your position by all means go with the attorney. I don't know how many of them actually make a positive impact on the case but am pretty sure they don't make a negative one. -Rod-

My disability insurance company, kept losing paperwork, and rejecting me, by sending my files to the wrong type of doctor. How do you take this in front of a judge?
way to go.

Dear Dynagirl55 and Karla,

What were your reasons for filing. Sorry if that sounds personal. I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome a year ago and have been seriously thinking about filing. Just curious about you all. Thanks.

Melissa

Remarks such as "I never considered a lawyer since they are just bloodsuckers." only demonstrate the lack of understanding of the disability system and a lack of critical thinking ability that in the long run will only serve to hurt such a person's best interests. The facts are simple, those who are represented stand a much better chance of winning their cases than those who represent themselves. Sure a few unrepresented folks will get lucky, but I have seen way too many who had cases that could have been won with appropriate representation.

The old saw about a man who represents himself has a fool for an attorney and an idiot for a client. is sadlyl often applicable. Social Security law is arcane and complex to say the least. One would be best served by finding a competent attorney who specializes in SSDI/SSI disability cases.

As for the proposition that attorneys should just do these cases for free and give away their services, this is quite shortsighted as those attorneys who did so would be out of business in no time at all. good luck to all with their claims, If you are disabled an need to win, you should consider finding a good SSA lawyer to maximize your chances of success.

Regarding atty's: in some cases yes, but, disability, if you have a well documented disability why have an atty????? I found that I did all the work and they just "collect" the check. Now with a disability ins claim, like workmans comp, some of the so called corporate giants, I would definately use an atty!!! SSI, they tend to "understand" and be more compassionate. In ssi , I found, regardless of the disability you get turned down 9/10. But when it comes to the final round YOU represent yourself, the atty just seems to be along for the ride, I won before a hearing. That is why they advertise, but with the difficult ones they stay away. I would not have even attempted to apply if I thought it was in vain. Work, would much rather be back at it with more money!!!