Just recv'd my "Fully Favorable" letter from the ALJ, and the whole process was just what I had heard it was going to be... lengthy and full of anxiety.

While I have no idea of whats to come in the next few months as far as recv'ing payments and such... I do at least feel like I am somewhat over the hump of this ordeal.

I am not too sure of the ability to mention specific lawyers on this forum, I would still like to mention that I had my success with Binder & Binder. If this is considered an endorsement that is frowned upon on these boards then I apologize.

Do the majority of those of you filing for ssd/ssi use a lawyer?
Personally I can't imagine going through what I just did without their assistance.

Hello Hiddenpoet,

I've seen their commercials on T.V. here on Guam. We get alot of our cable services (one week late) from CA. Here we're one day ahead of everyone else, yet our TV schedule is behind. I'm glad to hear that it came out positive! I just reciently recieved my "Notice of Award" letter. All it mentioned was, 'other Social Security benifits.' When I called and asked what that meant, they said, "Medicare in 2006!" That's not going to help me now in 2004. Of course, I've already scheduled an appt. with Guam Legal Services to help me with an appeal. Sure, I've been approved, but what help will it do for me now. (Purplebill... I hope you're reading this! Please advise.)

I was going to attempt the filing without a lawyer, but now that I'm going thru appeal, I feel a lawyer is needed! I hope your award will be satisfactory! :wave:

Sincerely,
Ed

Well... something to add about why a lawyer can be beneficial to some.

In my case, I filed my initial claim in Nov. 2001 after being convinced by my family and doctor that I should file. I initially was denied, so I then turned to a lawyer and I am so glad I did. I didn't have any of the burden of trying to weave my way through the paperwork, appeals, hearings, etc.

Not only was all the parerwork etc. done by them, but they amended my onset date, all the way back to the proper date of May 2000. I would never of known to do that on my own. As stated above I have received the "Fully Favorable" decision, and with that the date of May 2000 was accepted. The $5300 that the lawyer will receive, will be far less than the backpay of the amended months of coverage(could be as much or more than $20,000), so that in itself made the decision to go with a lawyer more than worth it.

Finally got my first deposit on Dec. 15th. :)
Aug. 27th(rec'vd. fully favorable letter) to Dec. 15th... just in case it helps others.
Now I will wait to see how long the back pay takes. :yawn:

wOW, your saying it took four months AFTER they said your approved? I thought it would be the following month.