process of getting disability question

[red]

After a year of being diagnosed with arthritus in both knees (no cartilage in one of them)I walk in pain every step but still manage to work which is standing and walking most of the time. I am also an insulin dependent diabetic and have been for 30 years. (female, 46 now)Neuropothy in the feet which also makes it difficult to walk.(thank god for tylonal extra strength) I do not want a knee replacement so young in life since I am told it only last 10 year and the diabetes will complicate the healing process. So I have been told by some to apply for disability benifits. One friend, whos wife is now on disability from an auto accident said that when I do apply I will more than likly be turned down, which seems to be a formality and then you hire a disability lawyer. This man said to use the one he had. So if and when I do what is the time and procedure it usually takes? I guess I have to get documantation of my disabilities from the doctors. It has gotten to the point that when I get home from work I sit to relieve the knee pain and stress. My job quality has decreased and even at home I cannot do the things I do as well. I actually have adapted to a wheel chair to do kitchen chores instead of standing. I don't even know if all my ailments are considered disabilities. I am going to apply for a handicap sticker for the car to start but still need some guidance to where to get info on this problem. Any help would be appreciated.

[robram4]

i would try the first time without a lawyer, as i did and i got approved without any lawyer costs. i would get a lawyer if i wasn"t approved on the first try. i was pretty certain in my case because of my many medical conditions from a near death situation. good luck!

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[charby43]

Hi Red

This is probably a useless post by now.....But it is almost a given you will be denied disability benefits. I am an amputee and it took me 3 times before I got it. I thought it was pretty obvious that my leg wasn't going to grow back. I never got a lawyer I just kept submitting the application. It's frustrating and drives you crazy. Also, your Dr. can get you the handicap placard. Hope all goes well for you if it hasn't already

Charby43

[Director]

Hi Red: I've been on SSD almost four years now and I can tell you a few things that might help you. First of all, I got my initial appointment set up with the local SS office by calling their 800 number. I talked with a lawyer friend of mine and he gave me the names of a couple local attorneys that handle disability cases. I called one and was told to go ahead and file on my own and if I was denied, then call them and set up an appointment. They said there was nothing they could do that I couldn't do myself on the first try.

I applied on my own and they sent a couple forms to fill out and asked for the names and addresses (and phone numbers) of my doctors and that was pretty much it. A little over five months after my initial interview, I got a call from the guy who interviewed me telling me I had been approved. I got my first check deposited into my checking account six months after first applying. I never used the attorney and I have been getting monthly checks since I got the first one almost four years ago. They did say I would probably have an interview in 5-7 years.

Presently, I'm in my early 60's, so I have no intention of returning to work. There aren't too many businesses that would hire a 62 year old man that has been disabled for five or six years anyway. Although I wouldn't want to, I could always opt to take Social Security at 62, even though it would cut my monthly SS income.

My disabilty is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, lung surgery for the removal of a benign tumor, and emphysema, which is not too bad.