Just applied for SSDI

1

15yearvetarmy

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Applied for SSDI with my attorney on August 1st. He told me that only about 30% get accepted in the initial and then only 10% of the 70 win their appeal. Then most win in court.

The timeline he gave me was this - Approximately 3 months for decision on initial. 6 months for appeal and then up to 2 years to get a court date. Just curious is there anything else I can do to expedite this process?
 
The win percentage increases as more time passes, not necessarily because of the presence of an attorney.

Also, the percentage is lower for initial claims partly because of technical errors like not filling out the forms right.

Paralegals help ensure correct application so attorneys win percentage goes up by default.

No offense intended to Matt or Jason :)
 
SSDI is very different than a DoD unfit or a high rating by the VA. The SSA has totally different standards. Many people apply for SSDI, without and attorney and are awarded benefits because their medical documentation clearly meets SSA standards for disability.

If you case clearly meets standards, the cost of an attorney, may be a waste. If your case requires development and you can't or don't know how to develop your case, then a good attorney is worth the expense.
 
Charlie is absolutely correct. Also, there is no number percentage disabled with SSA. You are either disabled or you're not.

Being 100% with the VA does not make you "disabled" by SSA standards.
 
These guys are right man. I am sure my case is the minority with how fast it was processed. I am certain that all the initial groundwork I did prior to the application and my condition is what got me the approval. As you can see from my signature, I was in treatment and in the med board process for awhile before submitting my app. I am currently on title 32 active duty orders so I was super apprehensive about even applying since so many ppl on this forum said that you can't get SSDI while receiving AD pay. Well, I applied anyway after reading all the literature on the SSA website and doing my own research online. The SSA has a "red book" of conditions that identify what ailments are most likely to be approved on the first pass as long as you can show proof of diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately/Unfortunately I was diagnosed with one of those conditions. Since I have been getting treatment and going through this MEB I have amassed a lot of documentation and seen a lot of DR's. I believe that is what set the stage for my approval. The next hurdle was the fact I was still receiving "Pay" from the Army. On my application I noted that I was a "Wounded Warrior" in the process of being medically retired. I did that because of what these guys have posted in the past. When I got a call from the SSA for my phone interview I stated the same thing. I said yes I am active duty and yes I do get money from them but that I DO NOT WORK anymore. I said my days are spent going to DR' appointments and going to my unit to check in and give them updates on my status. THAT PART IS HUGE, and it is how I explained that even though I receive a check I was not working anymore. I even used the term Wounded Warrior during the interview. Next, my mother and a couple friends were called and questioned about my condition, abilities/disabilities and things of that matter. Within a week or so of that I received a notice that a decision was made and that I was approved for SSDI. From start to finish was less than 40 days. Granted I never made a ton of money over my 22 yrs of work credits so my monthly was calculated to pay out 1500/mo but it is definitely a wonderful benefit. Coupled with what I hope will be a couple grand in VA benefits and the fact that I'm still allowed to earn like 12k a year I will have more time with my family and not have to worry about missed time from work to go to DR appointments. So take my experience for what it's worth. Have enough evidence to make it hard for them to say no :)
 
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15yearvetarmy said:
Applied for SSDI with my attorney on August 1st. He told me that only about 30% get accepted in the initial and then only 10% of the 70 win their appeal. Then most win in court.

The timeline he gave me was this - Approximately 3 months for decision on initial. 6 months for appeal and then up to 2 years to get a court date. Just curious is there anything else I can do to expedite this process?
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I was told nearly the same thing by my attorney earlier this year (2018). Initial SSDI application (May '18) (with disability attorney representation) was denied. Appeal was denied. Now we'll be going to court. I received a court date notification about a month after my second denial. Time between second denial notification and court is about 6 months. It's a frustrating process for sure...especially when it's clear one meets the SSA criteria. On an interesting note, my paralegal called me before a court date had been given. She said a judge requested my tax returns for 2017. I asked why and the paralegal said to verify my employment/earnings or lack there of. (I did take unemployment for the first 5 months...not sure if that had anything to do with the request) A couple weeks later I had a court date.
 
I finally got my hearing with the ALJ set for November. I have a few more documents since my application to send in but hoping it’ll be a slam dunk...in my favor.
 
Agreed board member Orange Sky. I applied in July of 2018 being apart of the Wounded Warrior Program and annotating that on my application and was approved in September. Backpay was paid first and awaiting first monthly payment.
 
I applied August 5th as a wounded warrior, was sent three forms to fill out within 10 days. Sent those back last week. I'm anxious to hear a decision.
 
ctnypr1999 said:
I applied August 5th as a wounded warrior, was sent three forms to fill out within 10 days. Sent those back last week. I'm anxious to hear a decision.
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best of luck with that man. I know that making sure they knew I was a wounded warrior helped out big time. I was approved in just over 30 days.
 
SeniorMech said:
best of luck with that man. I know that making sure they knew I was a wounded warrior helped out big time. I was approved in just over 30 days.
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Wish I could say the same. Applied as a WW, denied twice, and now it goes to the ALJ.
 
started receiving SSDI monthly payment Oct. 24th. Awaiting telephone interview for dependent SSDI in Nov.
 
LawOroG said:
started receiving SSDI monthly payment Oct. 24th. Awaiting telephone interview for dependent SSDI in Nov.
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I've heard you have to apply for the dependent SSDI...but is it really "applying" or simply making a phone call to activate it after you've received YOUR SSDI? Would like to hear the details once you get it.
 
you have to apply. SSA figures your dependents income on several different factors to determine if they are also eligible. They could not be in some cases.
 
I just called today to make my appt for dependent benefits. It's a telephone interview but it isn't until Dec 4th !!
 
Wally3430 said:
I've heard you have to apply for the dependent SSDI...but is it really "applying" or simply making a phone call to activate it after you've received YOUR SSDI? Would like to hear the details once you get it.
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Had a phone interview for it on Nov. 14th. Unfortunately I was not able to get dependent SSDI at this time. Site message me for more specific info.
 
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