It took me 5 weeks in 2012 when I was 56. My orthopedic doctor stated that I needed both knees replaced. My diagnosis was Ra, oa, deginerated disk and joint disease. Also depression. That was here in Oklahoma. I filled out the paperwork myself without an attorney. I wish you the best. 🙏 Ricky

It took me a little over 2 years to get approved, and I had RA and 7 spine surgeries at the time. I don't know what state you are in, I am in N.C. which is one of the worst for approval. My suggestion is to get a lawyer that specializes in disability, get any and all medical records and stay on top of everything

I was finally approved in April of this year. Took 3 years 3 weeks and 4 days from the time I left work. I believe the shut downs due to the pandemic impacted that. I am under 55. You have to be off work 6 months before you can apply. I applied at exactly 6 months. So be prepared for that financial impact. I got an attorney from day 1. Was denied so had to appeal. A lot of the documentation at the hearing was from my employment for the last several years. Being on FMLA for infusions & frequent dr visits, using all my sick and vacation leave for flares, having unpaid time off. My income decreased annually for the final 3 years. Read up on exactly what to say to your doctor so they are documenting your visits correctly. You really have to be brutally honest about how you are feeling & how often. You aren’t seeing them for a social call you are building a case. Good luck!

Social security told me at 55 a person, in their opinion is considered too old to be retrained for another line of work. That is why they will approve a person's disability. When we turn 65 it automatically changes to social security at the same pay as ssdi. I hope this will help someone. Have a blessed day. Ricky

I was denied the first time and immediately got a "you don't pay if we don't win" lawyers. It was worth it. I ended up being approved as disabled since I last worked (at the age of 36). The judge was reviewing her upcoming caseload and got to reading my application and (practically rubber stamped denial) and approved my application with out requiring me to drive 5 hours to Oklahoma City for a hearing when she already knew how she planned to rule on it. In her notes she mentions that she had never done anything like that before but... and this is no joke... my medical history was like "reading a novel, a long painful novel."