I have been on disability for 9 yrs. Fibro, depression, DDD were what I got my disability for. It took about a yr. I was denied twice and then I had to go in front of a law judge, and he granted my disability.

@A MyFibroTeam Member It wasn't bad at all. It was me, my lawyer, a vocational specialist, and the law judge. They just asked me questions about Fibro. They never questioned me like I was lying...as a matter of fact they felt sorry for me. They wished they could do more for me....told me I needed to go to a medical hospital like UVA. Vocational specialist told the judge that there was no way I could function actively in the job market. They granted my disability, and that was that. They looked at my records and talk to me about it.

I have Fibro, Sjogrens, Osteo-Arthritis, High B/P, low thyroid & then borderline diabetes. The cervical disc replacement happened because of the severe arthritis I have all over. I've also had my right big toe joint removed & fuzed the bones together. I had several years of filing for disability. After I had been turned down twice, I called BENDER & BENDER. I found them on line. When they took my case, it was almost 2 years before I went to court. They had me get some letters from my doctors (the docs charged me to write) & forms to be filled out by docs (the docs charged me for) to speed up the decision process. Any questions I had I could call them. I only saw the lawyer at the time to go to court ( 30 minutes before) to go over any questions I had. My court date was moved up the list due to me having more medical problems - cervical disc replacement. I feel that contacting BENDER & BENDER Was the reason I received my disability. They know ALL THE LAWS & how to deal with them. we don't. Plain & simple.
Good luck to each of you filing. Remember - when turned down, keep pushing - get more info for them!

I had to tell them about me screwing up the check book (when I paid the household bills). Bottom line, my husband had to take over, close account & open a new checking. How my husband had to take over ALL grocery shopping & household shopping. These were examples of how Fibro had affected my brain. I don't cook any more. My Husband also took over cooking. I'm so thankful that he's my honey & helps me so much. The pain in my back & down my legs is so great I can't stand very long at one time. Plus my concentration is not here. Example: to write this post has taken me 47 minutes so far - & I have to read it to keep up with what I'm trying to say.

While I was in court, sitting at the table - I had trouble sitting. I need to prop up my legs while sitting. So when I don't - I have to stand up for a few minutes ever so often. During court, I did this.

Again - GOOD LUCK!!! I HOPE EACH OF YOU GET APPROVED.

@A MyFibroTeam Member Girl , you got that right !!! When I read over my hubby's form for compensation( for want of better word... actually some sort of help money because of certain disabilaties ) from the government, I just about had a fit. You had to be practically dead to qualify !!! This was a one time lump sum. He is on disability pension, but this is very little money. And Being declared fit to work? My goodness! Fibro is very hard on the body ! The medical profession has got to step up a realize just what this Fibro does to us ! Stress, pain and over doing affects us like no "normal" people could ever realize. I takes us longer to bounce back, if we actually do. No... we are fine and whine too much and complain over nothing ( sarcasim). It they could walk a mile in our shoes they would soon haul in their horns !
Just had to rant

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A MyFibro...

I have about the same illnesses you have... I was denied once and approved the second time. I had a lawyer with me. All my medical documents were requested through out the year by my lawyer and I made sure they got them each time they requested them. I also have depression and made sure I kept all my appointments with them. I told my doctors everything that was going on with me to assure they kept good notes.

I had my hubby drive me to the hearing. The judge was big in that. She asked me side affects of all my meds and daily task. My lawyer helped me with the questions. You can also send in your medical records each time you go to the doctor. Your depression has to be major and your doctors have to back you. My doctors also filled out forms stating that I was not able to work. Watch how you act in court, my paper work told detailed information on how I responded to their answers. I hope this helps.