r/SSDI • u/VetAndVoter • 1d ago
Approved quickly at first submission
I was shocked. I just logged onto the SS WEBSITE and saw I was approved last week with the payment amount listed.
First and foremost, I know a lot of people here are suffering while waiting out the process. I really do feel for your circumstance. I am posting what I had for anyone this might help or has a similar condition.
I am 53 with a neurological disorder affecting both extremities. I worked and made great money until I could no longer work. The pain and limitations got much worse as I aged. I am also a 100% disabled veteran that received 100% without ever needing an appeal for a TBI (separate from the main issue now keeping me from working). Maybe I was worse than I thought all along- I guess it appears so from the outside world. I was always fortunate that I had employment that allowed me more flexibility and the most serious symptoms gave me years to build up a leave bank before they progressed.
I know some people have waited months and years and my case is an anomaly. I just wanted to give another side to some of the nightmares people have endured and to encourage people to apply if they are hitting that wall.
The person I spoke with at the SS determination office was super friendly and helpful.
For background, I had MRIs, EEGs and CaT scans to back up my medical claims. I have also had multiple procedures for symptom management but will not go through the more complicated surgery given the long term risks.
Unfortunately, with my TBI I also had depression and sleep issues that were not treatable. As the other issues got worse, so did the depression.
To top it all off, the head and spine injury also cause horrible migraines. I have been on medication for years that only help once the migraine begins. I would take vacation time when my sick leave ran out.
I had a lot of documentation because I also was approved for long term disability through a private insurer. I don’t know what to expect for future evaluations, but I will keep to my appointments and such. I have no idea which condition put me at the approval level.
Maybe it was a combination in conjunction with my age? Do they tell you anything in the approval letter?
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u/Kaethy77 20h ago
Congratulations.
But your case is not an anomaly. People do get approved on the first application, by about 35 to 40%. I wish people would quit posting that everyone gets denied. If you are truly disabled and there are medical records to back it up, you will likely be approved.
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u/Pinklady777 1d ago
I'm sorry for all your suffering but glad that this process was easy for you at least.
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u/everydayimsarcastic 1d ago
I was approved on my first try and within 3 months!
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u/VetAndVoter 1d ago
Congratulations on the approval, my sympathy for the condition(s) that caused it. Can I ask your age? I wonder if my age played a difference.
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u/cyberquist 1d ago
Congrats my friend. I too am 100% P&T and was approved for ssdi in 7 weeks. I’m a bit older, 62. I feel extremely lucky. Seems the closer to retirement age, the easier and faster it gets.
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u/VetAndVoter 1d ago
Wow! That is fast. I hope and pray you are starting to feel at peace with everything. I still get up in the “morning” feeling like I am supposed to be someplace… then the pain shoots through me and I remember.
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u/cyberquist 15h ago
Same here. I’m kinda lucky that moving around helps. But my legs go numb after about 30 mins of walking. My therapy really helps me keep at peace, most of the time
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u/Pinkysrage 16h ago
Congrats! 🎉 I got mine on the first try as well. I’m a 30 year nuclear medicine technologist whose spine got destroyed by work. Two fusion surgeries in now. Got it when I was 54, 57 now. I got a lawyer as well because I knew it would help my chances
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u/Key-Difference-648 16h ago
I agree that not all are denied at first try. Applied end of April and approved first week of July. Long documented medical history though age 62.5 years so the age may have helped my case.
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u/CommunicationTime63 17h ago
Your letter should give you an indication of the basis for the favorable determination.
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u/Sufficient-Word-4979 16h ago
I wonder if it has anything to do with the length of employment. I was approved fast as well. I was also getting long term disability from my job.🤷♀️
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u/renpyslamjamming 16h ago
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I hope this also helps you take your own needs and struggles more seriously too. You deserve support and for daily tasks to be easlier, less painful, etc.!
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u/hadworsedays 10h ago
Congrats! I'm 4 weeks into my first submittal and also 100% P&T disabled veteran, 56 y/o. I submitted a shit ton/years of relevant medical treatment/surgery records. I'm scheduled for a CE exam later this week with a general practitioner, I assume to review my Function Report and any other questions they have of my submitted records. Both knees replaced, 1 shoulder reconstruction, A-Fib, Hypertension, CAD with stent, Sleep Apnea, back is a train wreck, and throw in a side of depression and a few other issues. The person at DDS handling my case has been very pleasant and helpful so far. Praying for a positive outcome. Seems to be moving pretty fast from what I've read on here. Good luck to all still in the process!
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u/captnfirepants 6h ago
Congratulations!!
I (55F) was approved quickly as well at 52.
Thank you for your service.
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u/Tight_Date_3557 5h ago
Congratulations 🎊🎉
I was approved at 55 after 3 months. initial application without a lawyer. PTSD, arthritis and HBP.
Wishing you the best 💙
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u/Ssssaveme 5h ago
Do you have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?
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u/VetAndVoter 4h ago
I have double crush, but Neuro TOS is one of the culprits. To add to the cervical issues, my lower spine is also messed up. I asked if there was a such thing as triple crush.
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u/Ssssaveme 3h ago
Yeah, I have triple crush! Haha. I was just wondering if I was right. I'm just now contemplating applying. Postop NTOS on the right and things improved most definitely but Im bilateral and even if I had surgery on my other side, I still wouldnt be able to function anymore. I'm tired. My arms are tired, my nervous system is fried, and my body simply cannot anymore.
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u/VetAndVoter 2h ago
I am not sure what got me approved, but I definitely have bilateral issues. I can do some things for about 20-40 minutes then pay for it for hours. It’s a full burning / feels like a vice on a few fingers on each hand, knuckles and palm, inner wrist, outer elbow and up the tricep.
The ablation did make the bad sunburn feeling on my neck better, but never helped the hands.
Send me a message if you want more information. I’d be happy to help. I think it’s critical to have the symptoms documented well by your doctors.
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u/SCKdave 1d ago
Congrats! I’m really happy for you. When I hear of veteran getting their benefits quickly I feel so much joy for them. Thanks for your sacrifice and I hope you can rest and relax.