Social Security Disability

[OCDMarine]

I am applying for Social security disability..  Does a letter from a family member documenting the effects the respective disability has on me help my claim????  Do any of you guys have any experience with this?  Thanks again for your help

[TexasMarine]

SSA (SSDI) is concerned with 3 things.

1.  Do you have a documented diagnosis?  Whether or not you have one, they will set up an appointment for you with one of their contracted doctors to provide the opinion that will determine whether you are disabled.

2.  Can you work?  Does your documented diagnosis prevent you from working?  They will have one of their "work-force" counselors weigh whether or not they think you can hold down gainful employment.  Keep in mind that your employment background will be addressed.  (for example, if you currently a ambulance driver, and can no longer do that, BUT, you used to be a construction worker, and you CAN do that, you CAN work, under SSDI rules).

3.  Do you have enough employment (in the last 10), to qualify for SSDI? If you don't, you may qualify for SSI, but then SSI is an income-based program where any monies received from the VA will be deducted.

A letter from you family may help.  I supplied three, and I am NOT sure whether or not they (SSA) read them.  My attorney told me that they probably did not.

A letter from an employer who can document that you can no longer work would be considered more important, as they are not so concerned with how you "are" at home, but how you "are" at work.