Voc rehab counselor wants me to apply for SSDI

[Fearless]

I'm rated 100% for MDD non p&t. I have a letter from my voc rehab counselor stating that I can not work. I also have a letter from my psychiatrist and social worker stating that I can not work. What are the odds that I get approve?

[vetquest]

Social Security is a little less harder than VA.  I believe you are a good candidate.  They will send you to an exam the same way the VA does and evaluate you.  You should apply.

[Buck52]

Normally  the SSA will take your Dr's word that you can not work if the Dr gave reason why you can not work?

  the SSA will take that as you are totally Disabled and grant your SSDI.

IF YOU DON'T SUBMIT THE Dr letter to the SSA  they will for sure send you to an exam as Vetquest mention,but if you have a letter from your Dr stating you can't work that should go with SSA.

[vetquest]

Sorry to say Buck they did not accept my doctor's letter that I was disabled and unable to work, from a neurologist.  They still sent me to a guy who said I was still able to work.  I had to go to appeals where an employment specialist for the SSA said I was unable to work.

[jbasser]

Buck gave you some good advice. If you apply for SSDI and you get denied you have to ask for reconsideration per SSA rules. At that time you are allowed to use an attorney to help with your claim. Now the fun begins. SSA uses a Blue Book or ratings book that has impairments and their severity. That is called listing level impairment. If you need one of these listed in the book you should be granted but it often takes an attorney and MD to put it together. SSDI also uses a five step process to determine your level of disability as it intertwines with the available occupations listed in the Voc Experts book of jobs.  My best advice is do not go this alone. Get help.

 

[Fearless]

12 hours ago, jbasser said:

Buck gave you some good advice. If you apply for SSDI and you get denied you have to ask for reconsideration per SSA rules. At that time you are allowed to use an attorney to help with your claim. Now the fun begins. SSA uses a Blue Book or ratings book that has impairments and their severity. That is called listing level impairment. If you need one of these listed in the book you should be granted but it often takes an attorney and MD to put it together. SSDI also uses a five step process to determine your level of disability as it intertwines with the available occupations listed in the Voc Experts book of jobs.  My best advice is do not go this alone. Get help.

 

So I should look for a lawyer that specializes in SSDI?

[Buck52]

I agree with you Vetquest  some times they won't take the Dr letter,  but if this is a good letter and the Dr goes into detail as to why you can't work and declares you total disabled  they should take the letter and approve these benefits .

but  like you mention some times they don't  but later on they should,usually to get SSDI we need to appeal about 2 times  and then go see the Judge  90% of the time this is when your approved   but if denied  TWICE   I''d say this is the time you need to get a Attorney for help.

There are times when a Veteran has not work  say 10 years before he gets his VA Benefits...what this does is  he has not paid into the SSA System as for as having enough work credits  and the SSA denys him/her on that bases.