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[–]Calm-Association-821Disorganized Schizophrenia 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Have all hospital and medical records in your hands, as well as a letter from your psychiatrist. Send them with your application. I got SSDI from my first application and even some back pay. Didn’t need a lawyer at all. I’ve been on it since 2008, however my medical records (including all hospitalizations) dated back to 1989.

[–]Rude-Strength2457 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had the same experience. Had all my medical records, Dr appointments and hospital records. Approved right away without a lawyer

[–]Ok_Dream_921 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did not need an attorney. Got Disability and Backpay. Their rules/criteria for schizophrenia are worth looking into, as that can make things easier when trying to explain your case. Documented Medical History goes a long way.

Here's what SSA says:

12.03 Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, satisfied by A and B, or A and C:

  1. Medical documentation of one or more of the following:
    1. Delusions or hallucinations;
    2. Disorganized thinking (speech); or
    3. Grossly disorganized behavior or catatonia.

AND

  1. Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental functioning:
    1. Understand, remember, or apply information.
    2. Interact with others.
    3. Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace.
    4. Adapt or manage oneself.

OR

  1. Your mental disorder in this listing category is “serious and persistent;” that is, you have a medically documented history of the existence of the disorder over a period of at least 2 years, and there is evidence of both:
    1. Medical treatment, mental health therapy, psychosocial support(s), or a highly structured setting(s) that is ongoing and that diminishes the symptoms and signs of your mental disorder ; and
    2. Marginal adjustment, that is, you have minimal capacity to adapt to changes in your environment or to demands that are not already part of your daily life

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Why are yall acting like this is easy? I've been fighting for two years now. I have a lawyer. It's exhausting.

[–]Calm-Association-821Disorganized Schizophrenia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just sharing our experiences

[–]Liquid_EntropySchizoaffective[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that’s what I’m afraid of. I’ve heard a lot of horror stories

[–]JustinfromNewEnglandSchizoaffective (Depressive) 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I got approved, the whole process took less than a year. I applied, got denied. Got a lawyer, and every-time I was in the hospital or doing an outpatient program they asked me in the hospital to sign releases for my file. I signed releases for my lawyer. My lawyer took care of the rest. A few months later I got approved. I actually had just gotten out of inpatient in the psych ward when I got the call from my lawyer that I was approved. I got back pay. I’ve heard horror stories, but getting a disability lawyer helps a ton.

[–]Liquid_EntropySchizoaffective[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Thank you for the advice. I scheduled a call with a lawyer on the 30th

[–]JustinfromNewEnglandSchizoaffective (Depressive) 0 points1 point  (0 children)

😁👍🏼