6 Conditions That Will Not Be Approved For Disability 

I have seen lazy, manipulative people get granted disability yet real disabled people are suffering

Best friend of 50 years was on dialysis 4-6 hours a day 5 days a week starting last November. and still teaching. In January he took his built up sick leave but still went to school to help. Denied. Cancer too. Died the day he retired. Zero disability was granted. And he deserved it. Worked his entire life….

Feel like they automatically deny you almost every time, hoping you won't bother to try again

It took over 5 years for me to get disablity. In this time I lost everything and had to go homeless. The Judge who granted my disabilty was pissed. She said or told me she never does this BUT for me she was. What she did was GO back over 5 years and granted my disability. She told me the courts usually go back to your last denial. But she was going all the way back when I became disabled some 5 years before 5his.

My stepson has intellectual developmental disorder. He is 25 years old and has been that way since birth. I am terminally ill with copd and I have severe arthritis and had both hips replaced, my neck fused, several back fusions as well as extreme pinched nerves from my back all the way down to my feet. I have been on disability since 2011 and believe me, I wish my body was healthy and I could work because it’s not fun being in constant pain and not being able to do a lot of things like even walking a block. Please take care of yourself and I wish everyone to be healthy.

My friend, Barbara, was going for chemo to treat liver cancer. She made it to the top of the list to receive a transplant only to be denied at the last minute. The last time she was prepared for surgery and was denied. Between the time for treatment and the recovery from the side effects of the chemo, she was unable to work. I lost count of the number of times she was rejected for disability. One case reviewer told her she could be a greeter at Walmart. By the time she was approved, she was in hospice which means she was dying in the last stages of liver cancer. What a bunch of BS. A greeter at Walmart! Really! She died almost as soon as she received disability.

My nephew was denied ..he had cancer and worked until he couldn't work anymore...but they thought he didn't need it..he died less then 3 months later...sickening

This video just makes me all the more grateful as a disabled person that I don't live in America

I was born blind. I get SSDI. I’ve worked since I was 16. But you know what, I’d turn in my SSDI just to be able to see and do ANY job I want.

Homebound, basically bed bound, 9 surgeries later, 2 years and 8 months… survived a severe case of COVID and COVID Pneumonia. Can’t work, can’t plan or commit to anything because everyday something new. 44 years old, educated, working, traveled the world, had huge dreams… All yanked from beneath me. I can NOT get any support, participate in studies…. I’ve reached out to all, to no avail. Isolating, lonely, and disheartening

My niece had epilepsy and her seizures were pretty well controlled. The problem was, no one would hire her when they found out. Or if she did get hired and had a seizure on the job, she was fired. This went on for years. She finally was able to find work at a Walgreen's pharmacy after many years of trying for any and all jobs that were available. She was between a rock and a hard place because she could work but could not get or keep a job because of her seizures. She had only 1 or 2 seizures a year usually. She was turned down for disability, but finally, thanks to Walgreen's she was able to keep her job, even after she had a seizure on the job. Life can be very hard for some people with disabilities who are not eligible. Most of her life she had to rely on family for support.

I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS 36 years ago... I'll be 60 y.o. this Spring. I'm a military veteran, then had a full-time career (20+ yrs) until I was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer work. I ended up losing everything I worked so hard for prior to that. The cancer came back a couple more times, but was grateful to have survived those events. In addition, I've had to undergo several knee surgeries/replacement and have had to live with chronic very painful arthritis. But, I'm still alive. The time it took for me to finally be approved for SSDI, ~5 years (shot down 4 times), played more havoc on my physical/mental health and nearly caused me to give up. BTW, I was infected back then by my partner who didn't inform me of his impending health condition that resulted in his death. At times since, it has felt like I was just waiting to finally die. And I so want to live. If you think I enjoy living on assistance, you couldn't be more wrong. I do miss having a job/career.

1) medical problems that don’t affect the ability to work such as high blood 🩸 pressure. 2) a condition that is better with treatment such as epilepsy. 3) medical problems that have gotten better such as fractures healed with screws. 4) people who had cancer ♋️ that has been treated and is well healed. * 5) patients that have problems with no symptoms or issues. 6) people who have an inactive addiction to something like alcohol 🍷 and drugs. Continuing to drink 🍺 7) conditions that last less than 12 months. This can be a grey area. 8) things that are “normal” such as dropping things and forgetting things.

I've been fighting for disability for nearly 2 years now for my Multiple Sclerosis. I've been pleading and cooperating and just wait as they drag me along for the inevitable denial. Now, with a lawyer, things are moving faster with this current appeal, but I'm jumping through even more obstacles than before. One of my favorite examples was when I was scheduled for an exam at their appointed SS IMA building. I waited 4 and a half hours before someone finally called me to the window and apologized saying they're "backed up" and I can't be seen. Asked me to come back next week 8 am when they first opened. Got there 7:30am and STILL watched 5 people go ahead of me even though I was there before they opened.

I have been on disability since 2005, I had a wonderful lady from MHMR that went with me. In 2020 I had my left leg amputated in 2021 I went to work 6 months after surgery. I worked for a year took a year off and now have a new job, I have children who won’t work but trying to teach my grandsons no matter what life throws at you, you still can’t be a productive adult. I even went to college for two years at the age of 55.

What really sucks is having a kid with Autism that has comprehension issues, he does have a job - makes less than $12k a year, but can't get help with anything, because he lives with me. He's an adult, but they go by my income...it's BS

My son has pseudoanchondroplasia a type of dwarfism. He is 19. He has had multiple surgeries including spinal fusion. And needs several more. He was just denied disability in Michigan. It's a rigged system.

I’m 26, I’ve been what I would consider disabled for as long as I can remember. I have psoriatic arthritis, hashimoto’s, what is believed to be POTS(it’s definitely a tachycardia, seeing a cardiologist on the 10th.), memory issues/brain fog, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD and more. All diagnosed. I’ve never had a “normal” life, and I’ve been fighting even with a lawyer to get SSI. 😔 Trust me I wish I could work. I tried to as a teenager. I fantasize about having a job. About living “normally.” Sorry for the rant. Just frustrating and I’m sure that people in the comments here understand. Good luck to everyone else applying. 🙏

I have chronic kidney disease. I lost a kidney 5 years ago and recently developed an intolerance to direct sunlight. I applied but got denied. I guess I'll get a job, fall out at work and get fired because of it then, maybe i can reapply. It's insane how so many people are denied. Best if luck to those applying

My late husband was totally disabled, bed ridden and totally dependent on me. He was in a nursing home and it took approximately 3 to 6 months before they granted him disability. They went back retro on his behalf. What we had to go through to get it was terrible. 🤨🤨😕😕😕

Is everyone on here aware that people who are disabled from birth get a max of under $700 total to live on? Down’s syndrome, autism, severe mental retardation, etc. Doesn’t matter and is independent of parental (if they have any) income. I suppose the rationale is if they have parents they live with parents who take care of them, so how does that parent work? What if Mom is 75 and ailing? My son at 24 STILL can’t cross a street safely (or parking lot for that matter), can’t safely prep food for himself, etc. Oh sure, he could live in a government-run home for mentally disabled and that brings us right back to Willowbrook (look it up) because that’s how the government runs things. Well-run private homes are $60k per yr. The absolute most disabled and vulnerable are really getting the shaft😢

My friend had stage four colon cancer and was denied. A year and a half later they contacted their local senator and within a week they had all their money and the retroactive pay. Unfortunately, he died a month later.

The fact that this video showed up in my feed shows that our phones listen to us when we talk. I am actually waiting for my answer i had my SSID Court hearing in the beginning of of Dec. I have never Google or searched on RU-vid anything to do with SSID. I hope i get approved because I have several conditions that cannot be fixed fingers crossed and watch what you say when you have your phone around.

I have spondylithesis, spondylosis, scoliosis, klippel feil syndrome, severe facet disease, nerve compression, bi lateral pars disease, degenerative disc disease, buldging discs,etc.... it took me so long to get approved. In pain everyday, feeling miserable. Now i have developed a tick borne allergy which i cant eat or use any mammel based food or byproduct. Which severly hinders me to be able to find the right medications. But im blessed that i finally was approved. I really needed it

As an attorney who's represented clients as over 1,000 SSA hearings, I find this is an excellent video. I'd supplement this by adding very dramatic sounding injuries/accidents. SSA doesnt generally care about HOW the injury occurred - they're more concerned about how (if at all) you're affected NOW. SSA doesn'crae that your car flipped 97 times and you landed in a tree back in 1987 if you don't have symptoms TODAY.

A Social Security agent said that the most frequent reason people get denied is that the physician does not know the diagnostic code Social Security uses for the disability He said to make certain to go to a physician who knows the diagnostic codes. Also not all medical conditions have Social Security disability codes.

I'm glad you finally got to mental disabilities. I was blessed with a very thorough disability agent. Believe it or not, Binder & Binder helped my disability claim in front of the judge with much data, and he approved me. I was messed up for so many reasons. It's been 10 years now, and I'm doing so much better. S.S.A. switched me to S.S. when I turned 63. Socially, I'm still a bust, but at least I don't have to be around people daily. I feel as though my sanity is coming back. I'm almost at the rim of the well and ready to pull myself out of the darkness and bask in the sun. Whoopee 😊

Ended up on hemodialysis at age 40 due to an autoimmune disorder. My insurance suddenly took note, offered case management and other assistance, and connected me to someone locally who helped me apply for disability. She knew everyone in the state social security offices and managed to get my case expedited. Within six months was approved on first try. Edit: If you are applying, DO get help from someone experienced with the system, and DO appeal if you are denied after applying. And try to keep up hope through the process. It can be hard to wait it out, and frustrating to go through the process, but it is very much worth it when it comes through.

My 59 yo brother lost both of his legs just above the knee 4 years ago due to poor circulation and is still waiting on disability. In November he began having heart problems and his heart stopped twice on the way to the hospital. I don’t think he will ever see disability. No drugs or alcohol.

I have had these symptoms for 5 yrs. I did not want to tell anyone becuz it was embarrassing and I diagnosed myself as intolerance to cheese. Then as I started having other issues like feet pain knees giving out back pains. I filled for Disablity with the diagnosis of those pains. 2 years later (1/4/23) I was rushed to the hospital finding my appendix was on the verge of exploding. CT and emergency surgery revealed colon cancer of which was a huge mass. 10 months later finding out I now also have neuropathy of which those symptoms have been for 15 yrs. all these years I worked with lots of pain and discomfort. Managed as best I could. When I first applied for SSDI the pain was mainly in my feet and legs. Ever since the pain is so much worse and now I am trying to manage the neuropathy as well. All of which has been issues I have been dealing with for year and I’m waiting for my second denial. When it comes to the cancer I was pretty much told that I’m not sick enough because it’s not reoccurring I’m not getting treatments (of which the national cancer center says colon cancer is surgery only) and it’s is in a localized area (but it’s clear I have had this for a very long time looking at it size) I have kids and I can’t work. Especially since I have to go to the bathroom every 2 hours. I have been reduced to being a panhandler to take care of us. I was doing DoorDash but it just doesn’t pay enough when no one can afford to tip anymore. I need this approval so bad. Even just to heal for a few years so I can get back to work. I want to work. I know SSDI won’t give me enough to live on really. So I can’t allow myself to b on it for too many years. But I have needed it for the last year and will need it to recover from this many issues that are slowly being revealed. If you read this far I thank u for listening. Any suggestions would b great. Any negative comment need not comment. Thank you

I’ve been denied twice. Type 1 diabetes for 40 years. I now have retinopathy which has affected my driving ability, gastroparesis which means I can only eat mashed food and causes IBS symptoms daily , and neuropathy causing pain in my legs, feet and hands ( to the point that typing is challenging). I also had cancer 7 yrs ago and the year of chemo accelerated all the diabetic issues. Depression and anxiety to where there are days all I do is cry. But I was told that while I may not be able to do my old job (I was a grant writer) they were sure I could find something like gig work that I could do. I’m 63 years old, have trouble walking, seeing, typing, and eating. But apparently Uber would work. I’m getting an attorney - who will of course, take a chunk of my funds if I get back pay. This country does not take care of its sick or elderly.

Hello, sorry to hear lots of you all has not received your disability. Praying that each and everyone of you all that need disability receive it and . May GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU ALL 💕😊

My friend in her fifties suffered juvenile diabetes. Throughout her life, she lost her sight, 75% of her kidney function, hearing, one leg and then the other, had heart condition, and stroke. She was denied. She died in her 50s without being granted disability.

get a disability lawyer if denied......sadly most people use their so called disabilities to ride the system when there is nothing wrong with them, which makes it hard for people that are actually disabled to get approved

I got my disability in 2015. It took me five years of fighting. I'm a lifelong migraine sufferer. I can't hold down a regular job due to the nature of multiple mental and physical disabilities I was born with. I look normal, but I have mental disorders like ADHD, Autism, and other disorders. But I got my SSI as a result of my migraines, and only a month AFTER those migraines almost killed me and I wound up having an aneurism from the stress I was under for that 5 years trying to make ends meet because I could no longer work a regular job..What's worse is that the brain surgery took a portion of my visual acuity away from me so I am missing 1 third of my vision field to the left side in both eyes. And I still get migraines, despite having had an AVM removed...so they finally, after my life was turned upside down and I nearly died, awarded me SSI because, despite the surgery, I was still having migraines, and now I can't drive because of it..

Very informative and interesting video. I was sent to at least half a dozen SSA doctors while applying for disability. During that time, one doctor discovered that I had developed arthritis in my lower back. I honestly wasn't surprised as the doctor who did my back surgery (2 broken vertebrae, 1 completely removed, the other repaired, and a ruptured disc which was less than a centimeter from touching my spinal cord) told me it was likely that I would develop arthritis. It has been close to 25 years since I broke my back. I have my good days and my bad days, but rarely do I have a completely pain-free day.

At age 40 tried for disability. Had atrial tachycardia, arthritis, asthma, walked with a cane on low pain days and a walker on high pain days, my career involved a lot of physical activity that was hindered by my medical problems. I was denied at that time. The reason given was that although I could no longer work in my current career I should be able to find a job that didn’t have the physical aspects since I was a college graduate. My degree was in environmental sciences. Most jobs in that field was physical so I had to go into jobs not covered by my education. Which meant starting at the bottom and working my way back up. By age 58 when my medical problems had worsened and more problems had arisen i still had not gotten back up to the pay rate I was at when 40. I was finally approved for disability. I changed over to regular social security this year.

North Carolina denied a friend SSDI for the past 4 years Four applications, 4 denials, 4 appeals. Conditions several different Cancers requiring surgery, chemo ect. including one that is incurable, debilitating pain and neuropathy from a different issue unsuccessfully treated. 16 surgeries in the past 4 years. Yes, all with attorney representation.

I suffer from gastroparesis. Trying to explain to your employer that pepto won't help. It really sucks. I love my job and wish this nightmare would end.

I am bedridden 90% of my life. I have Hyperadrenergic Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. I cannot be upright for more than 1 hour at a time and can only walk 1-2 blocks maximum. After being upright, i need to lay flat for 2-4 hours to return bodily functions to baseline (heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, breathing, blood flow, etc). I am untreated, my doctors do not know how to treat this, my neuro says there are no treatments (available to me on medicaid). I have spinal conditions as well, arthritis, radiculopathy, neuropathy, spinal stenosis and scoliosis but my nervous system malfunctioning is what keeps me bed ridden… Ive been denied disability 3x over seven years. Its a disgrace.

Thank you, I am an Epileptic and for 30 yrs now who has tried SSD and argued many times with others pushing me to do it when it was common sense they are wrong. But ....they all feel they know better and would treat me like an ignorant kid while never actually getting involved in my life or medical drama (basically). I always got lectured on what to do but never given real guidance. After all these years of seizures I got memory issues so can forget things here and there so all these years I wasn't informed properly on how to try the SSI instead of SSD, not even by all the lawyers ive had. On my 4th try and only Now those at the SSI department am I finding decent people guiding me the right way to do this. Cause honestly I don't want to live off the system, I want to do what everyone calls 'work'. As its not a 'job' to me, its doing my part to society. But always had issues holding a job as they would fire me as soon as I had a seizure. Always had to work part time to get health coverage but barely could afford living do to those in my life not understanding our systems set up. Thank you for sharing the facts.

Disability claims are supposed to be based on whether a person can earn Substantial Gainful Activity not a diagnosis.

I learned as a Patient Care Coordinator that 80% of cases are automatically rejected. You have to keep pushing and continue appealing. After that, about 60-80% are approved…not before making people go through hell for YEARS trying to prove they need disability.

you forgot to mention the most important part of disability, getting yourself a disability lawyer. that helps your odds greatly of getting a case approved, as most are denied repeatedly even when they do qualify for the insurance. it's pretty standard policy to deny claims to weed out the weaker candidates who might fold and try to find other ways to survive first. i personally have a spinal cord injury related to my profession and my poor posture that's caused spinal stenosis, i'm going against my personal insurance company, who has been fighting me as hard as social security would to the point i likely will just have to sue them to get the benefits i paid for. i have had numbness and loss of over 50% usage of my right arm for the last 7 months and with physical therapy it has not seemed to improve with side effects such as burning shoulder and neck followed by migraines if i use it too much.

As a Social Security Doctor, your job is to make sure no one gets through. that's why 99% of all applicants have to get your opinion overruled. People can work and still be disabled.

Great videos, Doctor. I have watched several of Jonathan Ginsberg's videos. I find him very understandable and thorough.

Very informative and straightforward. No beating around the bush. On topic and I appreciated this video presentation. I am near the end of my disability journey.

I agree with everyone that they continually deny you hoping you get frustrated and give up

I have Fibromyalgia but wasn't diagnosed until about 50 yrs old. I'm 61 now. I lived my whole life in pain until I was diagnosed and given the right meds. My whole family has it and it tore my family apart because of mood swings, depression. Fibromyalgia is closely related to lupus. It's a syndrome which means it has many symptoms. My sister died from lupus. Medication has made me the best I've ever been. There is no cure so I have to take meds until I die. I can't believe I made it so long living in constant pain. At my worst, I couldn't walk ,two vertebrae out in my back and hip out. Leg was completely black and blue. I couldn't even go to the bathroom I had to pee in a bottle. I couldn't walk for 2 months. I went through physical therapy. It also causes many cognitive problems too. Concentration and memory problems too . I've had surgeries because of internal inflammation. Three to be exact. Insomnia. Basically life is Hell. I've had major depression my entire life because of a chemical imbalance caused by this. I've been suicidal my whole life. Honestly I hate life. I actually call it death. Despite all of this I didn't collect disability. I didn't even try. I was only 27 years old when my problems really began. I decided I was too young to go on disability so I sold weed instead. After 7 years I got busted. 3 weeks after that my wife died from an aneurysm and left me with two small kids. I raised them and now they're on their own. Now my daughter has it. Despite all of this I'm glad I didn't go on disability. It would have destroyed me mentally I believe.

I have interstitial cystitis. It can cause the need to go to the toilet sometimes up to 10 times an hour. I am a nurse, and last Friday was the first time that I was in the bathroom when a patient on my unit coded. I didn’t hear the code being called from the toilet; we don’t have all the newest tech equipment. Now I have heard over and over that IC is not considered a disability. So I guess you all should just pray that I’m not assigned to your loved once since Social Security has decided I am fit for work.

It wasn’t until I was approved, 6 months after applying, that I realized how fortunate I was. It was then that I heard the horror stories of what some people have been going through. I had multiple medical issues, by the time I applied I had been trying to live/work and could no longer do it. Esophagus was removed due to non-cancerous tumors. Affected my ability to eat and drink. I had to have a feeding tube inserted. I had multiple low back surgeries aggravated by having to sleep sitting up, due to my eating issues. Constant pain in back and gut after eating. They don’t know why, even after removing my gallbladder it still causes pain to eat. PTSD, depression- It was 10 years after my major surgery that I finally gave up and applied for disability. You can never take for granted that they will approve you apparently-as I’ve heard cases way worse than mine. Of course when I’m dealing with my issues i feel like I’m the only one in my suffering. But I do thank God every day that I was approved without any problems.

Thank you, Dr. This was very informative. ~ 🦋

I just recently applied for disability due to losing a lot of my vision and some other neurological eye issues. I can't even stand without falling over. I lost my business, had to give up driving, and barely getting by. Has been a very hard pill to swallow, but hopefully I'm not denied. I'm not sure what eye problems qualify and which ones don't, but I guess I'll see soon enough. Wish I could just see again so I can have my life back. I'm too young to sit at home on disability and have no life bc of a progressive disease. Not really fair. It has made me so dang depressed. Why all these ppl wanna be on disability when they CAN work?? If I was deaf instead of blind I'd be out there. If I was mostly anything besides blind, I'd be out there.

I'm a quadriplegic and im going on year 3 fighting for mine. After a year i got a denial after a year saying they didn't feel it hindered my ability to work 😂. I guess i could bring my caregiver with me to work and have them do everything for me.

I think it should be a requirement to watch this video before the claim process starts.

I think most people with a physical disability would really like to work! I have been on SS Disability since 2005…..I applied for disability online & I was never denied. I have degenerative disc disease in my spine, it is also now in my joints & I am always in pain….I used to go to a pain clinic, the doctor almost killed me Opiates, he implanted a Fentanyl pain pump, I was on Fentanyl Patches & 30mg Oxycodone. I was a zombie & I wasn’t even aware of how bad off I was…I felt like I woke up from a coma after I had the Fentanyl pump removed! Now the only meds I take for pain is over the counter but they don’t take care of the pain. I also now. Have Osteoporosis & have had 2 severe breaks that required surgery.

8:00 as a transplant ICU RN, I would see patients waiting for organs and they would come to the emergency room intoxicated the day that we had an organ for them play this was heartbreaking because we had to turn them away. With that said there is not enough detox out there to help people get well or to get mental health strength back in order to fight these other demons. I think alcohol should be regulated like medications. You can walk in a liquor store five times a day and get a to-go drink at a restaurant and have alcohol delivered to your home but you can't get your prescription medication one day early if you're going on vacation. Ridiculous

I worked 44 years with gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcer plus IBS. These conditions I've lived with since I was 25 years old. I am now 66. I always had pain in my stomach. I didn't require medication only antacids and bland diet. I always had difficulty with employers understanding why I needed restroom or schedule for eating certain time of the day. I never thought to be approved for disability but I'm sure somewhere I would have been approved. I was a hairstylist ten years. I have worked retail major dept stores standing on my feet for ten hours a day.. I worked through the pain. I have the veins in my legs to prove it. I've had jobs that caused tremendous stress. Finally at age 62 I decided to retire. I had enough I couldn't work with pain anymore. I still didn't have disability. I went through unemployment and pleaded my case and still no disability. So I just retired. I didn't want to fight system anymore. My ulcers will occur under stress or tiredness and it is a hardship to lift or stand. So my point is disability should help younger people going through this condition don't make them suffer like I did.

Hi John... Thank you so much... Very interesting... You do a great job!... 🙂💯

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and fibromyalgia!! Took me two years to get disability. My sister has had three back surgeries and was denied. She had to get a job. An office job. She has no qualify of life. She is dead when she gets home from work and she spends her weekends home and laid up. Her back kills her. I have a cousin that got it fast and he can work. He is lazy. He lives with his Mother. Makes me so angry!!

I wish someone like you had viewed my case when I filed. Case workers decided who went on in the system in my state. I not only had qualifying conditions, I had multiple other issues that exacerbated it all in total. The law was changed that only doctors could decide, after I was denied and now don’t have the credits to reapply. Frustrating!

Thank you so much for the detailed explanations

I'm so glad to see your standup and how hilarious you are. I love you on Gutfeld, too!

This just happened to a family member. She hss bone on bone arthritis and needs a total hip replacement and she was denied. It's a shame they do people like this.😔

My brother had two brain surgerys at Duke by Allen Freidman for epilepsy before he got disabilty and he had seizures from age of 2 to 35 and meds did not keep them under control.

I am currently homeless and live in a shelter. Some of the people I live with are legitimately mentally or physically disabled and I can understand that they should get disability. The majority of homeless people on disability that I see don't seem to have anything really wrong with them beyond being selfishness, lack of discipline, and immaturity. They usually say something along the lines of they are bi-polar or psychotic, or depression. Like I say some seem legitimate, but most just seem to be lazy, grown up kids. I have a hard time understanding how these people are getting disability when they shouldn't be and some others are legitimately disabled and can't get it. Many have a family history of collecting disability passed down from their parents and family. Is there some formula to this that their families have figured out to get benefits when nothing is wrong with them? I mean I see entire families on disability. It's like a family business, so I think maybe their is just some trick to scamming the system that they have figured out? It confuses me and makes me a little angry, because I have met some that clearly are mental and can't take care of themselves and they can't get the benefits they deserve.

Excellent video and extremely helpful.

Thank you for this informative video, even though my application is not SSI but through my employer for work related injury. I’m waiting for my doctor visit now.

When I got SSDI years ago, I hired a disability firm to do the paperwork. I didn’t want the headaches of dotted I’s and crossed T’s on the application. The firm didn’t charge an upfront fee. They did take a cut from my retro disability payment. Fine. My disability is psychiatric. Which in the eyes of the government is difficult to prove. Give disability to someone based on a psychiatrist’s recommendation solely? No. They want you to see one of their psychiatrists for authentication. With physical impairments, there’s tests/diagnoses that prove in black and white what the problem is. Then they get to deem whether or not it precludes one from working a societal job? It’s a razor fine edge the government rides regarding what truly disables someone from working. Because what is stressful and way too much for me to shoulder, could be overcome by someone else. It’s a very personal matter when it comes to disabilities. I’m differently abled. Naw, I’m kidding. I don’t care what the government calls it, just give me the benefits.

I tried to get on disability back in 2015 or 2016 because i had severe panic attacks,depression, extreme anxiety, IBS. I wasnt able to work much with all that and they denied me like 4 times. I ended up becoming homeless and living in the woods for a while. I started smoking weed and all my problems went away over night and now i make decent money and have my own place

I tried for 6 yrs. Did all that i could and denied everytime, no one would take my case saying i am too young. So therefore, i turned to GOD and Trusted him and today GOD has put me at a job that i am physically able to do, good hours and good pay. Yes, i still struggle and take medications and see Doctors but i thank GOD everyday that i can still walk, talk and have a sound mind and i can drive and bathe and feed myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am only speaking for myself and I knkw their are ppl out there that absolutely can not work but I also knkw that there are some who could!!!!

I know a woman in Indiana who collected disability for 15 years for injuring her wrist as a teen. Investigation stopped it and she found a doctor to say she has sleep apnea and can’t work! I have sleep apnea and work! I know dozens of people who have sleep apnea and work. She also knows the more kids she has the more money she gets.

I’ve had Type 1 Diabetes since childhood - nearly 45 years now. My blood sugar is very difficult to control and will drop without warning. I’ve had to have paramedics come administer IV glucose on multiple occasions in recent years. I have significant neuropathy causing me to have limited functionality of my hands and feet. I have had retina damage that causes me to have poor vision. This has also led to me having a severely weakened immune system. I’m treated for sinus/ear/throat infections several times each year. It usually takes multiple rounds of antibiotics to clear up simple infections; I’m currently fighting an infection in my jaw that has been ongoing for six months. I have spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and several herniated disks in my spine, all causing me severe back pain that is not alleviated by injections or physical therapy. Topping it all off, I’ve been diagnosed as having a form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that either came about due to a viral infection or an abnormality in my pituitary gland. The neurologists and other doctors I’ve seen about this can’t find the actual cause; they’re only guessing as to the cause of my hypersomnia. Regardless, I sleep between 11-14 hours each day and have done so for about four years now. I cannot work full-time. I haven’t been able to work a full-time job in 15 years. I’ve either had to quit or I’ve been fired from full-time jobs I’ve had since 2008. I work VERY part-time now, only working about six weeks total each year. I’ve applied for Social Security Disability twice in recent years, using a Disability attorney both times. I’ve had letters from my doctors that say that the doctors believe I’m too sick to work. I’ve had hearings before Disability judges during which employment specialists have stated that there are no jobs I could do on a permanent basis. Yet I’ve been turned down both times. I don’t even care about the money; I just want Medicare so I can afford to get treatment for some of my conditions. Without treatment, I’m getting sicker. I literally can’t afford to get better in any way. I can barely walk, I’m in constant pain, and I’ve spent every bit of savings I ever had trying (unsuccessfully) to stay out of medical debt. I’m about out of options. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer about nine months ago and I seriously considered not treating it. I was convinced to treat it, though, and I’m currently cancer-free but have a high likelihood of seeing a recurrence within the next five years. If it comes back and I’m in the same situation I’m in now, I won’t treat it. I can’t put my family through the financial strain any more. What more can I do to get approved for Disability?

A friend of mine applied 13 times. Finally got it.

I had to appeal the SS permanent disability pricess 3 times over a nunber of years for them to finally approve my claim in the 90's. I'm still permanently disabled and Im so very grateful for the benefits.

After seeing these comments I feel very lucky for receiving SSDI solely from PTSD from 4 combat tours, automatic denial the first time and it was awarded by a Judge on a Appeal 2 years later. I been receiving since 2016 since I was 33 years old.

But I see some people that are SSI and Can work and won’t. I have left water, auto immune illness, and a couple of other things. Since I was a child I was denied one of the reasons that was given to me was I was too young at the time, and I had not paid into the system. I have been working with this terrible illness and other things since I was 16 years old and I am 49 and there are so many others dealing with cancer and other issues that are no fault of their own and they are denied and they are struggling. A lot of us are struggling, but constantly denied, but I have literally seen some people that I really do fail. They just know how to work the system and they’re truly isn’t anything wrong with them

Father commited suicide in 93 at the age of 28. I was 9 when i discovered his body. Many years of depression and anxiety. Didnt understand that i was suffering from similar symptoms as my father. Never knew my fathers long history of mental illness until i was ill myself and was able to learn we mirrored hospitalization times symptoms and even ages we were hospitalized. Have been denied since 1995. Suffered in school as a child and later as a young adult. Almost 40 now and my depression rules my life. Still no disabilty. I learned why so many homeless ppl have mental illness. Absolutely no one to help for years. I suffer from cognitive skills in which im unable to do things that are considerd normal for most ppl. I'll probably die from suicide before im approved for any kind of help.

I have Dercums Disease along with fibromyalgia! Omg, it is painful. I am so thankful for Social Security Disability!

I fought for years to get my SSDI. I was finally approved in December of 2019. I have PTSD, Schizophrenia, and a slew of other things. I also have a learning disability due to Asperger's.

Bottom line: it's not free money you're getting to spend willy-nilly on. But help you survive on the bare minimum. I gotten SSI for my visual impairment but when I work, I lose a portion of it. Which is fine. Now I get retire benefit because of my father collecting retirement as well.

A few years ago, I could have filed for disability because of debilitating arthritis pain in my shoulders. And I was in constant pain when working. But I decided to not do that and keep working until full retirement age. My employer allowed me to go to part-time work due to the pain I was in. It was still very difficult though.

My disability judge cancelled my hearing after getting the medical testimonies and the government agent who said I could work. I’m on chronic pain medication and have difficulty with daily functions. I received a Fully Favorable determination after a five year wait. I really couldn’t understand why it took so long. I worked hard my whole life. I have a A.A.S. mad worked as a technical advisor.

Thank you Doctor your very informative and helpful.

I was in a car wreck in 1997 and broke about 15 bones including my back with paralysis below my knees and was denied twice because my doctor had broken his back and could walk with crutches and would not sign for me as disabled.After getting my medical records looked at they saw I was prescribed an antidepressant which I took once and they gave me disability.I worked for myself until 2021 and broke my wrist and tore a rotator cuff and reapplied and got it with no problem.

My mother got 3 checks, just 3 and yes it was cancer related. She was 61

Problem with MS is it’s wide range of severity. I have MS for 30 years, still bench press 200 LBS and ski, a friends wife has it 3 years, and she’s in a wheelchair.

Seems it depends on location you are in, doctor support of your disability, and a few other considerations. I met a woman who has been on disability for several years and makes enough on disability to go on cruises every year and walks 6 to 8 miles a day. Hasn’t worked in years and doesn’t want to work. She had some of her colin removed but is strong as an ox. Unfair to say the least! Her doctor retired and she fears someone is going to stop supporting her as disabled.

I’m not sure if my information will be helpful to anyone but as a retired social worker I’ve had experience in assisting multiple clients in obtaining SSI and SSDI. For sure whatever the medical and mental health issues are they have to be severe and chronic. Your medical documentations must be extensive and with various methods of treatment. Now this is both my professional and personal opinion and that is going to the SSA personally for an interview rather than a phone interview. I know this is more difficult because of the long wait and whatever the medical issues a person is experiencing.

I'm benzodiazepine injured. I was on benzos for 14 years. I work every day with horrible pain and weakness in my legs, back, neck, shoulders and arms. I also have really bad concentration issues, brain fog, memory problems and cognitive difficulties. I also have painful Akathisia. Luckily, I have a job that lets me take extra breaks and I'm able to rest whenever I want. I have a great boss. I haven't needed to file for disability. I'm a very strong person. I won't ask for help unless I "REALLY" need it. I may get worse as I age. We will see what happens and if I'll ever heal.

Good info. Thank you, Dr

2:00 I know a lady with this .she uses an electric wheelchair scooter and works at a chair at Amazon problem solve on personal packages in a Sortation. It is a very good job for folks that like puzzle problems. We repackage items that got rips open or spilled on .

My cousin was a drug addict and was never sober. She got SS disability and she wrecked her body from the drugs. Had breathing problems and such. I’ve had debilitating fibromyalgia and while I’ve never applied, I’ve been told by others that it’s not covered. One more year and I can draw regular ss

Hi, I really enjoy your videos because of your voice, your voice is very calming and soothing to me. One more question have you ever thought about becoming the new Mr Rogers?

Thank you Sir for your service and kindness, most helpful

Your right about explaining why a condition prevents work . I applied for anxiety disorder and wrote down what to say because of intellectual and short term memory and was approved in 2 weeks and getting first check in 2 weeks so thanks for the information

I'm 51 & was born with half of a functioning pancreas. At 40 I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. I have lost 58 lbs in less than a year, unintentionally. I have chronic fatigue with this condition. Stress extremely affects my pancreas pain. I also have ptsd & was just diagnosed with Bipolar. I had a disability attorney for 3 years. No dice. So, I drag myself to work.

The person with arthritis in both knees can work at a sitting job. There are people in wheelchairs chairs that work. I am glad you said MAY QUALIFY…claimants often exaggerate their symptoms but the records do not support their complaints. People are being prompted to say things so they can get it.

Thank you for this information.

I was denied 3 times and having...high out out ostomy 10 or more times a day ....diabetes....CKD stage 3...narrow bile ducts...scared lung tissues...chronic pancrantitis..enlarged spleen...never pain..brain fog....muscle weakness. ..low BMI...feeding tube...on going JP drains...took round 4 with a judge to finally get disability!!!