Hi , Does anyone knows that person diagnosed and done surgery for SM gets Eligible for Disability benefits from Social Security in USA . If anyone has done it --please reply with process and other info.... Thanks in Advance.

I was finally approved for ssdi recently after a two year battle for a combination of sm and ra. My sm is inoperable so I've never had surgery. I live in pain every day of my life and barely go out. I had to battle with social security for almost 3 years before I was finally approved at the court hearing level.

*Thanks -Erica* for your prompt response and i pray to GOD that your pain gets better. I do get pain and tingling in my legs even after surgery so i can understand your pain. It is not easy to get SSDI ....Way you have explained here. did you hire a Lawyer to do it or you did your self and how much it would cost to hire a lawyer ? is it worth doing ....thanks

From what I hear hiring a lawyer is the only way to do it. I had a lawyer from the beginning. It is much easier that way because believe me there is so much paperwork and it can get very confusing if you don't have a lawyer. The lawyers for ssdi here only get paid if you win and only out of your back pay. They get a certain percentage. It's not cheap but it comes right out of your back pay. I do not regret getting a lawyer at all. Best decision I ever made and I would suggest anyone get one from the start