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>In a couple of weeks (Feb 2) I go before a judge (with an attorney) >regarding my appeal for social security benefits for Parkinsons......I have >been out of work now since May of '99.....this present appeal took 15 >months to come to an actual hearing....is this normal? if I don't win this >time I know there are a couple more appeals possible.....but what are my >chances even then....? I am REALLY nervous about this.....any words of >advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. > >Randall Ford >Kansas > Randall, getting to this stage and having an attorney can be a plus. Appearances can have as much bearing on the outcome as the record. It is to your advantage to skip your medication the morning of your hearing so that you appear parkinsonian rather than slightly nervous and normal. The definition of Social Security disability is the inability to gain ANY employment given your age, education and degree of disability. If you have been able to work anywhere during this time...is a negative. If your initial diagnosis was faulty or not by a neurologist qualified as a movements disorder specialist can lead to early denials. In the end of your hearing, the judge will ask his empairments counsel if given someone with your empairments, age and education will there be any jobs in number available to you? In most cases that answer will be no and you will be approved. In retrospect, all of the forms and tests you have completed thus far were used to determine if you did have a disability and any statements made in your diagnosing doctors notes should support these facts. Treatment notes in the doctors hand writing are the most powerful evidence and take precedent. Randall, you are probably in good hands, just look parkinsonian and be able to answer the questions your attorney will prepare you on.