In response to Susan Reese request on disability: I retired on full disability in August of 1994 at the age of 48 from a high tech electronics firm. I had been the Head of Purchasing for ten years but in early '94 was requested to step back to a senior buyers position b ecause I was having trouble keeping up ( trouble writing, communication skills, and tremors/jerking that they thought impacted my ability to perform as a manager. Fortunately I had LTD ( long term disability ) and had n o problem getting approved after my neurologist filled out forms ( one point of interest= if your company pays for your LTD coverage , your benefits are taxable-- if you pay the premium they are NOT taxable-- or so I was told ) Social Security was not as simple, had standard five month waiting period. I submitted letters from 2 neurologist and from NIH neuromuscular research ctr. stating I was disabled. II was still required to see a SocSec appo inted doctor ( all he did was check reflexes and have me walk ) Their doctor agreed. I received a call one day from the case worker at SS - she asked 4 questions: 1) could I still drive? [ ans. yes but limited ] 2) If I wanted, could I fix breakfast for myself, cook an egg? [ ans. yes] 3) Could I dress and shower by myself [ ans. yes ] 4) Could I operate appliances, ie.. vacuum, stove [ ans yes ] That was all she asked. Based on my response she disqualified me as being disabled. The reason listed in letter of rejection stated that since I could " walk, talk, see, hear, and can effectively communicate my needs I w as then NOT disabled" I wrote back stating that if I were to meet the opposite of these I would not qualify because I would be DEAD. I filed an appeal and contacted a lawyer to assist me. I was told it would take 6 -9 mo nths for the appeal. My lawyer sent a letter requesting an explanation as to why a Social Security could reject my claim when ALL medical records said I was disabled. I received my first Soc. Sec. payment check 18 days after the lawyers letter was sent. It took 3 months to get the letter of approval but I was getting checks. Surprising isn't it ? One point everyone should realize, when I got my Soc.Sec. benefits, my LTD insurance was reduced by that amount and any overlapping benefits ( 3 months for paperwork) had to be immediately refunded in full!! I hope this helps John Kraft [log in to unmask] 50 / 15 yr PD