Thanks Jane, but I've already "been there, done that," and successfully too, with the help of a lawyer. THAT took 3 full YEARS. THIS time it's MUCH, MUCH harder! I do have a company that specializes in assisting SSDI claimants hired, but so far, they have done nothing as far as I can tell (based upon my previous experience). By the way, the lawyer who handled my initial case on contingency, demands $2500 up front to take ANYONE'S second SSDI case. I think there's a message in that. Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] ---------- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange on behalf of JaneRoss Sent: Sunday, March 22, 1998 8:50 PM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Re: Do PWPs Have Nerve & Muscle Damage? Barb, Been there done that!! Take them seriously when they turn you down. Use all your resources to fight this battle. I never did get my social security, they said I quit work before I was COMPLETELY disabled. I wasn't dead yet. I made a lot of mistakes. If you get a hearing: 1. Don't take anyone with you. They will assume you have help all the time. 2. Don't dress up. You will really look out of place at the unemployment office. don't even wear make up. 3. Letters from your doctors will be your best resources. 4. Use the PARKINSON'S DISEASE HANDBOOK put out by the APDA refer to pages 14 and 15 evaluating disease severity. 5. If you need a copy of the handbook let me know. 6. Ask the List for other suggestions, I was 41 when I went for mine and didn't know where to go for help.