The amount of disability compensation awarded for disability preceding the court's action can be substantial, although they rarely give one as much as it would have been if disability had been established right away. My family got enough to put about $20,000 down on a house. I wonder if most people don't run to lawyers too soon. My wife and I found the judge (a.k.a. "the court") to be a reasonable sort, not too difficult to talk to. Hope this helps. Regards, WHH 54/18