Dear Mike: An "official" definition of Parkinson's can be found in medical textbooks and/or dictionaries. The library should have some of these tests that you can use. The two methods most often used for determining stages of Parkinson's are called the 'Hoehn and Yahr Staging' and UPDRS, the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating System. These also can be found in medical textbooks. You might want to make it a little easier on yourself and ask the neurologist that treats you for these things. As for determining and rating disability you should contact (and I hate to say this as all the postings lately have been negative about this) is the Social Security Administration. Seeking legal advice from an attorney is also a suggestion. Good luck to you! Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. Patient Services Director National Parkinson Foundation Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 08:59:17 -0400 From: Michael Kramer <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Determining and rating disability? Does anyone know where I can find an "official": 1) definition of Parkinson's 2) stages of Parkinson's 3) requirements for determining when disability exists Yes, I have been denied LTD benefits. The kicker is that the reason they are giving is that I continued to try and work even after the companies own doctor verified that I was "unable to work". I was trying to train my replacement. If anybody has recommendations on how to appeal this I would very much appreciate hearing your ideas. Mike (49/9)