Approved in 85 days; my best advice

I just got my approval last night and I couldn't be more relieved. This has been an undertaking as I'm certain most if not all of you already know.

I wanted to share my advice as to how I navigated the system to ensure my application reflected the best opportunity to gain an understanding of my struggle to gain and/or keep gainful or competitive employment.

The initial key and most crucial part of your case is records. you won't get very far if you don't have anything to back up what you are trying to convey through your statement. Even if you are standing in front of the SSA and a reasonable person's mind it is clear that you are disabled and are unable to find competitive employment, if you don't have records to back this up it will lead to a denial. Build your case through whatever means you can, but through documentation and tangible evidence.

If you have one disability only that is fine. For me, I had multiple issues but I was able to focus on 3 as my main issues and the others as 'honorable mentions' if you will that were listed but not necessarily given the same type of attention as my main 3 that are keeping me from employment. That said, list everything that is holding you down but try to focus on your main issue at hand.

Once you have gathered your records and documentation and possibly throughout this gathering process; Research. This Reddit site is a great resource of information and has tons of cases where folks have succeeded or failed, but there are plenty of lessons to be learned by investing just a little bit of time. YouTube has some videos, but be careful because it seems that they are always trying to sell you something. The SSA website also provides a great deal of information, so don't count them out. Drink from many fountains and you'll be glad you did.

Next, I'll share with you my timeline:

Step 1 - 5JAN - SSA Received my application

Step 2 - 9JAN - SSA Conducted Non-Med Review

Step 3 - 21JAN - Information packets returned

Step 3 - 27MAR - Application was pulled for FQR

Step 3 - 31MAR - DDS Completed Review

Step 4 - 31MAR - Final Review Complete

Step 5 - 31MAR - Decision for Approval

From my timeline you'll notice that it took from 5JAN to 9JAN for the SSA to conduct my Non-Med Review of my Application. The reason for that is because I spent 4 days preparing my application. The website states that it is a 2 hour process but let's be honest, this is not a race; this is your life, and for me this was desperation and I had to get it right. So I methodically answered each question fully with as much information as possible explaining how my disabilities kept me from gaining employment.

Again on 21JAN, the information packet that was mailed out to be personally filled out by hand at home. You'll notice that there are a lot of the same questions just written in different ways. Do not let this frustrate you, nor should you just put down the same answers for each; instead, incorporate those 'honorable mentions' or other ailments that you have that keep you from gaining employment. Another way that I used this was to utilize this as an opportunity to explain the multifaceted ways that my disabilities effected varies areas of employment related skills.

Lastly, during all input for the application and your stements, use every bit of space you can. Someone is reading it. Especially when it comes to your personal statements about your disabilities. Don't leave any opportunity uncovered.

I am not an expert. I didn't have a lawyer. No one coached me through my application. I may just be a guy that got lucky with a first time go on his SSDI application. This is just my best advice and I wanted to share it with anyone looking to start the SSDI process.

Good luck to you and best wishes