To Paynch above, I've heard of Allsup also, the one that Kimberly mentioned. They are supposed to be good. Yes, you will need to go back to diagnosis & even before if you have medical records leading up to your diagnosis. Go back as far as you've had symptoms. You will need information all about your work history, if you've lost jobs or a lot of time off due to symptoms, information about your education etc. And as many medical records as you can possibly put together. Also mental health information if you have any records pertaining to that. They will probably also want information from people who know you, at least they did for me. It is a lot of work. They don't make it easy. Not a casual thing. I'd always had very physically demanding jobs, in fact my initial injury was a job related injury for which I received workers comp then was cut off as soon as I received a diagnosis of fibro. I did find another job which i kept for 10 years but then had to eventually quit, well, they kind of "requested" that I quit.....I really liked that job too. I cried a lot for a long time. It's really a big thing even though you hurt bad all the time to quit working and lose your sense of self. Good luck!

I was approved the first time but I wouldn't call it easy. They rarely approve on fibro alone, or so I'm told. I have several other conditions such as depression and major back problems. I really think a key is what the doctors reports say.

Hi, I actually received it with my first application. I realize that is very unusual. I had a lot of medical records & good medical providers. I actually don't recall a lot about the process as my husband had recently died and things from then are kind of vague. But I was very fortunate.

@A MyFibroTeam Member I think I mentioned it way earlier. But a lot of people go through Allsup to get help with disability. They aren't lawyers, but do represent you in all aspects and do all the leg work for you. They claim to have representative all over the US. I have heard nothing but good things about them. You can contact them online at Allsup dot com or you can get their number and call them.
I applied on my own. And after being denied I contacted my senator to ask for help. I think that is why I am being called for information about my asthma and all. I went ahead and let her know the other information I had planned to go to my local office with as well.
If you do look for a lawyer, I would stay away from the ones with the stupid ambulance chaser commercials. If you are on FB, maybe ask you friends on there if they have recommendations. I did and got several lawyers names, that is also how I was told just contact my senator. From what I have seen all senators and representatives have a form you can fill out on their government website for help with federal agency casework.

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A MyFibro...

I'm at the final appeal stage with my case -- waiting for a hearing, which in my state can take from 9 - 19 months, according to my attorney. 3 months waiting down, another how many to go? It has been suggested that I write my senators and representatives, which I haven't done yet. I may do that soon. I'll probably forget again.