Laurel got approved for disability in four months. She took some super smart steps to give Social Security everything thing they needed to make a good decision. She also went out of her way to make sure that all of her documents got to the right person. Laurel was kind enough to share her story along with copies of the documents that helped her get approved.
Laurel’s Story
I learned yesterday that I was approved! I am thrilled! Thank you to everyone on this fabulous website. I could not have done it without this information. It’s a difficult, stressful process, and it helps to learn from others. I studied everything and implemented all of the recommendations. Here’s what I sent:
🌷 RFC form from my rheumatologist for Fibromyalgia and Lupus. I also sent one from my nephrologist. I gave them both one blank copy and one sample completed form in case they found this helpful to read, along with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope to send their forms directly to my Disability Examiner. A copy of my doctor’s completed form is here: Sample RFC Form From Rheumatologist
🌷 A letter from my cornea specialist. My eye issues are part of my Lupus. I gave my doctor a sample letter as a reference. A copy of my doctor’s final letter is here: Sample Letter from Cornea Specialist
🌷 A letter from my former boss. I gave my boss a sample letter as a reference. Sample letters, plus a copy of my boss’ completed letter is here: Sample Letter from Employer
🌷 Complete medical records. I obtained all my medical records instead of expecting Social Security to get them. I read all the records and used the language in my doctor’s medical notes as a reference. How to Collect Medical Records
🌷 Submitting records. As soon as I found out the name of my Disability Examiner, I began submitting all my records directly to her. I have read that if you just mail things in, they can get lost. How Laurel Made Damn Sure All Her Records Got To the Right Person in the Right Place
I’m really glad to share all of this. I don’t know what I would have done without the guidance of this site. If my journey can be helpful to anyone else, that’s wonderful. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on this fabulous website. Thank you SOOOOOO much!
Tools for Troublemakers
The Sleepy Girl Guide to Social Security Disability
Sample Disability Letters from Doctors
How I Got Approved for Disability QUICKLY
How to Be a Superhero (8 Steps You Can Take Before You Apply for Disability)
Thanks for Reading
🌸 Art on this page by Robin Mead and Elizabeth D’Angelo.
🌸 Page Updated: 10/1/19
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How to Get On 
Thank you so much for sharing this. I tweaked your form to match my lupus symptoms and other conditions and my doctor signed it right away! She told me it was so complete and great she wouldn’t change a thing on it. I mailed it in yesterday and saved a scanned copy. Thanks again. I’m hoping my case will be approved soon. I’ve been out of work since March
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Great work. Hope it goes well for you. Thank you for sharing here.
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I’d like to thank you for this encouraging page. I was approved without having to appeal or use any legal counsel because of your advice. I also learned about TPD of student loans (total permanent discharge). Thank you for your help.
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Awesomeness, Laurel ! This is such a great site for information before, during, and after the process.
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Very happy for your success, and for HowToGetOn, which has been an invaluable resource for me also. I sure hope my doctor will be this complete in her reporting
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