As I am currently going through this process myself, I hope to help others in their process as well by providing a timeline and my course of actions throughout my case.
In spring of 2013, my body mimicked a seizure and passed out, again (not the seizure just passing out). Prior to this episode, I have passed out many times before starting at the age of 14. I never had a proper diagnose until this episode in 2013. This episode was much grander than the previous episodes and proposed new research and symptoms such as the seizure.
After my diagnosis, my current cardiologist in 2013 recommended me starting applying for SSD because with this condition I would never really be back to full speed. I'll never be able to work a full time again and would have a hard time keeping up with a part time job. Which has been something to work with and readjust to on it's own. But that leads to fiances. How do you support yourself on a barely part time job with a health condition that is hard to manage?
Craziness, right?
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In late 2013 I filed my application, was denied and I appealed in 2014.
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This is the part of the process where most of us need help. After appealing and even before the application, getting a lawyer or attorney is advisable. They are going to help you in the appeal process and guide you through all the legal stuff.
The next step is gathering information. And by information I mean EVERYTHING!
Medical Records, old and most updated and be sure to keep them updated
Tax Papers
Financial Records
Bills you pay
Outstanding bills
Employment papers
Unemployment papers
Etc.
It's good to make a binder of some sort or folder to keep at least one copy of everything in! Once it's prepared then you can take it everywhere you need in one piece! And people can make copies of what they need if needed. Another thing I recommend doing to make it easier on everyone involved, is make a timeline of your diagnosis and things effected by it. Like if you had to move or quit a job....etc. It helps you when brain fog takes effect and the person trying to understand the situation.
Lastly, keep talking to your doctors and specialists. Make sure they are on the same page as you.
For now, that's all I can recommend because it's the part of the process I am at. I plan to keep everyone up to date on the process from here on out. As of now I am seeing doctors and specialists to update records and or tests needed.
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Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer or doctor by any means and this is just my experience. Take from it what you like!
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