Listing 1.02 refers to Major dysfunction of a joint, which falls under the Musculoskeletal system. Disabilities of this type are associtated with a severe anatomical deformity of some kind, such as ankylosis. Chronic joint pain and limitations in range of motion are also present. Imaging, such as an MRI, must also reveal arthritic changes.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be eligible for SSI or SSDI. Follow this link for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Like the majority of people who apply for SSDI and SSI, you will be denied at the intial level. Only thirty percent of the claims are awarded. At this point it is very important that you do not give up on your claim. Call your local SSA Field Office and request a Reconsideration. You will recieve several forms from the SSA, including a Request for Reconsideration, which you must fill out and send back. From here the process is exactly the same as your initial claim. Your application will be processed and sent to DDS, where you will be assigned a new disability examiner, who will ultimately decide to either approve your claim or dissapprove it.

Unfortunately, your chances of being denied at the Recon level are even greater than at the initial level, approximately eighty percent. This is not the end of the road however. It is simply a necessary bump in the road on your way to a hearing before and ALJ or Administrative Law Judge.

The first step in filing for SSI or SSDI is making a claim. This can be accomplished in either of two ways: by going to your local Social Security Feild Office and completing an application in person, or by calling your local office to schedule a phone interview in which a representative of the SSA will complete an application with you over the phone.

After you initial application has been received and processed at the SSA it is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS) to be evaluated. Every claim is assigned a Disability Examiner (DE), who will ultimately approve or dissaprove your claim. He or she will immediately request medical records from physicians, clinics, psychiatrists, labs, and any other accredited source of medical records that you have listed in your initial application. The DE will also contact medical specialists employeed by the DDS as consultants to aid in making a decision, as well as schedule a medical examination when the records are unsufficient.

The time it takes to make a decision on a claim varies greatly and is affected by many different factors, but the main hold-up is the time spent waiting for medical records.

To have an attorney assist you in the application process as well as the rest of your case, please click here for a free evaluation.