I heard the same about Orange County at that time, I was in Fresno for mine. The part where I think it all went wrong for me was SS appointed Dr said there was nothing wrong with and then at my hearing there was an appointed Dr from San Jose who told the judge there was nothing wrong with either after the SS appointed Job Specialist said with my Dr recommendations there was no one that would hire me ..... the judge then told the specialist if they changed a couple of things under the Dr recommendations and emailed her what those changes were and asked her what would be available for jobs then. The specialist gasped that the judge did what he did but quietly said there were over 1700 jobs in the State of California I could do. My lawyer never objected or tried to make a case for me after that .... a week later I got a letter in the mail that their law office was dropping me as a client ..... I was disgusted with the whole system! Just be sure in your medical records you share state by each Dr you have how what you have medically wrong does not allow you to necessary duties to work any job. Even supply your lawyer with written and signed/notarized references from friends and past employers. It should cover them doing the same to you. After I was denied I heard most have to be denied at least twice before they even consider a possible approval .... each process from start to a hearing is 18 months so this is how they control paying the retro. If your lawyer's firm happens to be connected with Myler Disability out of Utah, drop them .... had their secretaries and case manager tell me I was "good to go" and yet I got nowhere. My fingers are crossed for you!

From what I understand the only go back 6 months to a year I don't go back to the beginning when you first applied. The process is designed for those that are not serious to give up so don't give up be patient it's not as a short process is a very lengthy process but your attorney will take care of it all well you better do is sit back be patient and all come together for you and pray about it be blessed keep doing your best the rest will fall in place.

I wish you the best. Hope you get approved soon.

I'm 62 years old. I receive SS disability. It took me (no attorney) 2 years to be approved. Every time they would send more paper work I filled it out. I even had to appear before an administrative judge. but I did prevail and they did pay back pay from when I first applied(2 years). I was fortunate that my husband was still able to work and sustained us through the process. It was worth it. When I went before the judge I told him that I worked a little at funeral home but he deemed that not gainful employment. When I read the report of the judge, I was pleasantly surprised. He gave the most weight to my testimony. I told the truth and used very plain language. For example, I told of all the things I used to be able to do and then compared my life now. The paper work is horrible but if you can stick with it you can receive the benefits you have paid in. I have worked in the medical field since I was 17 years old and if I could I would still be working. I have no problem drawing disability. I understand if a person is the only provider in the home it would be difficult. I had no choice! If I can help any of you with the process, let me know. We can possibly talk and I can walk you through. PS: I didn't use an attorney because they take most of your back pay.

You ha e to be off work before you can apply, depending how long it takes to get how much back pay you get.