hello..just joined this site

Welcome PrettyPink, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I am glad you have join HW and the Parkinson's Forum.  I too was diagnosed with PD at the age of 46.  As you are propably aware, we are consided young onset.  Two years after my diagnosis, I filed for perm. diasability.  I did not have any problems filing and was accepted the first time around.  Parkinson's is one of SS's approved diseases for disability, which makes things easier.  Your age is also a plus.  In talking to many others, I learned that the older you are the better.  Social Security is more hesitant to award a perm. status to someone in the 30's.   I was advised to document everything.  Be very specific in what you can and can not do.  You have to get right down to the basics.  I was required to have a physical examination by a doctor hired by social security.  The examination was no problem, but again you have to be very specific in telling the doctor how this disease as affected your ability to function.  Remember to note any saidebar problems associated with PD life sleeping, depression etc.  Everything is important when you build your case.  I filled out my original application online.  I was then called in to the Social Security office and a caseworker reviewed my application with me for correctness and completeness.  She also calculated my benefits should I receive aproval.  You application and documentation then go before a hearing board.  It is either approved or denied.  If approved, bingo your finished. If denied, you will then have to appeal.  Many people hire lawyers.  I think this is a go idea if you are able to find someone you good credentials in dealing with social seecurity.  The fee they can receive is fixed by social security, so they can not over charge.  Having a professional advocate in a unknown system certainly has it's benefits. Please keep us posted on what is happening.