Congratulations, Frances Brown! It does take while from start to finish depending on how many denials one gets or the number of appeals that needed to be filed and most importantly, whether or not one has a disability attorney representation to expedite the process. I know you must be very relieved to have you approval. And you are right! Paper trail from All doctors visits, ALL hospital ER visits or stays, ALL inpatient/outpatient procedures. Basically, anything and everything that pertains to your illness(es) and/or condition(s). But Congrats to you again!

What specific paperwork should you request from ER visit? Dr office? Should you get paperwork from visits before diagnosis (example: I saw a dermatologist for rashes years prior to diagnosis who said I had seborrhic dermatitis ..she never recognized it as Lupus so although I feel it was a symptom there is no proof in paperwork). How long are paper trails available?

May God be with you all its a process just won my case this week , so keep up the paper trail dates, appointments, and whatever they mail you get it in on time , I was denied two times and then appeal and won . How you success .

Great answer. I was just turned down for a claim and it was JUST long term disability that I pay a premium on every month. I have not had to be hospitalized for my lupus and that was the reason they gave me, which is unrealistic. A good doctor does what he or she can to keep you OUT of a hospital and that's what mine has done so far. I now have to go through the appeals process.

Hi Nicona...I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I hope my answer will help you. First of all, I can truly relate. Prior to being diagnosed with lupus in 2008, I owned and operated a child daycare for close to 20 years. I closed my business for good Feb 1, 2009. Just 1 year later, I was diagnosed with heart disease, related from my lupus which resulted in my having a double bypass open heart surgery in August of 2010. But before all of that, I had always worked in Corporate America. It might sound strange but I have always enjoyed working, staying busy, writing, singing, recording, exercising and raising my children while trying to be the BEST wife and mother I could possibly be...until the BEAST called Lupus SLE came down on me, and later, putting me completely out of commission for any type of work. So like you, I applied for disability immediately after my Doctor had medically declared me disabled, no longer able to work any job. I was DEVASTATED! Just so you know, it's certainly not "unlikely" that your claim was denied the first time because they've been quite known for that. Research will state that between 95-98% of claims are denied the first time no matter what the illness. They can't even give a good educated reason for why they do it that way...They just do, cause they can. The best advice or suggestion I can offer to you would be to seek out a Disability Attorney. (One that is strictly versed in disability law) because they will not take your case if they are not certain you will receive approval. My attorney told my husband and I that he ONLY accepts cases he knows he can win. Everyone in my circle of friends and family were approved for different reasons after they retained a attorney. It seems to me that The Disability Administration/ Social Security takes those with an attorney a lot more seriously the the ones who apply without one. But please, don't get me wrong, there have been many claimants who have received approval with just mere persistence... no attorney. So yes, it is obtainable. It just mat take a longer time to approved, that's all. And remember, your attorney will not charge you a dime if you do not win your case...ONLY once you've WON. Most times, approval IS what you receive. So please seek a Disability Attorney online or by way of your local telephone listings or by referral. *** TRY NOT GO THROUGH YOUR DISABILITY OR SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE! THEY TEND NOT TO WORK HARD ENOUGH FOR YOU AND MOST LIKELY, YOU WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER DENIAL. I really hope this answer helps, you, and I apologize for the lengthy message. I wish you all the best! Stay persistent my friend... Don't give up! It's your body...It's your illness...It's your money!