Most disabled people will learn that hard way how long it can take to begin collecting Social Security Disability benefits.

Applying for SSDI is a lengthy process and most claims are initially denied.

Paul Proto, who has been representing Social Security Disability claimants for more than 30 years, offers an insider's view into what it takes to get a Social Security Disability benefits claim approved.

Claims for Social Security disability benefits succeed, for the most part, on the state of the medical documentation contained in the claim file. There should be a clearly stated list of diagnoses provided by the treating physicians that interfere with full-time work activity. The record should contain medical test results that support the diagnoses. Social Security regulations refer to these as “medically acceptable objective, clinical and laboratory findings”. A person alleging back pain should be able to provide x-ray evidence of some level of disc degeneration. Someone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can have blood studies consistent with that diagnosis. This might include positive ANA or “antinuclear antibodies”. Heart conditions that cause chest pain may demonstrate lack of oxygen to the heart (ischemia) through stress treadmill tests or EKG’s.

Regardless of the diagnosis, there should be some supporting documentation of a condition that can reasonably result in a condition that can cause the reported symptoms. This combination of symptoms and medical documentation of a condition that can cause those symptoms is only part of the equation however.

We know from experience that this can be a confusing and disappointing process for most sick and disabled people. That's why it's important to have a qualified Social Security Disability attorney or representative on your side, advocating for you to ensure that you get the benefits you deserve.