Hi Keith. My husband is on a wait and watch MDS. I hope this finds you feeling well. I am responding to your post because I handled my own appeal on disability denial. Although my disease is Multiple Sclerosis, I may be able to give you a few suggestions. After receiving my denial, I was fortunate to be assigned to a friendly SSD caseworker. She strongly encouraged me to release and provide as many medical records as possible. I went back and re-reviewed the records I myself selected to include in my initial application and decided to authorize SSD via electronically to obtain any and all records. I made sure I provided all the names of my doctors and contact information. While the caseworkers are not really permitted to say one way or the other, she more or less told me that medical records/documents are so crucial in substantiating your claim. I actually called three of my doctors at HOPKINS and requested they send my clinical notes, etc., directly to my caseworker via facsimile. I was blessed to hear back within 60 days that my appeal was granted. I am not sure where MDS is on their list of recognized and accepted disabilities, but you can always contact an attorney for help. The downside to that is paying a portion of your award should you prevail. If your appeal is denied, you still have one more opportunity to appeal but it would involve a hearing before an administrative law judge. I cannot remember whether you would have to have counsel at this phase. Hope this helps.
Lyssa
.
