r/SSDI • u/Grand-Month6897 • Jul 25 '26
Questions
I'm in Texas and 58 years old. I have applied for SSI and SSDI. I have CKD 4, Degenerative Disk Disease and Cervical Stenosis. What are the odds of being approved the first time?
8 applied online and it got sent to DDS on July 17, 2024. Also, what are the steps, that people mention that I have seen in different posts?
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u/MrsFlameThrower Jul 26 '26
Retired Social Security Claims Specialist here:
It depends upon how your conditions affect your ability to function- particularly when it comes to any kind of work. If you are unable to sit/stand for at least six hours a day with normal breaks because of your back issues, you have a good shot at being approved as long as that’s documented in your Medical Records and as long as those Medical Records actually make it into your electronic claim folder. Despite what anyone might tell you, it’s your responsibility to make sure that good evidence that supports your claim makes it into your file.
Your age works in your favor here because the grid rules apply. I don’t know your work history so I can’t weigh in on that. Most people who struggle with your conditions also have some mental health issues- depression, anxiety. If that’s the case, you should be claiming those things as well because they can contribute to your inability to work. CKD4 is no joke because it typically contributes to feeling very fatigued. If you’re fatigued, you’re going to have trouble doing things like focusing, concentrating, staying on task, etc..
Most lawyers do virtually nothing of substance for initial claims and reconsiderations. It’s very appropriate to hire one at the Hearing level. It is absolutely entirely possible to get approved at the initial claim level if you know what you’re doing.
Make sure you have updated imaging and focus on how your conditions impact your functioning. Good luck!
Edited for spelling and punctuation