The Disability Digest Contributors
Many thanks to our contributors who have helped 128,077 since 2006 get and or maximize their benefits.
"Karl Osterhout"
Karl is a Social Security Disability attorney that has successfully handled over 25,000 disability claims. Those going through the The disability approval process will learn how to get doctors support for your disability claim and what to do if you cannot. And get step by step directions on how to fill out the Social Security Disability forms. This information is like having answers to a test and can save you time and money.
Andy Leaf
Andy's been involved in, and has run small businesses all his life. Since 1996 Andy has been empowering people with disabilities to start or run a business via his nonprofit organization Disability Biz.
Andy knows from his personal experience just how important it is to have access to meaningful employment because he has been a wheelchair user for almost 40 years, thus transportation and health issues have kept him out of traditional employment.
Barbara Mountain
Barbara is a former Social Security Administration (SSA) Employee that has spent the last 17 years helping disabled get their Social Security Disability benefits approved.
While working at SSA Barbara determined eligibility and entitlement for all SSA retirement and disability claims including the Supplemental Security Income program.
Mark Snihurowych
Mark is the president of Disability Health Advocates, who help The Disability Digest team help our members get all Medicare benefits they are entitled to. Including:
Reducing out of pocket medical expense, Subsidies saving up to $1626 a year, Medicare part B cash saving $600 - $1048 a year, Free Gym Membership $325 - $700 annual value, dental, vision, hearing, shopping credits for over the counter items like Tylenol, Band-Aids $220 - $1100 annual savings, transportation to or from the doctors, quit smoking assistance, nursing hotline, health and wellness coaching, discount medications by mail.
37 Member Success Stories
You will learn from interviews with members how to get and maximize your Social Security Disability benefits.
Including contributions from Kevin, Donna, Greg, Lupe, Chris, Ken, Angela,Ida, Mark, Nikki, Shivon, Kim, Robin, Phillip, Diane, Angela, Ida, Kim
Jonathan M. Feigenbaum
Long Term Disability Benefits Recovery Specialist
For more than 25 years Johnathan has been assisting people with problems related to Long-Term disability (LTD), health care, life insurance and other benefits that are commonly offered through work.
In a 71 minute interview Jonathan reveals 4 simple steps that one can take to and keep their LTD benefits without legal assistance.
Dr Glenn Livingston
Dr. Glenn Livingston Ph.D. is a veteran psychologist and was the long time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm which has serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry. His work has been featured on ABC, WGN, and/or CBS radio, or UPN TV.
Many thanks to my good friend Dr Glenn, who has donated his time a free recourse to help our members get and keep your disability benefits.
Kathy West-Evans
Kathy West-Evans is the Director of Business Relations for CSAVR (Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation). CSAVR is the organization of Directors from the VR agencies in every state, the territories and D.C., serving over one million individuals with disabilities.
The information shared by Kathy and those she works with helps individuals with disabilities develop a career plan that is in line with their interests, skills, talents and the labor market.
Keith Taylor Modest Needs Foundation
Keith Taylor is the President Of Modest Needs. America's most reliable grant recourse for modest needs. Members of the Disability Digest have had grants funded in less than 14 days!" As seen on Forbes, NPR Radio and Fox News
Josh Blue - World Famous Comedian
Josh's interview is an inspiration. He has done a great job of doing the best one can do with the hand he has been dealt. He has persevered through Cerebral Palsy.
Winner of NBC last comic sanding award, Featured on the Tonight show
Member of the USA Paralympic Soccer Team
Ginger Vieira
Ginger Vieira is a personal coach and national power lifting record holder who is living with Type 1 Diabetes. During the interview, you get practical tips to take the weight off your illness and off f your shoulders!
Michael Sanders NTI@home
Mike Sanders And NTI@home have over 25 years of experience helping disabled land jobs. Recently featured in The NY Times and Good Morning America.
If you are looking to supplement your income and keep your benefits NTI this is a great option.
Steven Heisler - Medical malpractice
I have successfully handled 20,000 legal issues in the areas of medical malpractice, defective drugs, devices, nursing home neglect, sepsis.
If you or someone you know is due a settlement Steve can help.
Aika The Best Dog Ever
Aika is a frequent office vistor that helps solve challenges and is content to be compenstaed with dog bones.
Jonathan Ginsburg
Jonathan Ginsburg has been helping the disabled get their benefits approved for over 25 years that has become a well respected speaker to others in the industry.
Jonathan's interviews helps disability applicants get answers to common questions they face when going through the disability approval process.
Chris Tatevosian
Chris is the author of Life Interrupted, a book about his real-life experience from when he was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis in the prime of his life.
Chris shares his awareness, knowledge, and understanding to help you become aware of the common relationship pitfalls people with disability experience and how to avoid them.
Dr John Tholen
Dr John Tholen is a Psychologist from Seal Beach California that is the author of Winning The Disability Challenge.
Dr Tholen provides practical steps for successful living.
Success Stories And Tips From Our Members.
Smartest thing anyone can do is use and experienced resource like The Disability Digest - Kenneth Craig
Seven tips that helped Chris get a disability approval in 4 months
Learn How Donna Applied When Working And
Was Approved In Just Eight Months.
Rented A Laptop, Followed Directions And Got Approved In Months With A $20,240 Lump Sum Put In My Bank Account. All For Free.
Mark Went From Homeless To Approved
In Just 19 Months.
I Follow The Disability Digest Advocates FREE Strategy And Was Approved On My Own In Four Months. All For Free.
Learn How Kevin Was Approved For Disability In Five Months.
Learn How Diane Was Approved For Disability In Four Months
Ida Was Shocked She Was Approved For Disability In Three Months
Kitty's Disability Approval Advice
How Nikki Was Approved At Age 33 For Bipolar
Shivon's Four Disability Approval Tips For Fibromyalgia
Kim’s Disability Approved Just Days After Disability Hearing Request
Robin's trustworthy disability approval tip
Phil’s top tip to help get your disability approved in months
I thank God for the service that was rendered to me from disability digest.
Thank you I have no problem with sharing my story with the public. I thank God for the service that was rendered to me from disability digest. Stanley was a magnificent advocate and I hope to have the opportunity to be as helpful to someone else. I started the process in Dec and received my first check in May 2015. I had only been off from Oct 31, 2014 to Dec 4,2014 I applied on Dec 4, 2014. Again thank you. And I am praying that I will get the opportunity to work for this amazing helpful organization. Thanks Barbara
I find their information relative, current, and actionable.
I really appreciate Disability Digest! I find their information relative, current, and actionable. I find Disability Digest a valuable resource for those of us living with and trying to cope with a Disability, no matter the type or severity level.
"It took me longer to prepare my case than to be approved!"
Dear Brian,
I think the subject line says it all!
I only used the educational information and advice from "The Disability Digest" and Jonathan Ginsberg's book Disability Answer Guide.
My sister and advocate, Kathleen and I, spent 5 full months of doing extensive research, emails, long distance phone calls, requests for medical records, 100's of photocopies and several in-person planning strategy meetings
On Monday,
September 28, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.:
Kathleen and I submitted my application for Social Security Disability Benefits. This is day 0.
On Friday, November 6, 2009 at 5:11 p.m.: I received a message from the Social Security Administration. The message said the medical examiners in Columbus, OH gave me a medical approval. They agreed I am disabled.
THE APPROVAL DECISION TOOK ONLY 29 DAYS. (Counting working days only) Social Security offices are not open on weekends.
Thank you, very much for putting all of this information together.
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Your information lead me to a great victory!!!
Thanks Brian, If it wasn't for you I would not have found a great attorney. Your information lead me to a great victory!!! I will never forget you... My family is very grateful 🙂
tionamom@att.net
Great resource. Very helpful. Like having a support group and advocate at your fingertips.
Florida
Social Security Disability Claim Approved!"
Brian
My wife Lori is receiving your newsletter at my e-mail address. I found your website and looked at the lessons and made a decision to utilize the services of a social security representative The Disability Digest recommended.
Lori applied for her benefits in July 2009 after having been disabled since February 2008. We received notice today that she was qualified to receive SSDI starting August 2008 and will receive her back benefits and current benefit by Friday of this week.
No denial and appeals required. Granted, she may have gotten the same decision had she applied on her own, but then we will never know the answer to that. When we set out to apply we decided doing it right the first time was worth the investment of up to 25% of her back payments that we had already lived without.
It is great to have this decided right the first time around. We can certainly attest to the fact that doing it right the first time makes a lot of sense and saved us the agony of going through hearings to argue the specifics. It it helped to have a well known representative on the application it was well worth it.
Thanks for everything.
Missoula Montana
"Did Everything You Recommended
SSDI approved in 4 months Thanks"
Dear Mr. Therrien:
I signed up for your program and then later joined as an affiliate not long after I became too sick to work in October of 2007. I filed for disability and geared up for the fight of my life.
I hired Allsup Inc. as my representation and soon found that they were nothing more than a "monitoring service" or "go between" and would take no action to actually help me win my case. I knew this because I was reading your email, researching and learning from the information you sent me.
I eventually terminated my relationship with Allsup Inc. and took matters into my own hands, ensuring that I did everything you recommended that be done in order to win my case. As of last week, I received notification that my application for SSDI was approved! (The same day you had your last conference call, and that is why I missed it! LOL!)
Anyway, thanks to your help, I was approved in 4 months! I just wanted to let you know that your efforts are appreciated very much.
The Ultimate Fibromyalgia Resource Center
"Please Please, Continue to Send Info"
Brian,
Thank You for the information that you have sent to me thus far. Please, please continue sending info and informing me of all information that relates to all disabled Human People like myself of hidden information/benefits on being disabled.
God knows that I need all the help that I can get and deserve the right to be just as happy as any other.
Respectfully,
Tennessee
"You Are My Earthy Guardian Angel"
Brian,
Yesterday morning, I was feeling so low. I sat at my kitchen table and read the Bible. I asked God to give me a sign for His love and His Will for my
future. These past weeks, I've constantly prayed asking for our loving Father to help me put my faith and trust in Him. I had been taught to "Ask God to help me trust Him even when He allows suffering in my life".
I was crying. All of a sudden, I went to my laptop on the counter and signed on to the internet. In the web search box I typed "How to qualify for disability"...and there you were!
You are my earthly Guardian Angel. Yes, the Lord uses others to fulfill His Will. I thanked and praised God for His guidance and His Will for me.
Brian, I will update you about my Social Security claim.
Thank you so very much for your phone message and e-mail follow up. I Truly appreciate your expedient response/assistance to my situation. This has
Been the best information that I've received since I lost my job. Bless you.
California
"Approved on the First try! It pays to be diligent, organized and assertive"
Brian,
Thank you Brian for a very informative webinar. I did have some questions before it started and fortunately they were answered before it ended. I found the websites that you brought to my attention to be very helpful as well.
I started the Social Security Disability process by myself in September 2009, after being out of work (originally due to job related injury in January 2009) since May 2009. Workers comp. claim ended in March, my Short Term Disability was running out and the Family Medical Leave was only paying me a small portion of what I was accustomed to earning. My savings was being depleted rapidly and the doctor bills mounting. I really felt desperate. Not knowing where to start, I found your site and started reading. It sounded almost impossible to follow all the suggestions that everyone was making.
I just did my best to be upfront with doctors, very clear about what I needed and requested copies of EVERY SINGLE LAB, XRAY, OFFICE VISIT, DIAGNOSIS, EXPECTED DURATION OF ILLNESS AND EXPECTED RETURN TO WORK DATE. Well by the time I filed for Social Security Disability, went to Social Services for food stamps and medicaid, I was exhausted, frustrated and felt hopeless.
The day after the webinar, I received a favorable disability decision in the mail. I was approved for disability on the first try. It paid to be diligent, organized and assertive.
I always brought all my documents with me for interviews. kept everything I got from doctors. made sure I faxed everything over to my Short Term Disability ins. carrier ASAP so as to not hold up my money or claim.
I hope my little story is helpful to someone who may be thinking of giving up hope or just starting the process. Your webinar will help me down the road now with living on Social Security Disability income.
Raleigh North Carolina
"Approved In Just Seven Months"
Brian,
I wanted to write and let you know that I got approved for Disability Benefits on12/20/2010. Seven months after applying.
I want to personally Thank You. I never could have done this without you.
Your website gave me just enough information to understand that how one phrases ones own personal answer is sometimes key to an overworked system that only has time to view and then move on.
That same system could have easily said no to my exact diagnosis's if delivered to them differently.
Thank you so much for all that you have given to understanding such a complicated system.
Thanks
Dayton Ohio
I have had an all around wonderful experience working with you..
Brian,
I have had a great experience working with you and your team. Not only were you informative,but also kind and willing to listen and answer all the question that I had.It was so helpful to find I was not the only one going through this nightmare that is Fibromyalgia. I decided to go with one of the lawyers recommended by Chuck and have had an all around wonderful experience working with you.
Thank you for everything.
Georgia
I Read Each And Every Email... Thanks For All You Do
Hi Brian,
Yes, I read these, each and every one!! Even if the subject doesn't seem to apply to me; every one that I read, I learn something!The biggest help I get from all of your messages is HOPE!!I have had Fibromyalgia now for 9 years, was diagnosed 2 years after I had a difficult surgery.
It took the usual 18 months of visiting Dr.'s, having many, many tests and finally the diagnosis.I was asked not to come back to work from my employer at the time, until I was better so during this 18 months I had received Long Term Disability benefits.Then, they ran out, my application to SSDI was denied, I thought I was feeling better, so went out and got another job!I have had 10 different jobs in the last 8 years.I used to be a high level executive making a very good living, with a busy life, a husband and children!
Over these past years, I have taken on different work, lower paying jobs, part-time work and can keep a job for more than a year.Last March 2010, I took a personal leave from work and have applied again for SSDI, I could not handle filling out the paperwork myself, so have hired an attorney.I am at the Hearing Level and am waiting the results of my attorneys sending in a brief to try to expedite my hearing.I haven't been able to make my mortgage payments since last May, I'm trying to work with my lender on a Modification Plan while I wait for them to foreclose or Social Security to come through for me.
A lot has changed over the years with Fibromyalgia and quite a bit has stayed the same.I don't remember anywhere I could go back in 2002 to hear about others having this condition.I was made to feel that it was all in my head, that I could get over it, things would get back to normal, etc.
I've learned about how to help my family to understand and cope with how this has not only changed me, but our entire lifestyle by reading articles that you provide.I've learned how to ask better questions and get things documented from my Dr.'s during my visits to be sure my attorneys have everything they need to help my case.
It always amazes me when I open up one of your emails to see something that I was just thinking about.For example, I recently stopped taking some medications again (this has been going on for years now) and told myself that I have to learn how to better manage my symptoms and balance my life more and try to find some different options for treatment.Then a week later, you send out an email on that exact message!!
Thanks for all you do!
Minnesota
"I literally cried when I received my award letter"
Your web site helped me obtain my Social Security disability on my first attempt in 2008! I listened to a webinar featuring Jonathan Ginsberg, an attorney in Atlanta, GA. I ordered his book & CD from him and followed his advice. It cost me about $100, but I saved so much more in time and trouble.
I literally cried when I received my award letter from SS saying I was approved. Thank you so much for providing the information you do on your site and all for FREE! It really is a wonderful service. I'm still working on my LTD with my last employer, but I am hopeful we can get that worked out before the time limit is up. I thank God for directing me to your site and you for all your help!
Franklin, TN
A home job I never knew existed...
I have been blown away as to the amount of information that is available for people like me who already have their disability benefits. First of all I just closed on my home through an ad for Veterans loans. My husband is a veteran and we started the loan process in late October and now we own our own home. Second, I am starting a company to do self-employed work for additional income on top of what I make with my disability. Lastly, I am applying for a part time job as a Disability Advocate; a home job I never knew existed. I have been truly blessed for finding the Disability Digest.
daphnegraaf@yahoo.com
This is the most informative, well-structured, easy to understand website on Social Security Disability...
This is the most informative, well-structured, easy to understand website on Social Security Disability that I was able to find anywhere. I had no idea what I was doing or how to do it when I began searching for the information I needed to guide me through the Social Security Disability process and procedures. It does not matter if you are just beginning this process or you have been waiting on your case to be heard for months or years, the information, tips, ideas, advise and abundant resources are exceptional here. Thank you to Brian and all of his staff for providing such a needed service.
Florida
I could NO longer work Full time and filed on my own and WON without a Denial using the Disability Digest's strategy...
I was a paralegal for a law firm for 30 years. During that time I struggled with fibromyalgia and arthritis and lost my hearing in my left ear due to a benign tumor. Eventually, I could no longer work full time and filed on my own and won without a denial using the Disability Digest's strategy, which is following the mini course on how to win SSDI and interviewing with a disability representative. As an advocate, I use my experience and the Disability Digest's strategy to help people plan their own strategy to win disability.
mrsseale@hotmail.com
It educated me on how to move forward in applying for my benefits...Thank you for all your help...
All of the information have been helpful. The information helped to understand the disability benefits and it educated me on how to move forward in applying for my benefits and what to expect. The process has been very stressful, but rewarding to know what my rights are. It's still in the process of been reviewed, but things look promising. Thank you for all your help in providing me with information on what I need and I will keep you posted on the progress.
Georgia
I was able to get APPROVED in FOUR Months and without an Attorney!!!
The tips for what to say and not to along with all the information really helped avoid some of the pitfalls and avoid some fatal errors while applying for disability. The videos gave me some insight as to what to expect. Thanks, I was able to get approved in four months and without an attorney, being told at least one to two years!
dek1@earthlink.net
Helped Me Understand
Hi Brian, your information helped me understand issues I was unaware of. Especially how to explain that fibro is not just an imaginary item.
Kenosha, WI
Educated And Empowered Me
Brian,
This information has educated and empowered me in making choices and decisions.
I enjoyed the segments on self-employment and social security disability because I am considering both options.
You are doing a wonderful job.
Dumfries, Virginia
Get Live Help And A Life Time Membership. Since 2006 We Have Helped 128,077!
Won For Fibromyalgia Without An Attorney
I had applied for disability on May 27, 2008, and in Nov. 2008, I began to receive my disability check. I have Fibromyalgia(chronic pain), RA, diabetes, IBS, a bone craft in my foot which did not take very well and depression. My husband & I did not have an attorney, we went by the Disability digest and researched the internet from the disability digest.
My sister is on disability too however, it took her nearly 3 years and she had an attorney. Wow! So is this not a proven fact that your Digest is very HELPFUL.
Gastonia, NC
GenieLvtkr@aol.com
I recommend Brian Therriens Series on Fibromyalgia for information and assistance to anyone who has similar issues as mine.
My name is Cassy and I live in Bremerton, WA I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Severe Migraines. Most days I wake up feeling like I didn't sleep ( and that is with the medications that my dr has me on) and feeling like Hot Pokers are being put against my legs, arms upper chest lower back etc... I cant stand the seams on my clothes to press against me. It sends pain thru me.
When I am at home I wear as little as possible and usually thats inside out to avoid the seams. I am weak, have to use both hands to open the refrigerator door.. and cant lift a gallon of milk without both hands, and then only to a short distance. I get numbness in my hands and feet and my feet always feel like they are swollen but when I look at them they dont appear to be.
I lose blocks of time too... sometimes only minutes but sometimes its hours and thats very scary. one day I was home watching tv at 10:30 in the morning and the next thing I knew it was 2:00 and I was standing outside my car in a grocery store parking lot a few miles from my home - alone - with my keys in my hand and nothing in the car to show I had gone shopping and no memory of any of the time in between. My Dr said its called Fibro Fog. It happens alot.
Then there's the migraines that completely floor me ... I cannot tolerate light or noise or stress and have to lie down in a dark quiet room. This does not make the migraine go away but it at least does not make it worse. I am on several medications that are supposed to alleviate the migraines but they don't. the medications for At Onset don't work because the majority of my migraines come on in my sleep.
So I am on one that is supposed to lessen the severity and frequency, but it doesn't seem to help much at all. If I am fortunate enough to wake up without a migraine It wont be long before one comes on and then when I take the Onset med it gets worse for about an hour then it goes away for about an hour and then its back again. I have lost a lot of my abilities to think a problem thru and get frustrated/anxious and end up in tears. It is an endless cycle and one I would be very happy to find an answer to.
My husband is home with me now all the time because in January he had 4 Strokes and can no longer work. So at least I am not alone.
I recommend Brian Therrien's Series on Fibromyalgia for information and assistance to anyone who has similar issues as mine.
Bremerton WA
Your Website Kept Me Upbeat & Encouraged
Hi Brian,
You have been a tremendous help to me!! I had to give up a 22-yr. teaching career.
When I was denied SSD a year ago (fibromyalgia), I emailed you for help & you were a blessing! You had someone call me the next day to advise me on what to do next.
We appealed & also applied again. Six months later, I was approved on the new claim.
Reading info on your website kept me upbeat & encouraged me to keep fighting. Listening to others that you have helped gave me hope. I only wish that I had contacted you from the start!
God Bless,
New Bern, NC
Thank GOD I was granted disability a few months ago
Hi Brian,
First off, I wanted to THANK YOU for your website! Both my sister and I are YOUNG and disabled with Fibro and it has been a very valuable tool for us.
No one talks and helps as much as you guys do about the path to disability and how it all works. I am very lucky that I was clear headed enough to start three years ago and read as much as I could to prepare for my journey.
Thank GOD I was granted disability a few months ago. Had I not done all that I would be in a desperate situation (which a lot of us Fibros are). We need more info like you share on your site.
I thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your services. Don't stop doing what your doing, you are helping a lot of us out here that have no where else to go!
Folsom California
"Fortunate To Have Found The Disability Digest"
Hi Brian,
After I got denied I did not know where to go who to turn to.... Then I met you and Karl took your advise ran with it and got approved..
Bernville, PA
Your information has been most helpful
Hi Brian,
Your information has been most helpful, especially about finding a specialist a Rheumotologist to sign my disability forms.
Quincy Massachusetts California
helped me understand what I needed to do
Hi Brian,
Because of your help I knew what I needed to do sign up for disability.
> go to the Dr. more often,
> not be able to perform my job duties,
> have work restrictions, and
> have other things checked out by my Dr.
Woodbury, Tennessee
I am Amazed at the Depth and Accuracy of the information...
Brian,
I am amazed at the depth and accuracy of the information presented in your website.
Colorado
Learned how to tell my family that I don't feel well
Hi Brian,
Thanks for helping me tell my family that I don't feel well and there willbe some days that I may not be able to move at all.
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Thanks so very much for putting your faith in me to help you win your Disability Income!
Sincerely,
Brian Therrien