Struggling to understand SSDI for chronic hip infection case - desperately need timeline info

First, I'm so sorry about your brother's situation. I went through the SSDI process for my spinal condition, and while it's not easy, it IS possible, especially with documented surgical history. To answer your questions: 1. Timeline: Typically 3-5 months for initial decision, then if denied (which happens to most), the reconsideration takes another 3-4 months, and a hearing can take 9+ months. BUT there are ways to potentially speed this up. 2. Documentation: Get DETAILED notes from all surgeons specifically stating work limitations and expected recovery timeline. Medical records alone aren't enough - you need doctors to explicitly state how his condition prevents him from doing ANY substantial work. Get his construction job description and have doctors explain why he can't perform those specific duties. 3. Expediting: Look into the Compassionate Allowance program and DIRE NEED status. With multiple failed surgeries and infections, he might qualify for expedited processing. Also, some states process claims faster than others. Start the application IMMEDIATELY online at ssa.gov - the filing date affects when benefits start if approved. Apply for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously to maximize potential benefits.

Your brother's situation sounds EXACTLY like my husband's!!! He had 2 hip replacements that got infected and went through HELL with SSDI!!! It took us almost TWO YEARS to get approved and we almost lost our house!!! The system is BROKEN!!! They denied him TWICE even though he literally couldn't walk without crutches. We finally got a lawyer who took 25% of his backpay but it was WORTH IT because we finally won. My advice: GET A LAWYER FROM DAY ONE!!! Don't try to do this yourself. The SSA people will look for ANY reason to deny the claim. My husband tried going back to work part-time and they used that AGAINST HIM in the hearing!!! Also, make sure he goes to EVERY doctor appointment and COMPLAINS ABOUT PAIN every time. They look at those records!!! Good luck - the system is designed to make people give up!!!

I'm an SSDI advocate (not a lawyer) and would like to clarify a few things: 1. Multiple hip surgeries with documented infections would likely qualify as a severe impairment under SSA's musculoskeletal listings (1.18 - abnormality of a major joint due to any cause). 2. At 46, your brother's age actually helps his case. SSA considers those over 45 to have more difficulty transitioning to new types of work. 3. Construction background works in his favor because it's classified as heavy/very heavy work, making medical restrictions more significant. 4. Regarding timing: approximately 30% of initial applications are approved, taking 3-5 months. The key is having proper medical documentation specifically addressing functional limitations. 5. For expediting, ask his doctor about a Medical Source Statement (SSA-4821 form) that specifically addresses his inability to: stand/walk for 6+ hours, lift 10+ pounds frequently, and maintain regular attendance due to pain/medical appointments. Concerning part-time work: Be careful. SSDI has a Substantial Gainful Activity limit ($1,550/month in 2025). Earning over this amount can disqualify him regardless of medical condition.

have u tryed calling SSA directly? i waited 3 hrs on hold last week and never got thru. so frustrating!!!

I'm in the middle of my SSDI case for a completely different condition (MS), but I've learned a lot about the process. Some random tips: - Start documenting EVERYTHING now. Keep a daily pain/function journal noting what he can't do each day - Apply for assistance programs while waiting - some utility companies, food banks, etc have medical hardship programs - If he has long-term disability insurance through a previous employer, apply for that too - Check if your state has temporary disability programs - The SSA website lets you check application status but it's rarely updated honestly - You can submit additional evidence even after you apply if new medical issues come up Most important: be specific about exactly what work activities he CANNOT do (lift more than X pounds, stand longer than Y minutes, concentrate for Z hours due to pain medication). Vague claims about pain don't work; specific functional limitations do.

my dad got ssdi for back problems and it took like 5 months for approval but then another month to get first payment. they do backpay to when u first applied tho. good luck!

I've helped several family members through the SSDI process, and here's what I've learned: 1. Application quality matters enormously. Be thorough, specific, and complete everything properly the first time. List ALL medical conditions, even secondary ones. 2. Get your brother's complete medical records yourself - don't rely on SSA to gather them all correctly. 3. The claims examiner assigned makes a huge difference. Some are reasonable; others seem determined to deny. If denied, request a different examiner for reconsideration. 4. Get statements from former coworkers/supervisors about how his condition progressed and affected his work before he stopped. 5. For the documented infections, ask his infectious disease doctor for a specific statement about long-term prognosis and work limitations during treatment. Finally, be prepared for financial hardship during the waiting period. Apply for all possible assistance programs (SNAP, housing assistance, etc.) while waiting. The SSDI system is unfortunately designed with long delays that create terrible hardship for legitimately disabled people.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post - if your brother has worked enough (usually 10 years) and paid into Social Security, make sure he applies specifically for SSDI not SSI. They're completely different programs! SSDI is based on work credits and doesn't look at assets/resources. SSI is needs-based with strict asset limits. Also, he should apply for Medicare at the same time as SSDI. There's a 24-month waiting period for Medicare after SSDI approval (with some exceptions), but getting the application in early helps.

One more critical piece of advice based on my experience: Your brother should NOT attempt to return to work before applying and getting a decision. The SSA will use any work attempt as evidence that he's not disabled, even if he tries and fails or can only manage a few hours. I know it's tough financially, but trying to work during the application process can torpedo his case. Instead, focus on documenting the medical treatment, surgical history, and recovery attempts. The fact that he has a documented infection that requires additional surgery creates a very clear medical case. Make sure the doctors document that the infection is preventing proper healing and causing ongoing limitations.