I know it is frustrating. I would like to offer encouragement: Apply one more time without an attorney. I say this because your son's medical record WILL stand up, all by itself, just keep doing what you're doing. (continuing all treatments, keeping his appointments, adding new evals & recommendations whenever you get them, etc.)

Second, IF you do hire an attorney, there is a set limit on what SSA will pay. But, in my opinion, who cares? WHEN, not If, your son receives his benefits, you're going to want his ENTIRE retroactive payment. There are many, many lawyers in the field who do just the bare minimum for their SSA clients and reap maximum reward. Sometimes, just for showing up 1 day: the hearing. I don't think that's fair.

You are, and will always be his best advocate. I'm speaking from experience. For both my son's benefits & my own, I applied & followed through without an attorney. It was a long process, but I feel today, it was worth it. Hugs.

Preston Mom I'm going thru what you have been thru now. Did he ever get approved?

Thank you @ TracieMurray & @ evak77. Those were my thoughts as well. I do feel like I've done my part. The evidence is there. Maybe things are different from state state. Who knows. I just hope I can find a "descent" one.

I only recently applied for my son's benefits; in 2009. And the process went very quickly for us. First try. His symptoms have always been severe and were well witnessed by the doctors SSA sent us to see. (They will likely ask you to take your son to visit their doctors)It was over, really, before it began.

In my case, when I became disabled, I did have to appeal (1st and only time), and received what's called a 'Fully Favorable' decision. I applied in 2012, NO attorney and I'm glad all the retro will be paid to ME.

I also agree with @A MyAutismTeam Member's comment to another, that if after you've done all the right things, and have still been denied, then maybe you need one.

Mentioned Users

A MyAutis...

I would think that would be enough, that is pretty much what we had and there was not a problem, and friends of ours have had the same and not an issue. I am wondering if you just got a bad representative dealing with your case. If you really think what you have looks good enough then you may actually need a lawyer, I just do not know anyone that has needed one with a young child