The NSDA has asked me to update their literature, re working through the process to obtain Social Security benefits for voice patients.

Many of us have discussed this important issue on this BB for several years. I'm pleased to know several SD patients who have been successful in the process. But, like everything having to do with our odd disorder, every case is unique. In updating this literature, hopefully we can create a new pamphlet which is informative and helpful to all who face career and job loss, due to Spasmodic Dysphonia.

I've been working on my own SSDI case for several months, and it's been a trial; what with the complexity of my surgical case, with recent laryngeal failure, and trying to explain why I can't work. If my docs and I can't figure my own case out, it's difficult to explain it to the administrators at Social Security. Many of us patients go through the same thing. As an esteemed oto doctor (Dr. Bastian) at the DC symposium said..."it's plastic." SD is plastic and elastic.

Please write to me on private e-mail (or on this BB) if you are currently in the process of filing for SSDI OR ~ most importantly~ if you have gone through the lengthy and laborious filing process and have had an SSDI case approved for Spasmodic Dysphonia. One of the large issues we patients have to deal with is: do we hire an attorney, or can we do it ourselves?

I will collect all of the case studies in order to upgrade the documentation. Don't worry, no names will ever be revealed, except with permission. I just need current information as to how SD patients have been able to obtain benefits, with various forms of our disorder and going through SSA offices throughout the US. I also need reports as to how various applicants have been frustrated in dealing with SSA, if their case has not yet been approved.

This is a project I've wanted to do for several years, to help the entire SD community. It's now been approved by the NSDA. Need everyone's help though, in collecting patient case studies.