Hi Jim,

Sorry to hear about Kathy. 

Moyamoya falls under stroke as it relates to SSD.  TIA's are mini strokes.  There is an organization working with SSD to assist moyamoya folks with getting SSD.

I'll do some research to confirm which organization (either NINDS or The American Heart and Stroke Assoc) and I will reply via your e-mail address.

Also, is Kathy currently on a disability from work?  If so, that makes it somewhat easier because the disability criteria has already been established meaning you don't have to reinvent the wheel so to speak.

I'll be in touch soon.

Lore

There is a whole thread with some really helpful information about getting SSD in Moyamoya Related Topics under Patient Resources.

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My husband was approved within 2 months. My understanding is that social security goes by your proof of medical records. I also think what helped is I actually set an appointment to have the interview with the actual social security office. The lady who interviewed my husband was very, very nice and she did the filling out of the paper work during Bob's interview. Maybe that will help if they can actually speak to you in person and see the actual condition you are in. I really think that is what helped my husband get approved so fast.

The surprising thing about it is even though Bob applied in May of this year he was not only approved by July but they actually determined he had been disabled since his brain surgeries 2 years ago and went back one year in payments. We received about $12,500 in back social security. They said that they can legally go back one year from your date of applying if it is proven you are disabled.

Hope this helps and as mentioned before I really think if you can actually go in for the interview it will help.