I am going through Merit Disability for my own SSI Benefits Claim. I have been through three lawyers and getting denied seven times.
Make sure that your Rheumatologist is familiar with Ankylosing Spondylitis and the co-diseases that hitch a ride with it.
I first got the blood work to rule out any other diseases. Such as Lupus erythematosus.

Then my rheumatologist ordered a genetic test that came back positive for HLA-B27. Then I had an MRI times nineteen now.

I am keeping my own medical records of every single appointment with the results of every single test done. I typically call the imagining department of the hospital or clinic where it was done and request that the test and the reports be put on a disc. I then go and pick it up myself and sign the paperwork for it.

But the most important thing is to document every single day as you go through it and include the symptoms, the treatments that you are using, any medications that you take and explain the way the symptoms are affecting you and how they are preventing you from being able to work. Include a Mental Health Care Plan.

Another good place to start is with the Spondylitis Association. They can mail you a packet of information and give you an example of how to write your narrative.

I am praying for you 💞🙏.Hang in there 💞

I was told that you have to keep trying as for some reason the ALJ seems to think that if you keep coming back time and time again that it proves that you are Disabled.

I'm from mn..never had a measurement done .I was denied two times before I got disability.

They denied me at first because I was too educated. Education with extreme pain = no employment

I agree I didn't have to get a lawyer after I appealed my denial I took my little sister to my hearing and they asked her how have I changed and my sister was in tears explaining how the sickness has destroyed me and our time together and after that I was approved and got to get all my backpay no lawyer needed

Social security ROUTINELY disallows or denies cases before you get a hearing. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get a social security attorney to play tgd game for you. They havd the expertise to get you approved. You will be denied over and over if you are working any hours at all. Their first criteria is that you are not employed for up to 3 years prior to hearing/approval. You will get back pay for those yearz but it is not easy yto live whols you're waiting. Get a lawyer. They usually take tgese cases on continfency and take 20% or a max of $6000 when your case is eventually approved. It may also behoive you to movd to a more lenient county where approvals are easier. D