It's not right that sick people have to fight there way through this system. My husband has lung cancer and is not working. We filed railroad retirment as he was a former railroad worker. We were approved within a short period of time. I think what is happening with your Dad is that SSDI feels that a person has to be "totally disabled from ANY occupation". Therefore, if he is working on and off they don't feel he is "totally disabled" in there eyes!! However, if he was already receiving SSDI and then tried to return to work I believe they would work with him and still pay some type of benefit for so many months. That's our goverment at work!! Yes, they penalize you if you are making the effort to work rather than supplement your loss because you can't work full-time!! What a shame!! Good luck to you. I would also adivse everyone that is having problems to seek legal advice. Do not appeal without an attorney!! Good luck and keep up the fight my prayers are with you all. Helen