Verified answer

If you collect ssdi, you have already been deemed disabled. The drs nor surgeons make that decision. SSA does. You will also have a review soon, within a year, where they will probably have you tested to see what disabilities you still have. They may decide that, although you can't do the job you did previously, you sre able to find other work. And YES, that happened to me. I appealed last year and just got notice of my appeals hearing date. I have since had a stroke, so I'm probably gonna win my case lol

Oh yeah, drs have paperwork to fill out, like you and caregiver/spouse did.

You WILL have a review every couple years, where they reevaluate your case.

You need a letter from the surgeon stating you are permanently disabled.