Re: Disability Claim

[Guest guest]

In general, SS will take EVERY SINGLE MINUTE they have to respond. If they have

120 days, they'll send it on the 120th day.  No kidding.

Again, in general you will be seen by a shrink and one of their examining docs. 

That doc needs not be a specialist in your area of concern (mine was a

dermatologist).  Be prepared to wait.  It took me over 2 1/2 years to get it, as

I filed 11/6/09 and got it last Tuesday.  All of this is standard.

A word of advice--get advice as to who is the best lawyer and get him involved

when there is one appeal left.  It is absolutely worth it. 

Drown the SSA in medical evidence.  Give them EVERY SINGLE ITEM you can. I gave

them HUNDREDS of reports and notes from docs on my case. You need as much as

you can.  Trust me on this.

I hope your case goes faster than mine did...

Subject: Disability Claim

To:

Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012, 1:10 PM

Hello Everyone!

This is a question for those who have or are going through/have gone through the

disability claim process. I filed for disability in January of this year and

have been waiting for a reply. In Wisconsin they have approx 120 days to

respond. And depending on which representative from disability I speak to am

told either I should have a response by the 120th day or it's just approximate.

Anyhow! On day 121 I finally received a letter (after many calls trying to

figure out what was going on). Still no decision however. The letter informed me

that they needed me to be evaluated by one of " their " doctors for additional

info and listed what type of exams/tests I would need and who would be doing

them. The person I am seeing is NOT an MD, he is a EDD. I am guessing this is

some type of shrink? Anyone know? Secondly the place I am going is an insurance

agency. Wierd, I'm thinking maybe this is a multiple office building and that's

the name of the building but I

guess I'll just have to wait and see. But my biggest concern is what I am going

there for. One thing is Memory Testing which I completely understand as that is

something that does hinder my ability to perform my job. All though I it can

vary from day to day. Anyone have this done?

The other thing they want done is a Mental Health Evaluation. What??!! I really

don't understand why they are asking for this and am feeling a bit offended. Are

they really going to try to say I am making all this up? After 2 surgeries and

my own doctors seeing that I continue to decline and struggle? I still continue

to try to work but it isn't going well but I would think that the fact that I am

trying (and failing) rather than just not working would be proof that it is

difficult for me. I am grateful to my employer for allowing me to continue to

work these limited hours and put up with my continued struggles. (lateness, sick

days, mistakes, not being able to perform all my job duties, etc) anywhere else

I'm sure I would of been fired long ago just on my attendance! Maybe their

kindness is actually hindering disability decision?

Anyhow, has anyone else had to have a Mental Health Evaluation? What exactly

does it entail? Did it help in getting a decision? And how so? I guess if they

think I'm just crazy then I file an appeal adding mental health issues to my

growing list of disorders!

I am just at a point where I just want/need to know either way so we can plan

for whatever the outcome. It's getting harder and harder for me to work. I've

gone from 32+hours a week to 12 to 10-11 to 8-10 now. We are borrowing from

to pay because all our savings were depleted last year with me having

to take unpaid leave for both my surgeries. And have now taken out a loan

against my life insurance policy's available cash value in hopes that it gets us

a little closer to that " yes " I have tried to remain pessimistic about getting

that yes because I know it is very rare to get approved on the first try but

it's been hard convincing my husband of this. I feel so much guilt because of

all this.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I was fortunate and SSI took me 3 months and I was approved. I've had 2

reviews since without any problem. I didn't have to see any of their

doctors. I did have to spend hours writing every single question. I made

sure that any doctor that had helped me along the way had contact

information.

My vision has been really bad, right from the first surgery. I used my eyes

quite a bit for my job and wasn't able to successfully continue.

I wish all of you luck. It is much harder to be approved than it was in 2000

when I was approved.

Kathleen

Diagnosed with CM/hydrocephalus 1990, decompression/shunt. Since diagnosed

with craniocervical instability, Ehlers Danlos, and Tethered Cord Sydrome,

surgery for everything but EDS since 1998.

http://chiariconnectioninternational.com/

[Guest guest]

I agree with .. I this Sept will be 3 years for me that I applied and I

have a attorney. I seen their Dr's and I have been denied twice and now I am

waiting for a hearing date which my attorney said can take 18 to 20 months to

get and right now it's been a year that I have been waiting for the hearing

date. I have been going down hill since I have applied but it's getting close to

a hearing date (I hope).

It's going to be a long road sweetie. Just keep your head up. Get a attorney and

call them on every update, er visits, change and detail.

 

 

________________________________

To:

Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 1:10 PM

Subject: Disability Claim

 

Hello Everyone!

This is a question for those who have or are going through/have gone through the

disability claim process. I filed for disability in January of this year and

have been waiting for a reply. In Wisconsin they have approx 120 days to

respond. And depending on which representative from disability I speak to am

told either I should have a response by the 120th day or it's just approximate.

Anyhow! On day 121 I finally received a letter (after many calls trying to

figure out what was going on). Still no decision however. The letter informed me

that they needed me to be evaluated by one of " their " doctors for additional

info and listed what type of exams/tests I would need and who would be doing

them. The person I am seeing is NOT an MD, he is a EDD. I am guessing this is

some type of shrink? Anyone know? Secondly the place I am going is an insurance

agency. Wierd, I'm thinking maybe this is a multiple office building and that's

the name of the building but I

guess I'll just have to wait and see. But my biggest concern is what I am going

there for. One thing is Memory Testing which I completely understand as that is

something that does hinder my ability to perform my job. All though I it can

vary from day to day. Anyone have this done?

The other thing they want done is a Mental Health Evaluation. What??!! I really

don't understand why they are asking for this and am feeling a bit offended. Are

they really going to try to say I am making all this up? After 2 surgeries and

my own doctors seeing that I continue to decline and struggle? I still continue

to try to work but it isn't going well but I would think that the fact that I am

trying (and failing) rather than just not working would be proof that it is

difficult for me. I am grateful to my employer for allowing me to continue to

work these limited hours and put up with my continued struggles. (lateness, sick

days, mistakes, not being able to perform all my job duties, etc) anywhere else

I'm sure I would of been fired long ago just on my attendance! Maybe their

kindness is actually hindering disability decision?

Anyhow, has anyone else had to have a Mental Health Evaluation? What exactly

does it entail? Did it help in getting a decision? And how so? I guess if they

think I'm just crazy then I file an appeal adding mental health issues to my

growing list of disorders!

I am just at a point where I just want/need to know either way so we can plan

for whatever the outcome. It's getting harder and harder for me to work. I've

gone from 32+hours a week to 12 to 10-11 to 8-10 now. We are borrowing from

to pay because all our savings were depleted last year with me having

to take unpaid leave for both my surgeries. And have now taken out a loan

against my life insurance policy's available cash value in hopes that it gets us

a little closer to that " yes " I have tried to remain pessimistic about getting

that yes because I know it is very rare to get approved on the first try but

it's been hard convincing my husband of this. I feel so much guilt because of

all this.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

One thing I did and believe it or not, it works.  I wrote my congressman and

pleaded my case.  I got my hearing in about 12 months vs the 18-20 they

originally said.  Just a thought.

Subject: Re: Disability Claim

To: " "

< >

Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012, 9:26 PM

 

I agree with .. I this Sept will be 3 years for me that I applied

and I have a attorney. I seen their Dr's and I have been denied twice and now I

am waiting for a hearing date which my attorney said can take 18 to 20 months to

get and right now it's been a year that I have been waiting for the hearing

date. I have been going down hill since I have applied but it's getting close to

a hearing date (I hope).

It's going to be a long road sweetie. Just keep your head up. Get a attorney and

call them on every update, er visits, change and detail.

 

 

________________________________

To:

Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 1:10 PM

Subject: Disability Claim

 

Hello Everyone!

This is a question for those who have or are going through/have gone through the

disability claim process. I filed for disability in January of this year and

have been waiting for a reply. In Wisconsin they have approx 120 days to

respond. And depending on which representative from disability I speak to am

told either I should have a response by the 120th day or it's just approximate.

Anyhow! On day 121 I finally received a letter (after many calls trying to

figure out what was going on). Still no decision however. The letter informed me

that they needed me to be evaluated by one of " their " doctors for additional

info and listed what type of exams/tests I would need and who would be doing

them. The person I am seeing is NOT an MD, he is a EDD. I am guessing this is

some type of shrink? Anyone know? Secondly the place I am going is an insurance

agency. Wierd, I'm thinking maybe this is a multiple office building and that's

the name of the building but I

guess I'll just have to wait and see. But my biggest concern is what I am going

there for. One thing is Memory Testing which I completely understand as that is

something that does hinder my ability to perform my job. All though I it can

vary from day to day. Anyone have this done?

The other thing they want done is a Mental Health Evaluation. What??!! I really

don't understand why they are asking for this and am feeling a bit offended. Are

they really going to try to say I am making all this up? After 2 surgeries and

my own doctors seeing that I continue to decline and struggle? I still continue

to try to work but it isn't going well but I would think that the fact that I am

trying (and failing) rather than just not working would be proof that it is

difficult for me. I am grateful to my employer for allowing me to continue to

work these limited hours and put up with my continued struggles. (lateness, sick

days, mistakes, not being able to perform all my job duties, etc) anywhere else

I'm sure I would of been fired long ago just on my attendance! Maybe their

kindness is actually hindering disability decision?

Anyhow, has anyone else had to have a Mental Health Evaluation? What exactly

does it entail? Did it help in getting a decision? And how so? I guess if they

think I'm just crazy then I file an appeal adding mental health issues to my

growing list of disorders!

I am just at a point where I just want/need to know either way so we can plan

for whatever the outcome. It's getting harder and harder for me to work. I've

gone from 32+hours a week to 12 to 10-11 to 8-10 now. We are borrowing from

to pay because all our savings were depleted last year with me having

to take unpaid leave for both my surgeries. And have now taken out a loan

against my life insurance policy's available cash value in hopes that it gets us

a little closer to that " yes " I have tried to remain pessimistic about getting

that yes because I know it is very rare to get approved on the first try but

it's been hard convincing my husband of this. I feel so much guilt because of

all this.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

I had a lawyer, and was approved at my first hearing.

 The meeting with the doctor at the insurance building is normal. All the doctor

does is evaluate your ability to function at a job. I remember walking a heel to

toe line (and failing), attempting to get

down into a squat position and up again without assistance, standing on one

foot, etc. Then I was quizzed about how long can I sit, stand, walk, and how

much weight can I lift and how often.

It might be a good idea for you to review your original claim form before this

appointment to be consistent in your responses, and to be prepared what they may

ask you to do.

The psychologist appointment is also a normal part of the process, too.

 They are not trying to say you're crazy, but determining if you DO have any

psychological issues that relate to your claim.

 I can't remember much about what I was asked, but the bottom line at the

hearing was that I was depressed over the loss of my health, career, and

savings.  The doctor also thought I may have a pain disorder.

 I don't know about that, but whatever! I'm pretty sure my pain is real and

measurable, but then, who can say?

The reason this process takes so long, is the state is trying to wait you out.

They're hoping you will give up and go back to work if you're faking or

exaggerating your symptoms, and they're seriously backlogged.

Keep working if you can, it won't hurt your case any, and proves that you're

trying to keep employment.

If something physical (or mental) is bothering you, see your doctor about it,

because it's important that you can show that your condition is an ongoing

thing, not a blip on the radar screen of life that you will someday recover

from.

Hang in there, seek out government and charity assistance to make ends meet if

you must. It's a long and arduous battle, but with perseverance you will

prevail! 

Best of luck, hope this helps!   

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

I went through this process in 2008. Do not get upset about any of it. They

are going to give you a bunch of tests to see if you are depressed and sounds

like the memory tests.

The Memory test was hardest for me. I actually was awarded my SSDI on my memory

problems and not my pain or Chiari or hydrocepahlus and the other problems that

I have.

It was a real eye opener to see how bad my short term memory is. The doctor

that I saw was a retired shrink. He was very nice and would stop the testing

when I need to change position or stand for a minute. It was exhausting but

nothing to get really concerned about.

Email me if you have any questions. At least your case is moving through the

system. It took me a year to get to the point that you are at!

Good luck,

Debi

>

> Hello Everyone!

>

> This is a question for those who have or are going through/have gone through

the disability claim process. I filed for disability in January of this year and

have been waiting for a reply. In Wisconsin they have approx 120 days to

respond. And depending on which representative from disability I speak to am

told either I should have a response by the 120th day or it's just approximate.

Anyhow! On day 121 I finally received a letter (after many calls trying to

figure out what was going on). Still no decision however. The letter informed me

that they needed me to be evaluated by one of " their " doctors for additional

info and listed what type of exams/tests I would need and who would be doing

them. The person I am seeing is NOT an MD, he is a EDD. I am guessing this is

some type of shrink? Anyone know? Secondly the place I am going is an insurance

agency. Wierd, I'm thinking maybe this is a multiple office building and that's

the name of the building but I guess I'll just have to wait and see. But my

biggest concern is what I am going there for. One thing is Memory Testing which

I completely understand as that is something that does hinder my ability to

perform my job. All though I it can vary from day to day. Anyone have this done?

> The other thing they want done is a Mental Health Evaluation. What??!! I

really don't understand why they are asking for this and am feeling a bit

offended. Are they really going to try to say I am making all this up? After 2

surgeries and my own doctors seeing that I continue to decline and struggle? I

still continue to try to work but it isn't going well but I would think that the

fact that I am trying (and failing) rather than just not working would be proof

that it is difficult for me. I am grateful to my employer for allowing me to

continue to work these limited hours and put up with my continued struggles.

(lateness, sick days, mistakes, not being able to perform all my job duties,

etc) anywhere else I'm sure I would of been fired long ago just on my

attendance! Maybe their kindness is actually hindering disability decision?

> Anyhow, has anyone else had to have a Mental Health Evaluation? What exactly

does it entail? Did it help in getting a decision? And how so? I guess if they

think I'm just crazy then I file an appeal adding mental health issues to my

growing list of disorders!

> I am just at a point where I just want/need to know either way so we can plan

for whatever the outcome. It's getting harder and harder for me to work. I've

gone from 32+hours a week to 12 to 10-11 to 8-10 now. We are borrowing from

to pay because all our savings were depleted last year with me having

to take unpaid leave for both my surgeries. And have now taken out a loan

against my life insurance policy's available cash value in hopes that it gets us

a little closer to that " yes " I have tried to remain pessimistic about getting

that yes because I know it is very rare to get approved on the first try but

it's been hard convincing my husband of this. I feel so much guilt because of

all this.

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

They are not doing any function testing. That's what I don't understand. A big

part of my claim is how limited my function is. I don't know, maybe my doctors

have already proved that part.

I am still working at this point. Very little, but I do continue to try. And

when I went back after the last surgery I tried different combinations of days

and hours to see what I was going to be able to handle without completely

knocking myself down.

So now I work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Suppose to be 8am to 12

but depending on my pain level each day and my continued decline I am going in

later and later and sometimes leaving early.

I'm a receptionist at a vet clinic and work mornings rather than afternoons

because with the morning schedule I am able to get up and move around when I

need to. Where as the afternoon I am stuck behind the desk for at least 3 hours

and then end up stiff, in pain & severe headache. All which brings on the worst

of the memory and confusion.

Well today is the day so I'll let you all know how it goes.

Actually glad that this is prolonging things because maybe then I'll have my new

imaging and confirmation why I'm having new symptoms. That is if the surgeon

ever calls me or my NL back. But that's a whole nother story!

Debbie

Sent from my iPhone