Re: Social Security - Nichole

December 18, 2002

> Subject: social security

" well i just got notified that i have to go to one of the social security

disability drs to determine more about my condition. a psychiatrist. has anyone

ever had to do this " ?

Nichole,

Yes, I have had to see the social security doctors and I know how scary and

intimidating the whole Social Security application process can be. Been there,

done that!

I think it must be standard operating procedure for them to try to reduce the

number of people eligible for benefits. I first applied in 1998 and was sent to

a PhD (psyche) as well as to the hsopital for other testing. I was denied and

did not appeal. I was simply not mentally nor physically prepared " fight the

system " at that time. In other words, I gave up! That was in another State.

I applied the second time in July 2001 and was again sent to one of their PhD's

in Missouri. I was denied again. I hired a lawyer to appeal. My hearing before

the Judge was September 20, 2002. I got my approval notice November 01, 2002

stating I was disabled from July 18, 2001. I will receive my first SSD check on

January 03, 2003. I have received some back pay but not all of it. That did

help to " catch-up " on some bills. LOL

They notified me that my case would be reviewed in 5 to 7 years. They told me

the frequency of SSD reviews is based on the severity of your condition.

Improvement expected-if medical improvement can be predicted when benefits

start, your first review should be 6 to 18 months later. Improvement possible-

if medical improvement is possible but cannot be predicted; your case will be

reviewed about every 3 years. Improvement not expected-if medical improvement is

not likely, your case will be reviewed only about once every 5 to 7 years.

Very, very, few people are successful in being approved when they first apply.

Believe me, it is indeed rare!

I will be happy to answer any other questions you might have and I wish you the

best of luck in this endeavor.

Charlotte in MO

ACM 1 - 7mm (no SM and no surgery yet) CSF hypotension, Central Canal Stenosis,

Cervical/Thoracic Spondyliosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Essential Tremor,

Dystonia, and other junk

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