posted
I was wondering if anyone here had to go to a ssi disability dr appt? I applied - and they have all of the evidence - mri w/ lesions, positive LD testing etc. - now they are sending me to an independent dr for a nerve test - any ideas what this is - the scary thing is that my nerve problems seem to be improving with tx - any suggestons?
Posts: 128 | From Brick, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
can anyone help?
Posts: 128 | From Brick, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
Kare,
I didn't have a regular MD appt for my application, but SSDI did send me to a psychiatrist.
He spent about 15 minutes with me. He then wrote a report claiming that I was capable of working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, though maybe I was a little depressed.
However, his 15 minutes couldn't stack up against my 8 hour neuropsych exam, my two doctors who wrote extensively about my disabilities due to multiple mental and physical problems, and my own extensive report to them.
I did take someone with me to document how long I was seen by the psychiatrist, and would have used their testimony if necessary. As it turned out, it wasn't.
As long as you have sufficient documentation from doctors who have seen you over time, you will have evidence to counter whatever SSDIs tame doctor says.
And sometimes, even they come up with something that supports your case.
rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
These doctors that the SSA send you to are turly useless. Don't depend on anything that they say or write to SSA.
The more weight is put on what your doctors, LLMD and PCP write for they really know you case and the SSA knows that.
I got a whole 5 minutes with a one of the docs who billed the SSA for a 45 minute appt...pure BS.
The other doc they sent me to was then under review by the police for selling drugs and is now in jail.
They know that a doc who spend a few minutes with you will never be able to report the true findings that the docs that spend time with you ever month.
This is just part of their process.
Get you docs to write letters and I explained all that in a recent post over in General where this really belongs.
posted
most of the ssids doc are quacks. they take the ssdis exams because they are not busy enough in their own office to fill the time. most good docs you have to wait 4-6 weeks for an appt. these docs get you in in 1week. actually i also went to a psych who was actually well versed in lyme symptoms and he actually wrote me a good report and was still rejected to first time. You can expect this, it is normal, it is policy, it is stupid , it is the government. You need a good lawyer that knows debilitating diseases and disabilty. The lawyer should be in the room when you go to the doctor, if not cancel the appt and get a good lawyer that will sit in on the exam. the lawyer should go to all ime by any disability company includung ssdis. IT DOES NOT MATTER TO SSDIS WHAT DISEASE YOU HAVE BUT HOW DISABLED YOU ARE. HOW YOUR SYMPTOMS EFFECT YOUR DAILY LIFE, WORK,EVERYTHING.your docs need to have this all documented and it is best if they put it in writing that you are disabled to work. my lawyer had me write an advidavit of all my symptoms,list from Dr. B, and how each symptom effected my life,physically,mentally,emotionally,socially and every day to day activities. after writing and review by the lawyer then it should be notarized and given to all your docs and they should sign it and notarize. this will help your case imensly. sorry brain dead on that word. you can email me and i can help you if need be. docdave
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posted
Go in to the appt looking like death. Make yourself look like hell. Limp, walk slow, slur your speech, and really milk the chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia...you will get your money!
Posts: 74 | From USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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I just got SSD...and at one point they said I needed to make an appt with one of their psych doctors...which I was uncomfortable with...and asked can't I see my own doctor (didn't have one, but would rather have selected my own doctor than see someone out of the blue who I may or may not have seen eye to eye with...)
Anyhow, they certainly never offered this option to me, but they said I have that right...as long as that doctor was willing to work for their fees and fill out their form...(and I figured, if they grossly underpaid the docs...I would pay the difference then...)
As it got closer to my appt, they had already decided my claim and I never even had to keep my appt!!
So, maybe keep my experience in mind...ask to see your own doc for this test they are requesting...and get a referral of someone your LLMD thinks would be good, and work with you...taking into consideration your improvement or lack of findings in thanks to proper treatment or something...just an idea!!
Kira
Posts: 802 | From Chicago suburbs, Illinois | Registered: Jun 2002
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posted
Social security has set up a system designed to discourage all disability claims. Of course their doctor will say you are able to work, that is what they are paid to do. Do not give up on your claim just because you are denied, that is standard procedure. This is what you should expect. You will be denied the claim, file for a reconsideration, which will also be denied. Then file for the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Make sure that you file all of the paperwork within the proper time frame. Also make sure that all of your medical reports and documentation make it into your file. You can make an appointment and go into the office to review your file to make sure that it is in there. You want a complete file for the ALJ. You need to convince the ALJ that you are totally disabled from any type of employment. Sometimes a vocational expert is at the hearing who listens to your testimony and reviews the file to advise the judge if there is any type of employment available which you can do given your disability. I found it best to when testifying about your disability, to start with the top of your head and describe what your problems are then progross down through the body, the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, torso, legs, feet. And with each affected body part explain the symptoms, how often they occur, duration and how it affects your daily life and ability to perform tasks. ie HEAD- inability to focus, concentrate, memory problems 24/7, have difficulties with reading, staying on task etc. Disability cases are won at the ALJ level. If the vocational expert comes up with a job they think you can perform, ask what the job would require you to do and counter that with your symptoms and medical problems that would hinder you from performing those duties. Don't worry too much about what the SS doctor says. The ALJs are generally fair and as long as you have good medical documentation in your file, they do not give a lot of credance to those reports.
If you have any other questions feel free to E-mail me
Posts: 23 | From Philadelphia, PA, USA | Registered: Jun 2004
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