I've put in all my paperwork for SS disability I've been down and out for 5 years now, 2 years
of IV, 8 months IM shots, massive quantities of antibiotics, and so many other meds couldn't even
count. Disability says they can't make a decicsion without me seeing a psychiartrist.
I have seen psy doctors in the past for all my neuro stuff and the sheer depression of going from an active working mother of 2 to some type
of shell of a p erson. Any reccomdentions for my appt?
It makes me so furious that after all my medical records, which must be over 500 pages, I still have to v alidate my disease.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Q: "Any reccomdentions for my [psych] appt?"
Be yourself. Be honest. It's that simple.
Do not try to convince anyone of anything. Just share how it is to be in your body. -
Posted by momindeep (Member # 7618) on :
Happened that way for my daughter...they are looking more at depression than Lyme FYI...Lyme is not considered a illness for SSI overly much...but depression definately is.
Posted by Suz22 (Member # 37016) on :
SS told me I had to go too but gave me a choice of one of their doctors or get my own and of course I said I would get my own. They didn't give you the choice?
Posted by MADDOG (Member # 18) on :
Hi Lyme987 Very good ,the psychologist diagnosis of depression,or any thing else will help your case.
They will test your memory as well.
See all their doctors and be honest.
MADDOG
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :
It is important to remember it is all about what you are unable to do. That shouldn't be too hard! Our nature, when sick for so long, is to be strong and march on. This isn't the time.
You can always ask for the question to be repeated.
Be honest as the others have said. It is all about how the illnesses have changed your work, home, friends, basic needs, basic functions, etc.
Posted by Rene (Member # 4870) on :
They sent me to two, and a psychologist and an internist. I received disability after hiring an attorney and appealing two rejections. Keep your eye on the prize. Never give up, persistence is the key.
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
I represent SS disability claimants for a living and this is standard practice. Lyme is not a listed impairment and they are fully evaluating associated impairments to see if your psychological impairments meet a listing.
At the level of disability determination (initial and reconsideration), you need to precisely meet a listed impairment to be awarded benefits. At the ALJ level, a judge can use common sense to take into account the combined effect of all your impairments.
Most Lyme cases are awarded at the ALJ level and decisions are based on residual functional capacity.
Big thing is to not give up and file timely appeals and get a rep to help you out, especially at the ALJ level.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- ConnieMc,
Thanks for that link. I cannot find FATIGUE on there. That bone-crushing, near paralyzing, deep pain fatigue that defies definition.
But guess that is really not something they can measure with tests and that it would fall under a primary dx.
Is fatigue there, somewhere? By a different name?
I was also shocked to not find HYPERACUSIS as a hearing disorder. Might that be there but my eyes just missed it?
That text is hard to read and I did try to look over it but could not find it. Maybe they just don't know how severe hyperacusis can be. -
Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :
SSA evidence is all about "objective" medical evidence. Things like fatigue and pain cannot be measured therefore would not be considered a diagnosis. To use these in a disability claim, you must have a "medically determinable impairment" which could be reasonably expected to cause fatigue and/or pain.
For example, a person who has inflammatory arthritis would have an impairment which can cause severe pain. The inflammatory arthritis is measured by the RA factor or clear documented observations by a doctor of joint swelling and/or redness.
I don't know much about hyperacusis, but, again, that is likely a symptom of another impairment.
The closest the SSA listings come to Lyme is the note under inflammatory arthritis that Lyme can cause it. As we all know, many with Lyme do not have clear evidence of inflammatory arthritis and the most debilitating symptoms are the fatigue or pain. That is how it was for me. I use Lyme as the "medically determinable impairment" if I have a positive test or clinical diagnosis well documented by a doctor.
However, since Lyme is not a listed impairment, the claims are not typically awarded at the initial or recon levels as a claim must meet a listed impairment to be awarded at those levels.
I make every effort to meet or equal a listing first as claims are awarded sooner.
In addition, age is a huge factor in a disability claim. Much more difficult to win if under 50. If over 55, all I have to show is the person cannot return to their past relevant work. Under SSA law, a person 55 and older (AKA "advanced age") is unable to adapt to other work.
The ALJ level is where you can really bring in the combined effects of illness and the many symptoms associated with Lyme. Most cases are won at that level. It is absolutely critical to have a representative at the hearing level as there are so many pitfalls.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Thanks so much for your detailed reply, Connie. -
Posted by Rivendell (Member # 19922) on :
Be totally honest with the doctor. How the illness has affected your life and relationships.
Emphasize what you have lost and cannot do. If you have depression, anxiety or some other "mental" (don't like that terminology) disorder, that will help a lot.
If you have memory problems, tell the doctor about it.
This will help you case.
Posted by lyme987 (Member # 22148) on :
thanks everyone
tomorrow is my appt. Just spent the last 3 hrs on the kitchen floor crying uncontrollably
Used to be a rock, now a mess
Posted by Dogsandcats (Member # 28544) on :