sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
I've been on SSDI for going on 9 years. Just received a notice that for the first time my medical condition is to be reviewed in order for benefits to continue. We'll lose our house if my benefits are cut off, so I can't even consider that outcome.
Anyone else been through this process, and if so, what precise help can you offer about how to fill out the review form so that the process does not go to the next step of having a Social Security doctor involved ?
For background, I received SSDI benefits the 1st time I applied, and within 6 months of applying. I downplayed Lyme disease per se as the cause of my disability and relied instead on the results of a SPECT scan that clearly showed global and significant white matter brain disease.
Suggestions, please. I have another 3 or 4 days to send the form in, and a hurricane may well cut off my power by tomorrow night.
Thanks for any help.
Dill
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Dilly,
This is just a review. I would not worry about it.
As you are still disabled (or you would have said otherwise and been back out there) . . . all they need is for you to fill out the form.
IF they need to check with your doctor, they will do so but they may not. YOUR current doctor(s) would be asked FIRST. Likely, you would not be sent to a SSA doctor as is most often done for first-time applicants.
If you have any new tests or diagnoses, just share those.
They send out two (maybe three) basic forms. One is very easy, just a few boxes to check and you say if you are the same, better or worse.
Most often, that's all there is to it. Think it as they're wanting to help and just needing to be sure you still require such. And they do need to week out any potential moochers. So they just need the basic truth - it's that simple.
If they need more detail, they will contact you about that but just cross the T's and dot the i's for now - just be honest - and that's all that's being asked here of you now. Just share how it is and move on with taking care of yourself.
If still disabled (for whatever diagnoses), you will likely still receive benefits. They just have an automatic review process that everyone has to go through.
You do not have to prove it over from the start - just if you are the same, better or worse. Mostly.
As the storm approaches, I'm not sure I'd put that in ANY mailbox just yet.
Do make a copy of your replies before you mail it - in case it gets lost. Same with any new test results, send only copies but those will usually come from your treating doctor IF they contact him.
If your home is in direct danger, keep those papers with your other important papers and carry with you if you leave.
Good luck in this weather. Take care. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
I agree with Keebler, just fill out the forms. Just keep copies and do your best.
Sorry about your storm, be safe.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
Hubby had to do an update every 2 or 3 years so I am really surprised that this is the first time you have gotten an update form. It seemed like the form was a little different each time. But I do remember the last one I think asking about any recent hospitalizations or ER visits.
If you do not hear anything back within 6 or 8 weeks or definitely within 3 months then I would assume there would be no change to your disability status. This is one situation where actually no news is good news.
Just do your best, but as when filling out a new disability form you need to base your responses on your worst days and not your best days. Your worst symptoms are what made you disabled and what maintains that disability.
Good luck.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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merrygirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12041
posted
They determine the time before your next review by some guidelines that I cant recall. When you get ssdi they tell you when that will be.
Posts: 3905 | From USA | Registered: May 2007
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
Sorry for the huge lapse in responding.
Hurricane Sandy knocked out our power for 4 days and we huddled under blankets in house temps in the low 50's, but that was merciful and short-term in comparison to what too many in NJ and NY are still suffering through.
Then, over a week ago, I went to the doc for what I thought was an ingrown hair related large bump and found out it was MRSA. EEK and ouch and sigh.
Anyway. Thank you in the extreme for the reassurances here and in PM's about the SSDI renewal process. I finally filled out the form a bit late, but hopefully in time, and hopefully coherently enough.
I think I'm OK if the review process is reasonable. I don't have a LLMD anymore---haven't had for several years. I lucked out, though, in finding a primary care doc who has battled Lyme herself and who is partnered with a doc who had to quit his surgery practice and do general doc duties because chronic Lyme had so severely impaired his vision.
They aren't LLMD's or even hugely Lyme-treating literate by any stretch of the imagination, but they DO know from personal experience that Lyme can become chronic and that it can be disabling. Glass more than half full.
Thanks again.
Dill
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
The very fact that you were not reviewed for 9 years means that even the Social Security Admin did not expect improvement.
They review in 1 year when Medical Improvement is Expected, in 3 years when Medical Improvement is Possible and 7 years when Medical Improvement is Not expected.
So, it sounds like you were pretty bad off during your initial application.
Like everyone else said, just fill out the forms honestly.
They won't stop your benefits unless they can prove that your condition has improved.
sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
thanks, Laxmom.
Of course I filled the forms out honestly. Given my many years in the bizarro land of Lyme, though, you'll have to forgive my doubts that our being honest in what we say about this disease translates into any sort of right or appropriate response/treatment.
I must say, it is a strange world when I feel relief that my condition is so bad that I can feel somewhat assured the government will give continue to pay back enough of the money I paid in over decades to allow my family to keep our house.
Glass still half full.
Dill
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
sometimesdilly: I meant be honest as in don't sugarcoat.
I had a 3 year review last December. It was a piece of cake. I filled out the forms and next thing I knew they sent me a letter stating I was still disabled.
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