My long term disability company provided the legal advocate when I got Social Security Disability. The records from my surgeon (for colitis/Crohn's) and my gastroenterologist were what they used to determine my state of disability. I was never sent to another doctor. I occasionally have to ask my doctors to submit follow-up reports so that SS knows I am still disabled, but I have yet to have to undergo an exam by one of "their" doctors.

This may have been based on the state I live in (different disability laws?) or the fact that I was close to house-bound, very sleep deprived due to residual issues following four intestinal surgeries. . . I don't know. Seems Crohn's is getting a rep as a disabling condition . . . I know it has been included in several disease categories that are considered disabling. I am surprised that the constant, intractable, and incurable pain associated with RSD and some other neurological disorders has not yet been recognized as hands-down disabling.

If you truly can not work, I am afraid it is time to get an attorney to help with your SSD. If you were ever offered one by your disability company, see if the offer still stands. I literally had no choice, but I also never feared that their assistance was anything but benign.

Short of that, I would have your own physicians submit reports, chart notes, whatever, on your behalf. Protest any denials of coverage. . . .I (my advocate) had to battle through one round of denials. Sometimes it takes many tries before you are awarded SSD. Many. Don't give up!