I would definitely talk to your psych doctor too. Even if he doesn't think your present levels of anxiety and depression would rate you as totally disabled now, combined with your pain issues, that may help your claim.

I would think that more info from the neurosurgeon would be helpful. How bad is your pain ? Why does it prevent you from working ? Are you on any pain meds ? If not, why not ?

I hope that doesn't sound like I'm trying to be mean. I'm on SSDI because of severe pain issues (TOS, RSD, DDD, FM, ON....the list goes on.....) I get why some of us can't work because of pain. You need your medical records to show why you can't work. Your doc says that you are unable to work, but doesn't say WHY. A lot of his exam info on you talks about full strength, etc. I think you should have more info in there about your levels of pain, why you need to change position and lay down frequently to manage the pain, how you have difficulty concentrating and functioning because of the pain, how you need surgery for the herniated disc but that is not possible at this time because of the scoliosis issues, etc. He should perform a functional capacity report on you. That gives the SSA a guide to see if you qualify for SSI.

Your records need to show how your condition is worse than someone else with the same issues who does work. For example....my sister has scoliosis (no longer severe since she wore a brace for years as a preteen/teen), but she had 3 kids and workd FT, no probleams. My dad is 74 , a colon cancer survivor, had a L2 laminectomy a few years ago and bike rides 25 miles every day....could easily still work if he had to. I get that, for you,it's the combination and severity of issues that is causing the problem, but SSA isn't going to 'get it' unless you prove it to them. You have to prove to them that your capabilities are less than some others with the same condition(s). Does that make sense ?

I'm glad that you found this board. There are lots of helpful people here. For many of us, it's a long bumpy ride til we get to approval.

How are you managing now ? Are you still living with your parents ? Cases like your's, when disability strikes so young, make me sad. I'm sorry for what you are going through. I hope that having some new friends here, who understand some of your frustration or can offer helpful advice, will make your fight for SSI a little easier.

To pain free days.....