Continuing Disability Review
 

I've been on SSDI for 4 years. I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, migraines and DDD. I haven't worked, go to my doctor regularly and have had to increase my medications since my pain has increased.

I am in the process of being reviewed by Social Security. They sent me to a doctor and he "examined" me. It was a really bizarre appointment.

I'm worried that reviewing my medical records, alone, didn't satisfy Social Security and they had me seen by their doctor? Is this typical? Should I be worried about getting kicked off?

My treating physician said not to worry as I've actually gotten worse since I was initially approved by Soc. Sec.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Kelly

SSDI CDR Review
 

Kelly: I just had my SSDI CDR for Bi-Polar and even though they review everyone at some point. It is vere difficult for them to take you off of SSDI if your going to your Doctor and still taking your medication, especially if the Doctor says you have gotten worse. I know this because I had a friend that worked in the field. Please don't make yourself worry about it. Believe me I stressed for so long, and it took them about two months to complete my review my claim. What type of form did they send you to complete to return to them, the short form or the long form?

Tom








UOTE=kellysf;797526]I've been on SSDI for 4 years. I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, migraines and DDD. I haven't worked, go to my doctor regularly and have had to increase my medications since my pain has increased.

I am in the process of being reviewed by Social Security. They sent me to a doctor and he "examined" me. It was a really bizarre appointment.

I'm worried that reviewing my medical records, alone, didn't satisfy Social Security and they had me seen by their doctor? Is this typical? Should I be worried about getting kicked off?

My treating physician said not to worry as I've actually gotten worse since I was initially approved by Soc. Sec.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Kelly[/QUOTE]

Hi Kelly,

I've got 'matching' dx's and have been on SSDI exactly 4 years this month.

I understand it's easier said then done to 'not worry about it' I expect I'll be gnawing on my nails when it's my review time.

It sounds like you have all of your ducks in a row, and that's all you can do.

What was bizarre about the MD appt they sent you too ? Was it a thorough exam or did he seem to poo-poo your concerns/complaints of pain ?

I was sent the long form for continuing disability. When I was granted disability, the judge said I should be reviewed after 1 year but they took 4.

The appt. was odd because the doctor didn't ask me about my pain now or my daily activities. He did ask me about how my problems all started 9 years ago and what kinds of things I have trouble doing now. He didn't do any of the tests that are relevant to TOS. Instead, he tested my arm strength and leg sensitivity to vibration (both of which are not a problem and are unrelated to why I was awarded disability). He just asked very few questions that were relevant to my case.

I'm trying not to worry but it's difficult when there is so much at stake -- as I'm sure everyone here understands too well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Ugh....that reminds me of so many of the IME doctors I had to see when I was still on WC. Limited ROM is such a small part of the problem compared to the PAIN !!!!!

Has anybody on this board ever been removed from SSDI after a review? I'm sure it happens. Yet you would think that if your still taking your meds and not working you should be safe-right?

I sure hope you're right.

I didn't know they made you see their doctor. Was this after you filled out the paperwork? My review will be in July of 2012. Someone asked if anyone knew someone losing thei rbenefits. Someone I know did lose theirs in May. They were awarded based on seizures. He had roughly 8-12 a year. They are now down to 2-4. So they took him off. He is 48 and is going to try again in 2 years. He has fought it but been turned down so far. The next step is to go before a judge again. He is very nervous about it.

Was he working while on SSDI? I heard that does raise flags. Is it true? I dont know, but I have heard if they see you working PT then they can say you can go back to FT work and lose the SSDI benefit.

my cousin who was recieving ssdi for about 15 years for bi-polar disorder and depression recently had his benefits stopped for the following reason.he recently had his disibility case reviewed by the social security admnistration..this was his 3rd review in 15 years since he first got on ssdi.social security sent him a letter giveing him there decision about his disibility case review.they said in the letter that they find that he no longer qualifies for disibility benefits under ss rules because he had not seen a doctor or takeing any medications for quite some time.the letter goes on to say that since he has not seen a doctor in a while or takeing any medications that his condition has improved to the point where he can return to work...:(

Was he working all those yrs? Like even part time? Also did he not see any doctors and take no meds at all? If so, for how long of a gap did he go on without seeing a doc or take his meds?

Thanks!

I received word from Social Security today that I've been re-approved. Thanks to everyone for their words of encouragement.

Thanks,
Kelly

Congrads Kelly !

A sigh of relief for the next few years until it's time for the next review !

Good for you!!!!!! Breath easy now!!!!

Anxiety over First Full Review in 7 yrs!
 

I am experiencing a review after receiving benefits for 8 yrs now. I had no idea that although I was deemed to have a permanent disability that I would still have to now prove I qualify. I keep reading here that a big issue is that you need to see your doctor regularly and take meds. After the first few yrs. of trying different medication "cocktails", nothing improved my condition, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dystonia (seizures during sleep) There is no treatment for it. In fact all meds that were tried over the years practically turned me into a pharmacy smelling zombie. So, I now have a serious concern that although my condition is static, I will be denied continued benefits because I don't take meds.

if you are regularly seeing your doctor and you have had no improvement and are not working, then you will be ok in a review.

If this is the first CDR you've received in 8 years, then your case was deemed Medical Improvement Not Expected. Still, forms are supposed to be sent out every 5-7 years.

Did you receive the long or short form?


Please refer to this thread I started about CDRs
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread157557.html

Read the link carefully before returning your form, if you haven't done so already.

Every case is different, don't worry about general info that is not applicable to your situation. Seeing your doctor once or twice a year, would be a good idea regardless of your SSD benefits. How often do you see your primary doc?