Psychological Exam Request from SS
 

My disabilities are physical. I did however list the anti anxiety med on the forms I filled out for SS. I received a call from a case worker to clarify my anxiety and if it was a reason why I was requesting disability. I told her no. The anxiety disorder was diagnosed years ago and with medication was not an issue. I did say that I feel more anxiety now due to pain and being unable to work and do the physical things I used to do. She said that should be enough of an answer, but then she called back and said her supervisor said since I said my anxiety has increased, I need to get a mental health evaluation and they will be sending me a letter.

I have two questions. Is this a good or bad sign regarding my approval? She said they had all the records they needed for the physical stuff. Also, what is this exam like and is there anything I need to worry about with it?

I've been completely honest on all my forms, but I don't want to say something stupid that hurts my chances for an approval. I'm just confused why they want to do this at all.

Attorney
 

Get a attorney, if you don't have one.

It simply means that they'll take the issue into account. If your physical claim isn't quite strong enough, WITH the psych claim, it might be enough to tip the scales for approval. So it's good that they caught it and amended your claim.

BTW, becoming permanently disabled is a huge adjustment that many people discount. If you're not currently seeing a therapist, it might be something to consider...

There is no reason for you to hire an attorney at this point. If you are denied, than it might be time to consider representation, but again it's premature IMO.

Lit Love: That makes sense. My anxiety his high due to pain and not working after 34 years of full time employment. I know I have trouble remembering things and just feel on edge most of the time. It would appear most people get turned down, so I'm not sure what will happen. I guess I've know for a long time that it would be helpfu to see a therapist, but years ago, I tried and didn't feel I got much out of it.

Another question. Is the therapist SS sends me to someone I could continue to see if I wanted to? Or is that more of a one time thing and better for me to get a referral from my family doctor?

Listen
 

Whatever Lit says do, you do, I wish Lit was my attorney, where is everyone on this forum?

If you really felt you had a connection, which would be rare in this type of exam, than I don't think there would be a conflict.

I highly encourage you to seek out a therapist you'll be comfortable with asap. If the worst case scenario happens and you aren't approved in this first stage, then the process will add to your stress load and you'll want to get someone in your corner that will be supportive. It might take trying out a few to get the right connection.

Can I ask your age? By how long you've worked I'm guessing you're in the over 50 bracket. If your physical disability doesn't qualify as a "listed impairment" then you'll want to read up on the grid rules! http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/top...grid-rules-age

How come it never seems like you want to listen to my advice then? :p

Thanks for the compliment though! I wish I was well enough to be dependable because I'd love to be a non attorney rep even part time. I know you're not a fan of SSDfacts for some reason, but I have to say that's a great resource (and a massive project those ladies have undertaken and the founder as well as her volunteers are disabled themselves.)

Say what
 

What advice haven't I listened too?

Thanks for the link. I'm 52. I have neuropathy, arthritis and fibromatosis in my feet, and neuropathy in my hands. Sitting for too long puts my legs to sleep and the numbness and pain in my fingers makes typing difficult. I had a sedentary job, but it got so there was no comfortable position for me at a desk and the sales aspect of my job required me to stand, walk and travel.

I do think I will seek out a therapist. I have no idea if they will consider my claim and you are right that it will add to my current anxiety.

Not only is the process stressful, but becoming permanently disabled is a major life transition, effecting your finances and identity and your relationships with family and friends, etc.

If you can find a referral for someone that has experience with chronic pain patients, that would be ideal. I found that learning to relax and breath deeply when my pain is escalating to be a big help--because if you're experiencing nerve pain in your hands and start trying to protect them, it will cause problems traveling up your arms, into your shoulders, your neck, and down your back... Swimming in warm water, learning yoga, tai chi, going for massages, all those things can help you to cope.


Now, on to proving you qualify for SSDI.

Please read this link:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...ant-even-do-se

It sounds like your case would fall outside the grid rules, but IMO, you actually have a solid chance of being approved right away IF you have the right documentation. Not everyone bothers with RFC forms at the first stage of the application process, but if you have a doc that can fill one out for you, it could mean the difference between a quick approval or it taking you a few years to receive approval.

RFC explained:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfc-win.html

form download:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfcdownloadhome.html

for peripheral neuropathy it is important to state how your nerve damage affects your gait, balance and fine motor skills (dexterity) which in turn how that limits your ability to work. trouble walking, climbing, bending, sitting, kneeling, squating, reaching, lifting, grabbing, holding, manipulating etc depending of course on what limbs are involved and what your particular symptoms are.

My guess is that since this is my first application, I will likely be turned down. I think I did a fairly good job of describing my limitations, but from what I've read, it's rare to get an approval the first time around. It is exhausting to fill out the mountains of forms and much of it is redundant. My balance and gait are actually good at this point. It's more pain and numbness in feet and hands that limits my ability to do work that involves using either for extended periods. It's difficult to find any position that is comfortable.

I've seen a few different doctors and they all have some information on me, but I don't know that any of them would take the time or feel they have my full story to fill out that form.

One more question on the psychological exam. Is it more talking or more of a pen and paper test to guage my anxiety/depression? I'm just not sure what to expect.

Thank you all for your responses.

My responses are above. :)

My psychological exam was a few weeks ago. I received a copy of the evaluation. The diagnosis was generalized anxiety disorder and adjustment disorder with depressed mood and to rule out somatic symptom disorder with predominate pain (that it's all in my head I believe).

I'm just unsure if this was helpful or not. I've checked my application status and there has been no decision made.

Thoughts?

Either way, I do have an appointment with a therapist tomorrow. I'm not sure if she will be a good fit for me, but I think it's worth a try.

I called to check on my application status since the site was saying my records were unavailable for the past week or so. The person I spoke to said the decision was made last week. I asked her what it was, but she said she couldn't tell me as it could still be pulled for review.

In the event it is denied, will I be required to do all of the paperwork again for the appeal? Also, when the decision is final, will I be able to see what it is on the application status online?

It's hard to guess at these things. Other factors come into play like your age, education, work history, etc. It's a complex medical/legal evaluation.

Regardless, you need to see a therapist to retain benefits. And if you're denied, you need to see a therapist to either help you improve or help you get benefits. ;)

Here are a few good links regarding Reconsideration:
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/top...eration-review
http://ssdfacts.com/forum/index.php/board,3.0.html