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Function Report - too much detail?
While working on section D of the Function Report - and trying to provide DETAILS - I sent my rough draft to a doctor friend of mine. What is in yellow highlights is what he thinks I should state. I wrote all of the text. He is just suggesting to keep what he highlighted of my text. I like his edits. It reads much better than my ramblings but does it provide enough details?
Here is my reply to my doctor friend: Scott, Thank you so much for your timely reply. I love the way you edited way down. I think I should also delete references to Gabapentin. Those are really speculations and due to my limited ability to handle stress (in addition to the other related mental conditions) I would most likely still have problems in those areas. I have read to that one can 'hang themselves' filling out the Function Report. That generally speaking, less is more. However, they say in a few areas one should be very detailed. I have a post from a SSA examiner were he stated something like, "DETAILS! Give me details. I need to really know what it is like to be you for a day." Additionally, many wrote tell them that condition is erratic in nature and let them know about your good days and bad days. However, I can just write that ONCE as a 'big umbrella' that covers all the other areas. So . . . I love your edits. I wonder if I still have enough detail with your edits? Again, maybe I can write a 'preface' statement about good days/bad days and the erratic nature of my condition applies to all areas listed below. *****And below are his edits to my ramblings. Remember, all the writing is mine. He just highlighted the parts that he thought were worth keeping. Dear D, Here is my attempt to edit; my words are in yellow. They are interested in HOW limited you are in each area to see if you would be impaired enough to not be able to work, and WHY you are limited. You may want to add a few details, but don't go overboard. Hope this helps! Hang in there! LIFTING: I have problems lifting due to a poorly healed broken wrist 3 years ago. I am attaching an MRI report. I BROKE MY LEFT WRIST 3 YEARS AGO. IT NEVER HEALED RIGHT. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED MRI. MY RIGHT HAND – ON THE THUMB, HAS BEEN SWOLLEN FOR AT LEAST 2 MONTHS NOW. I WILL MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR IT THIS WEEK. I HAD NOT MADE AN APPOINTMENT EARLIER HOPING THAT WITH MORE REST IT MIGHT HEAL ITSELF. DUE TO THESE INJURIES, LIFTING MORE THAN TEN POUNDS IS A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE. I EVEN HAD TO BUY AN ELECTRONIC CAN OPENER, BECAUSE OPENING A CAN MANUALLY WAS JUST TOO PAINFUL. FINALLY, WHEN GREETING SOMEONE WITH A HANDSHAKE, I TELL THEM OF MY THUMB INJURY AND THEN PROCEED TO SHAKE WITH THE ‘WRONG’ HAND. SQUATTING: I have difficulty squatting due to increased pain in my feet and weak calves. My doctor has advised me to avoid full squats. I cannot do more than 10 half squats without fatigue and pain. SQUATTING IS PAINFUL TO MY FEET. THE SOLES OF MY FEET. I TAUGHT ELEMENTARY PE FOR 25 YEARS. OFTEN THE GYM FLOOR WAS UNCLEAN SINCE THEY ALSO USE THE GYM FOR LUNCH. I WANTED A CLEAN FLOOR. I WOULD DO ABOUT 30 FULL SQUATS EACH DAY. SQUIRT BOTTLE AND RAG IN HAND. SQUIRT, FULL SQUAT, RUB FLOOR WITH RAG . . . FIND ANOTHER STICKY/DIRTY SPOT – REPEAT PROCESS. 30 TIMES A DAY FOR 25 YEARS. WITH DOCUMENTED NERVE PROBLEMS IN MY FEET (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED) I HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY AT LEAST 2 DOCTORS TO NOT DO FULL SQUATS. HALF SQUATS ARE NOT AS PAINFUL ON MY FEET, HOWEVER DUE TO THE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY FEET, MY CALVES HAVE BECAME VERY WEAK. THEREFORE, I CANNOT DO MANY (10 MAX) HALF SQUATS. STANDING: I cannot stand for more than 30 minutes without severe foot pain from my neuropathy. DUE TO THE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY FEET, I CAN RARELY STAND FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES WITHOUT MY FEET BECOMING PAINFUL (COLD, NUMBNESS, HEAVINESS, TINGLING, BURNING ETC). I TEND TO HAVE A CYCLE OF LIKE 30 MINUTES UP ON MY FEET, THEN 30 MINUTES LAYING ON MY BED. UNFORTUNATELY, SITTING DOES NOT BRING ME ANY RELIEF. IT USUALLY MAKES THINGS IN MY FEET AND ANKLES WORSE. SOMETHING TO DO WITH MY LEGS BEING AT A RIGHT ANGLE WHEN I SIT, BUT LAYING ON MY BED – THEY ARE PARALLEL TO THE GROUND. OFTEN TIMES (5 TIMES PER WEEK) I HAVE TO LAY ON MY BED, WITH MY FEET ElEVATED UNTIL I CAN GET SOME RELIEF. IT TENDS TO BE LIKE A ONE TO ONE RATIO. IF I HAPPENED TO STAND FOR AN HOUR, THEN I USUALLY MUST LAY ON MY BED FOR AN HOUR. REPEAT CYCLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SOMETIMES WHILE STILL STANDING, I'LL DO MY ‘SORE FEET’ DANCE. I ALTERNATE PICKING UP MY RIGHT FOOT, THEN MY LEFT. REPEAT UNTIL I CAN GET TO MY BED. REACHING: I lose my balance when reaching because of poor position sense in my feet due to my neuropathy. I have to hold on to something or lean against a wall to reach safely. OFTEN TIMES (2-3 TIMES PER DAY) WHEN I REACH FOR AN OBJECT I LOSE MY BALANCE DUE TO THE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY FEET. MY FEET ARE CLUMSY BECAUSE OF THE NERVE DAMAGE. A LOSS OF PROPRIOCEPTION. 2 OR 3 TIMES PER WEEK, THE ONLY THING SAVING ME FROM FALLING DOWN COMPLETELY ON THE FLOOR, ARE THE WALLS THAT I SOMETIMES ‘BOUNCE’ OFF OF. WALKING: I have limited walkng because of my neuropathy. My doctor has told me to limit walking (see attached report). Walking causes worsening foot pain and fatigue. I cannot walk more than __ minutes at a time. A YEAR AGO I WOULD WALK FOR 30 MINUTES ABOUT 3 TIMES A WEEK. HOWEVER, SINCE THE NERVE DAMAGE HAS PROGRESSED – I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY DOCTOR (PLEASE SEE ATTACHED) TO NOT USE WALKING AS A FORM OF PHYSICAL THERAPY. A FEW MONTHS AGO, I TOLD MYSELF, ‘LETS GO FOR A 30 MINUTE WALK AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.’ WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT NIGHT, I COULD NOT GET TO SLEEP, EVEN WITH THE SEDATING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE I TAKE PRIOR TO BEDTIME, UNTIL 3AM. A FEW MONTHS AGO, I TRIED A 10 MINUTE WALK. AT THE 4 MINUTE MARK, I HAD TO TURN AROUND BECAUSE MY FEET WERE HAVING THE SYMPTOMS DESCRIBED ABOVE. HAVING BEEN A PE TEACHER FOR 25 YEARS I HAVE A HABIT OF KEEPING TRACK OF FREQUENCY, INTENSITY, TIME AND TYPE. F.I.T.T. I USED TO TEACH THAT TO MY STUDENTS. I APPLY THAT TO MYSELF OFTEN OUT OF HABIT. SITTING: I cannot sit in the same place for more than 20 minutes because of neuropathy pain. IS ABOUT THE SAME AS STANDING, WHICH IS DESCRIBED ABOVE. OFTEN TIMES (DAILY) I WILL USE A COUNT-DOWN TIMER. IT IS USUALLY SET FOR 20 MINUTES. WHEN THE TIME IS UP, I GET UP AND WALK AROUND AND CLEAN/ORGANIZE MY APARTMENT OR LAY ON MY BED – DEPENDING ON WHAT MY FEET SYMPTOMS DICTATE I NEED TO DO. KNEELING: Kneeling is limited because of knee damage from long term work as a gym teacher (need to document knee damage if possible). AFTER 25 YEARS OF TEACHING KIDS HOW TO JUMP ROPE ON A HARD TILE FLOOR, MY KNEES ARE ABOUT SHOT. I ONLY KNEEL IF I ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO. I THANKFULLY THAT ONLY HAPPENS A FEW TIMES A YEAR. INSTEAD OF KNEELING, I WILL BEND AT THE WAIST. KNEELING HURTS MY KNEES. TALKING I have difficulty with concentration and attention. This may be a side effect of my high dose gabapentin which is used to control neuropathic pain.: MY COGNITION HAS BEEN OFF FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW. OFTEN TIMES I FEEL A BIT ‘LOST IN THE CLOUDS’. I WILL TALK WITH MY DOCTOR THIS WEEK ABOUT IT. MAYBE IT IS A SIDE-EFFECT OF THE HIGH DOSE OF GABAPENTIN (600 MG -4 TIMES A DAY) THAT I AM ON. I WILL BE TALKING TO SOMEBODY AND COMPLETELY LOSE MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT. THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY THAT I HAVE AN EXTENDED CONVERSATION (5 – 10 MINUTES) WITH SOMEONE. ABOUT ONCE A WEEK, I HAVE VERBALLY APOLOGIZED TO WHOEVER I WAS TALKING WITH AND TELL THEM SOMETHING LIKE THIS, “I SO SORRY. I AM HAVING SOME COGNITIVE DIFFICULTIES RIGHT NOW. I HOPE I AM MAKING SENSE. PLEASE BARE WITH ME.” STAIR CLIMBING: This is difficult due to neuropathy and I stumble even when using a handrail. I need to limit this to prevent falls. DUE TO CLUMSINESS CAUSED BY NERVE DAMAGE IN MY FEET, I ALWAYS USE A HANDRAIL WHEN ONE IS AVAILABLE. EVEN WITH USING A HANDRAIL – I STUMBLE A BIT GOING UP – AND A STUMBLE A BIT GOING DOWN. AGAIN, THIS IS A PERCEPTION PROBLEM. WHEN I WAS AT THE STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT THIS YEAR – I WAS SADDENED BY HOW CLUMSY MY FEET WERE AS I NAVIGATED ALL THOSE STAIRS. IN THE RAILINGS WERE NOT THERE, I WOULD HAVE FALLEN DOWN. A FRIEND AND I GO EVERY YEAR TO WATCH THE STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT. THIS YEAR WAS NOT MUCH FUN FOR ME BECAUSE OF THE SITTING, STANDING, WALKING AND USING STAIRS. ALL OF THOSE THINGS MADE IT A PAINFUL AND FRUSTRATING EVENT FOR ME. MEMORY: I have short term memory problems, possibly due to my gabapentin which is used for pain control. AS NOTED ABOVE ON THE TOPIC OF ‘TALKING’ – I FREQUENTLY I PROBLEMS HAVING AN ENJOYABLE CONVERSATION BECAUSE OF MY SHORT-TERM MEMORY PROBLEMS. I HAVE PROBLEMS FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM LOSING THINGS EVERY DAY BECAUSE OF THIS (KEYS, EYEGLASSES, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC). I WONDER IF THIS IS A GABAPENTIN SIDE EFFECT AS MENTIONED ABOVE IN THE ‘TALKING’ SECTION. I WILL TALK WITH MY DOCTOR ABOUT THIS. AGAIN, THIS IS THAT FOGGY COGNITION THING AGAIN AS MENTIONED ABOVE IN THE ‘TALKING’ SECTION. COMPLETING TASKS: I have diagnosed A.D.D. This results in distactability, trouble concentrating, and difficulty completing daily tasks. My neuropathy pain and gabapentin contribute to making this worse. I HAVE A.D.D.. IT IS IN MY MEDICAL RECORDS. WITH THIS CONDITION, I GET EASILY DISTRACTED AND HAVE A HARD TIME STAYING FOCUSED LONG ENOUGH TO COMPLETE A TASK. THIS IS AN AREA WHERE I AGAIN OFTEN (2-3 TIMES DAILY) WILL USE A COUNT-DOWN KITCHEN TIMER TO HELP ME STAY AT A TASK. THE TIMER (AS MENTIONED ABOVE IN ‘TALKING’) IS USUALLY SET FOR 20 MINUTES. I TELL MYSELF, ‘YOU ARE NOT GOING ANY WHERE OR DOING ANYTHING BUT THE TASK AT HAND UNTIL THAT TIMER GOES OFF.’ THESE 20 MINUTE INCREMENTS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL IN HELPING ME GET TASKS DONE. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE CYCLING/PACING THAT I MUST DO TO MANAGE FOOT PAIN, IT SEEMS LIKE I NEVER GET CAUGHT UP ON MY HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL CHORES. PAPER IS ALL OVER THE PLACE. THERE ARE USUALLY DISHES TO DO AND LANDRY TO PUT AWAY. I HAVE THREE TIMERS THAT ARE EXACTLY ALIKE IN MY LITTLE 600 SQUARE FOOT APARTMENT. WHY THREE? BECAUSE DAILY I HAVE A HARD TIME LOCATING ONE WHEN I WANT TO USE IT. WHEN THAT HAPPENS, THANKFULLY I HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. THERE IS AN AWESOME WEBSITE THAT HAS A COUNT-DOWN TIMER FUNCTION. IT IS BOOKMARKED IN MY FAVORITES BAR OF MY BROWSER FOR QUICK AND READY ACCESS WHEN I CAN NOT FIND ONE OF MY THREE KITCHEN COUNT-DOWN TIMERS. A |
Please change the yellow font color, it's impossible to read.
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Which is much more readable. Thanks, D |
Dear D,
I believe you said the abbreviated wording is from a friend that is a physician if I read that correctly. Physicians are taught to keep brief notes and not to write extensive and superfluous information. While I like the writings of your friend, I think your words draw a better picture for SSDI. Social Security Disability looks at things a bit differently in my opinion. They want details of what your day is really like each day. I think it should be as if you were trying to tell a friend of what your life is like and how it has changed and how you struggle to do the everyday routine things and how it has affected your ability to do your former job or your ability to do ANY job. From the perspective of a stranger, (which SSDI is to you), I found your detailed information much more insightful of what your life is like than the abbreviated format used by your physician friend. I think as long as your details are accurate and not inflated, truthful and honest, you will not be "hanging" yourself with any responses. It also appears that you seem to have medical documentation to back up your responses which is vital. In my opinion, which may be worthless and not necessarily good advice, if you think about what you put in your responses as a way of telling YOUR life as it currently is, to a complete stranger so that they can understand what you can do and unable to do on your best and worst days. Don't think of it as "responding" to their list, but more as telling your story as if to a stranger. Make your words draw a picture of your life as it is each day. Be careful not to embellish or dismiss anything. I read somewhere to avoid the word "can't", but to explain why something is not within your realm of abilities. For example: Don't say you "can't" walk, if you are capable of walking. However, if walking causes you such extreme pain, that it makes it unbearable to do so, then state that it is the pain that prevents you from walking, not that you "can't" walk. Personally, I like YOUR responses better as they draw a better picture than the brief and clinical manner in which your friend has expressed the same thoughts. Just my opinion. There are several people that I hope will respond that have great insight and understanding of the SSDI rules and how to complete the function report, far better than I can suggest. Please seek more than my opinion. I can only tell you what I thought as a person, not as someone that has insight into the way SSDI would receive it. The first line of your friend's note to you is very true. They want to know how you are limited. I believe your friend's editing and brevity are great for some areas of the function report, but other areas need the extensive details that you call ramblings. If I recall, there is a place for how much you can lift, how far you can walk, etc. This area can be brief but when other sections ask for details, give them details. About meds and how they affect you. Even if you do not know for sure that any particular symptoms that you may experience are a direct relationship to a particular med, you might want to say what the symptoms are and that you feel that the med "may" be a factor in certain symptoms. For instance, if you take a drug that has a known side-effect of dizziness and you experience dizziness, you might want to say that you get dizzy and think it might be related to drug X but you do not know for sure that the medicine is the cause of the symptom. Good luck to you. Hope someone that knows a lot more will give their input. Don't go by my comments. I am just giving you MY opinion, not advice. |
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The sections in blue need to be deleted IMO. If you give the impression your medical condition might be improved with a change of meds or dosages, you will be denied. Have you sat down and considered every component of your job you can no longer perform? Can I ask your age? It will determine whether the Grid Rules are an issue. If you are under the age of 50 the standard SS holds you to is can you perform any job listed in the DOT. So, you'll have to prove you're not capable of an unskilled, sedentary job like Surveillance System Monitor. Did you read the link I posted previously about 11.14 in the Blue Book? Even if you don't qualify with that Listed Impairment, those are the issues SS considers most severe for someone with your disorder. Make note of anything that applies to you and reference those limitations. It's not a bad idea to read the ENTIRE Blue Book by the way. |
Hi D,
Lit Love's editing is SUPER. Best advice you can get. Now that is good advice. Lit Love's points are superb. It cuts what should be cut but leaves pertinent details. Your friend sounded too clinical and brief in my opinion. (Sounded like a doctor.) It needs to sound like you, the person applying for benefits, not like a clinician. |
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Thank you for your help! |
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Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT)
If you can qualify by meeting or equaling a Listed Impairment, proving that should be your first priority. It doesn't need to be addressed in these forms, btw. If you won't meet a Listed Impairment, then you should try to determine if you qualify via the Grid Rules. You may or may not. The last way to be approved is with the 5 Step Sequential Process. It's unlikely you'll be approved this way without going before an ALJ. This can take 2+ years. It really doesn't take that long to get through the Blue Book. It might take a day. Better to take a few extra weeks and do a thorough job, than doing it quickly and drawing the process out for years. |
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****And before I forget -- 11:14 that you asked about previously: 11.14 Peripheral neuropathies. With disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B, in spite of prescribed treatment. PN has proven treatment resistant for me. I am clumsy and I have a DX of 'abnormality of gait'. 11.04 Central nervous system vascular accident. With one of the following more than 3 months post-vascular accident: ***** 'accident'? I was in no crashes. A. Sensory or motor aphasia resulting in ineffective speech or communication; or ****Cognition is marred due to PN pain this cause communication problems for me. I do not know what aphasia means and do not have time to look it up now. B. Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C). ***** Yes, the above is me. 11.00C C. Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve dysfunction) which occur singly or in various combinations, frequently provides the sole or partial basis for decision in cases of neurological impairment. The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands and arms. ****** Yes, I think the above applies to me. Thanks! |
Regarding if you should try to connect symptoms to meds--not when you're guessing.
Let's say you start taking Rx A. You notice it's making you drowsy and discuss it with your doc. He agrees the med is causing it, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. Fine--mention the drowsiness and explain it's caused by the Rx. When were you diagnosed with PN? So, in order to qualify with a Listed Impairment for PN, 11.14 Peripheral neuropathies. With disorganization of motor function as described in 11.04B, in spite of prescribed treatment. "B. Significant and persistent disorganization of motor function in two extremities, resulting in sustained disturbance of gross and dexterous movements, or gait and station (see 11.00C)." "C. Persistent disorganization of motor function in the form of paresis or paralysis, tremor or other involuntary movements, ataxia and sensory disturbances (any or all of which may be due to cerebral, cerebellar, brain stem, spinal cord, or peripheral nerve dysfunction) which occur singly or in various combinations, frequently provides the sole or partial basis for decision in cases of neurological impairment. The assessment of impairment depends on the degree of interference with locomotion and/or interference with the use of fingers, hands and arms." |
[QUOTE=LIT LOVE;1153276]Regarding if you should try to connect symptoms to meds--not when you're guessing.
Let's say you start taking Rx A. You notice it's making you drowsy and discuss it with your doc. He agrees the med is causing it, but the benefits outweigh the side effects. Fine--mention the drowsiness and explain it's caused by the Rx. When were you diagnosed with PN? ***** At least 2 years ago. Recently, like a month ago - it was proven via a skin biospy. So, we now have solid numbers/data to prove it (rather than just clinical impressions). Small Fiber PN. Three test spots were taken. In two out of the three spots, I was outside the bounds of the normal range. Therefore, the KU doc concluded her DX of small fiber PN. Small fiber PN CANNOT be detected via NCT/EMG. And, its most prevalent symptom is PAIN. Finally, a general neurologist often misses PN. They are usually looking for 'big stuff'. MS, ALS etc. To get my DX requires a subspecialty of neurology known as skeletal/muscular. KU is one of EIGHT accredited PN centers in the country. I was told my the President (Gene Richardson) of one of the large, national PN organizations that I 'must get to KU to even have a shot of them DX'ing my condition correctly." Until I went to KU, over the last two years it was the usual case for a PN patient . . . bounced from Dr to Dr as they throw up their hands in bewilderment. At least 3-4 docs DX'd as PN - but did not know how to treat it. Some of the treatments made it worse . . . they would 'surge their shoulders . . . and say 'I'm sorry. There is nothing else I can do for you." My brother has been a DR for 30 years. He is a good one. He had no idea of the distinction between SMALL fiber PN and LARGE fiber PN. Neither did any of the other docs I was seeing until I got to KU. Thank you. |
Hi D,
Not sure when you will see this post since you said you were heading out on a trip. When it comes to SSDI advice, Lit Love is the one that KNOWS. I only guess and voice a view from MY perspective. Lit Love knows the SSDI perspective. Always take Lit Love's advice. You won't go wrong. If her views differ from mine on any point, PLEASE ignore mine and follow Lit Love. I only guess and may be very incorrect. As to being told by your reps not to gather too many opinions, that may be true to some extent because you may be getting information from sources like me, that are only guessing. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the better off you will be in your claim for benefits. There are many TRUSTED sources of which Lit Love is one. (Not me.) Lit Love will never steer you wrong and has provided reference sources to aid you. Be sure you avail yourself of them. They can be vital to your claim. There are some other people here that can also provide good information but be careful of "advice" by some that can only guess like me. The best "advice" that I can give you is to paint the picture accurately of your situation. You are trying to SHOW SSDI (people that do not know you) your limitations using paper. Keep in mind that your pain is invisible to others. Even people that know you may not even realize how you are impacted. You are attempting to convey why you are unable to work at any job. One last thought. Since you were a teaching, I am assuming you have a college degree. The more education you have, the more difficult the process, as you have qualifications to perform many other occupations even with limitations than someone of a low level education. A factor in your favor is your age. For young people, the process is more difficult. The BEST advice I can offer is take everything Lit Love posts to heart. It will serve you well. |
Thank you Hopeless, I do make mistakes though. There are others that post on the forum that I trust to catch any errors I might make.
Regarding age, the part about it getting easier to be approved as you get older, that I have found to be not entirely accurate. It is absolutely true within the context of the Grid Rules, but otherwise, the rules themselves do not allow for age to be factored. Of course, some adjudicators and ALJs may be more lenient in their assessment of older applicants, so... |
Grid rules
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Thanks. That is exactly why I warned D of the sources of information he might gather. I guess I was thinking only of the grid rules. Thanks for explaining where my thinking goes a bit off kilter, especially, for the sake of the person that began the thread, and me, too. (And all others that might read the posts.) I would feel really bad about disseminating erroneous information. As I mentioned in my first post in the thread, I was hoping someone like you would fix my info. Thanks. |
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Lit and Hopeless - thank you very much. More when i get home Friday.
:grouphug: |
Hi Can i find a good dr,
OK, this is a first for me, attempting to put a link in a post. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfc...statement.html Not sure if it will work or not or if permitted but this link talks about getting your physician to complete a form regarding your abilities. This form is usually submitted with an appeal but I think it may help if submitted with your initial application. Better let Lit Love comment on this. I am guessing (as usual) but I think most initial applicants do not submit this because the applicant is unaware of it until they are denied upon initial application. I do not know if you are even allowed to submit this at the initial application level. All that being said, it might be worthwhile at least looking at the form so you can see what information will be needed down the road if not approved at stage 1 of the process. It might help you with completing the form you are currently working on for submission. The more information you have about the process and what needs to be provided, the better off you will be in your quest for benefits. |
Hi can I find a good dr
Here is another link you may find interesting. Since PN causes pain, you might find this helpful. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/soc...onic-pain.html Please be sure to scroll down and read the entire article. It talks about credibility and is directly on point for some of the items mentioned by you and by me. Hope this helps some. |
If you find more names and aren't able to edit, please report the post and let us know.
The report icon is a little triangle with a ! inside. |
One more link that is about grid rules for persons aged 50-54
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...h-social-sec-0 |
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Those that have to undergo the ordeal that is the 5 Step Sequential Process, the 3rd and final way to be approved for SSI/SSDI, have to prove they are no longer capable of former work (step 4) or any work (step 5). An ALJ uses an applicant's medical documents, their application and testimony, and 3rd party function reports to determine their functional limitations. At the hearing, the ALJ will pose questions to the Vocational Expert (VE)about a hypothetical worker and various limitations and the VE will determine if that hypothetical worker is capable of various jobs. After the hearing the ALJ sets the applicants RFC rating and uses the VE's testimony to determine if they are capable of any work. The idea with supplying your own RFC forms, is to prove you have certain functional limitations, which will then erode the jobs listed by the VE. (I always advise applicants to undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation or FCE, which then allows their doctor to use the testing results from the FCE to fill out RFC forms.) And there are 2 versions of RFC forms--one that covers physical disabilities and the other mental disabilities. There are times when I've advised applicants for a variety of reasons to consider having a FCE done very early on, as well as having the accompanying RFC/s filled out. In this case, I'd advise against it at least until the OP deals with the issues of his doc being not supportive of his claim, he should not ask him to fill out any additional paperwork. http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfc...statement.html "RFC forms completed by your treating doctor can be extremely helpful to you at the time of your hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ)." Since he has conditions that might allow him to be approved with a Listed Impairment, it makes the most sense IMO, that he focus his energy on providing the medical documentation required to meet or "equal" a listing. IMO, it appears the biggest issue the OP is facing is that his PN doc is not supportive of his disability claim. I'm actually really confused by this. Earlier in one of these threads, the OP stated it was his doc that insisted he stop working or he'd cause permanent damage. Was that the same doc or a different doc? Should he consider finding a new doc like Echoes suggested? A new doc likely won't have much effect for several months. If the current doc will never be supportive, than the OP will have to accept the delay and move on. Is the OP seeing a psychiatrist? What is his or her opinion about your mental health claim? |
Hi Hopeless,
Thanks for the link. I agree with what you wrote below. I gave a 2 page form to both my shrink and my neuro yesterday. These forms were created by my law firm. Shrink took it no problem and seems as if he will support me on my claim. My neuro was 'What is all of this? This is subjective . . . '. I felt like saying, 'Well . . . we got OBJECTIVE data from one of your peers here at the hospital stating that on 2 of the three test sites on my body - that I was outside the range . . . and therefore have small fiber PN, but that does not seem to matter either...' Cooler heads prevailed, I kept my mouth shut. He handed the two page doc to his nurse. My brother who has been a GP doc for about 30 years told me, "I hate those dumb forms." He stated his many reasons why. Then he told me, "Do you docs a favor. You fill it out. Then when you hand him the blank say . . . my brother is a doc and he hates filling out these things because they are time-consuming and subjective. Do him a favor. You fill one out. You had him the blank one and the filled out one and say something like this, 'My brother is a doc . . . he told me to fill one out ahead of time . . . not to tell you what to put on the blank report . . . just to show the you (the doc) how I would honestly fill one out on myself.' The idea being, cut down on the doc's time by him looking at the form you already filled out. Bro said tell the doc something like, "if you have any questions about anything on put on the form you could ask me now or later. I'm simply trying to make this request from me - easier on you, should you choose to do it for me." Quote:
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Lit wrote:
IMO, it appears the biggest issue the OP ^^^Does OP mean the 'other person'? is facing is that his PN doc is not supportive of his disability claim. ^^^Yes. I found that shocking especially with my clinical history, my current trend of getting worse and the SOLID science of the skin biopsy. I'm actually really confused by this. Earlier in one of these threads, the OP stated it was his doc that insisted he stop working or he'd cause permanent damage. Was that the same doc or a different doc? ^^^The other doc is a relative. Out of love for me and from his expertise as a doctor of 30 years - this OTHER doc said, "Stop working NOW." I did not want to stop but it was obviously the right thing to do for reasons I have already stated numerous times on this forum. Should he consider finding a new doc like Echoes suggested? A new doc likely won't have much effect for several months. If the current doc will never be supportive, than the OP will have to accept the delay and move on. ^^^I dread seeing another doc about PN. Why? I have seen many and most have no idea what they are looking at/for. Just ask about any PN patient will tell ya that they had to go through at least 30 docs to find one that could help them. A general neuro is of no help. They only deal with the 'biggies' - ALS, MS, etc. The subspecialty of skeletal-muscular is generally needed to get a proper DX for PN. ^^^This current neuro doc, who has the subspecialty mentioned above, seems in the ball-park at least. At least he is calling a 'spade and spade'. Hearing, "You have small fiber PN is much more comforting than hearing - 'I do not know what is wrong with you. There is nothing I can do to help you." Or, even worse - a subtle or not so subtle . . . .'there is NOTHING wrong with you. You must be crazy..." And my bro said, "OK. So what? Crazy people get PN also . . . If you don't know what it is . . . .send me to somebody that might..." So, I got sent out . . . and they did not know what it was . . . and the cycle continued . . . ^^^I just don't get it . . . yesterday was my third time seeing him since 4/29/15 . . . and each appointment I have been worse off then the previous one. HE is the one that tells me to do LESS physical work (ie. a ten minute bike ride or a ten minute walk) . . . HE is the one that increased my GabaP from 900mgs per day (3 - 300's per day) to the now current dose of 2,400 mgs per day (600 mg 4 times a day). And he increased to the higher dose about six weeks ago. I am getting WORSE, not better . . . in spite of the care I am receiving. YET, he thinks it is mostly in my head . . .If my head get better, my ability to deal with my PN gets better. Yes. I agree. No doubt about that. BUT . . . it doesn't magically make me fall back into the correct ranges on any additional skin biopsies . . . I don't think the best talk therapy in the world is going to magically make my symptoms lessen or disappear . . . Is the OP seeing a psychiatrist? What is his or her opinion about your mental health claim?[/QUOTE] ***My shrink is quiet. He hasn't given me a straight 'Yeah' or 'Nah'. He did take the two page form from my law firm without question. He scanned over it and told me he would fill it out and get it back to them. He does agree with my neuro that I have been under a tremendous amount of pressure over the last 10 months with only more still to come in the future . . . Although PN was the major reason I took FMLA this school year . . . my shrink is the one that gave me the doctor's note. I did not ask my neuro at the time, because I did not know him at that time. My shrink does agree that I did talk therapy and that it will help me deal better with my PN. Finally, neuro is only 38 years old. My shrink is about 55 years old. Nothing against young folks . . . but generally speaking - wisdom is something reserved for the more mature in age. Thanks for reading and sharing and helping. All are appreciated. |
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^^^Thoughts? Thank you all. |
Lit Love,
Thanks for your reply. That is why I always refer the Original Poster to defer to YOUR comments. I was just thinking the 3 links may help the OP better understand things from the viewpoint of SSDI. Thanks so much for all the information you provide. |
OP=Original Poster
You need to be prepared that this might be a very long process. You might need to consider moving in with family if you don't have another source of income. No, it does not appear your PN will qualify you with a Listed Impairment at this time. Becoming a klutz does not rise to the level of severity needed. The same thing with having body twitches a few times a day. Your current Neuro is increasing your meds to hopefully reduce your symptoms and give you the highest degree of function possible, that's not necessarily inconsistent with him thinking you may be capable of working. The skin biopsy proves you have PN, not what your functional limitations are. This might be a good time to request a referral for a Functional Capacity Evaluation. It will help provide your Neuro with objective test results regarding your abilities and limitations, as well as providing SS with the same. --And he is right, if he just guesses what he believes are your functional abilities, SS may or may not give it any weight. (Those forms your attorney asked your docs to fill out, and that were maybe even customized specifically for you, were probably a version of an RFC form.) Did you give the Neuro a copy of the form that you had already filled in? If so, that was not a good idea IMO. BTW, it is possible SS will determine you are no longer capable of teaching PE due to your PN, and perhaps not teach any subject due to your BP disorder, but they might claim you are capable of a less stressful desk job. In all my lengthy postings to you, the one thing I've forgotten to say is that qualifying for SSI/SSDI is a complex medical/legal evaluation. One last thing, your brother can write a letter on your behalf, but unless he's a treating source, it will be the same as a letter from any other family member. His medical opinions might be 100% accurate, but they won't help you prove your SSDI claim, which needs medical documentation. |
Hi can I find a good dr,
I have some vision problems and have a little difficulty reading your responses when you intersperse your comments WITHIN quoted material and then also outside the quoted material. I did notice that you use symbols to differentiate but would it be possible for you to use a different color for your comments so they stand out a little better? That would help me if not too much trouble for you. Thanks, Hopeless |
I'm sorry I have gotten lost. What was the info that Lit put out that she is now calling a mistake and/or is in need of correct? Thank you.
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Where on the screen do we look to find what you are talking about below? I can't find it.
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Use of your name
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You asked that I not use your name and I had an administrator edit my posts which used it. That is what was discussed in this post. I was thanking the administrator for taking care of that for me. Hopeless |
NO error
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No one is perfect but when it comes to SSDI information, she is as close to that perfection as one can be and still be human. The ONLY error I have seen in any post to this thread is my using your name and that has been corrected. I may have stated some things that were not applicable but Lit Love expounded and explained them for me. Hopeless |
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Quote: Originally Posted by Hopeless View Post Hi Lit Love, Thanks. That is exactly why I warned D of the sources of information he might gather. I guess I was thinking only of the grid rules. Thanks for explaining where my thinking goes a bit off kilter, especially, for the sake of the person that began the thread, and me, too. (And all others that might read the posts.) I would feel really bad about disseminating erroneous information. As I mentioned in my first post in the thread, I was hoping someone like you would fix my info. Thanks. Lit Love made NO mistake. The conversation was my way of asking Lit Love to monitor MY comments so that I would not steer you wrong. She is looking out for you and helping me to be sure my comments are not erroneous. I think Lit Love knew what I meant. Sorry, you did not follow that particular interaction between Lit Love and me (Hopeless). Lit Love has expounded on things I have posted to keep me on track with your particular situation and not over generalize or get too unorganized in my thoughts. Sorry for any confusion this may have caused you. |
You need to be prepared that this might be a very long process. You might need to consider moving in with family if you don't have another source of income.
^^^OK. Thank you for the tip. I cannot image how hard that would be on my girls AND me. My family is 2 to 3 hours away. But, I understand your point. No, it does not appear your PN will qualify you with a Listed Impairment at this time. Becoming a klutz does not rise to the level of severity needed. The same thing with having body twitches a few times a day. ^^^Understood. But, the pain and weakness of my calves . . . hard to be nice and sweet and productive when one feels that their pain level is in a 6-8 range. ^^^I read an article from the NIH about small fiber neuropathy and the number one word is the article was PAIN. And I finally saw in print, what I have been dealing with for over two years now. "COLD PAIN". Your current Neuro is increasing your meds to hopefully reduce your symptoms and give you the highest degree of function possible, ^^^My bro said the way he increased my GabaP was not correct. That it should have been gradually bumped up. Not a starting dose of 900mgs total for the day to 2,400 total for the day just six weeks later with no gradual build up. AND, this was with me calling in almost two months early than he had originally had me scheduled to come in. After the first visit, it was the 'see ya in three months' deal. After 3 weeks, the Gaba honeymoon was over and I was in to see him in six weeks rather than the 12 weeks that he had me down for. ^^^At the conclusion of yesterday's meeting, he had it in my charts to see him in SIX MONTHS! It is a two hour drive from my small town to see my shrink and my neuro. So, I try to 'double dip'. Stay the night with a friend. See one doc one day and see the other doc the other day. So, instead of six months like he put down on my chart - his nurse told the scheduler to put me down for a two month follow-up so we could do the double dip thing. ^^^Even my meeting yesterday - no change at all in meds. He tried to call my shrink while I was there with him. He could not speak with my shrink today. He said he would consult with my shrink and THEN they would change my meds. At least the AD I take. Makes since. But, all that really happened yesterday with the neuro was, "You got to have some talk therapy. We will try to help you find one in your area. AND, you STILL need to do LESS. Work for 15 minutes - rest for 30 minutes. Continue that pattern until bed-time. ^^^So, at this time - nothing in my meds have been changed. that's not necessarily inconsistent with him thinking you may be capable of working. ^^^Understood. But there is that subjective area of PAIN. How is that handled? The skin biopsy proves you have PN, not what your functional limitations are. ^^^Understood. This might be a good time to request a referral for a Functional Capacity Evaluation. It will help provide your Neuro with objective test results regarding your abilities and limitations, as well as providing SS with the same. ^^^One has to walk at least a day in the shoes of the other to get an idea what the other's day is like. Is the above going to do that? --And he is right, if he just guesses what he believes are your functional abilities, SS may or may not give it any weight. (Those forms your attorney asked your docs to fill out, and that were maybe even customized specifically for you, were probably a version of an RFC form.) ^^^Understood. Did you give the Neuro a copy of the form that you had already filled in? If so, that was not a good idea IMO. ^^^I gave it to him as my brother suggested and I also told him he was free to throw it in the toss can if he so desired. I stated the reasons I gave them to him. Why do you think my bro's plan was a 'not a good idea'. BTW, it is possible SS will determine you are no longer capable of teaching PE due to your PN, and perhaps not teach any subject due to your BP disorder, but they might claim you are capable of a less stressful desk job. ^^^Which cannot be found . . . and if I sit for longer than an hour - my feet get naughty (painful). Remember neuro doc said MORE rest. That I do TOO MUCH. I said, 'all I do is pittle around my apt doing housework, paying bills, etc... In all my lengthy postings to you, the one thing I've forgotten to say is that qualifying for SSI/SSDI is a complex medical/legal evaluation. ^^^I understand. One last thing, your brother can write a letter on your behalf, but unless he's a treating source, it will be the same as a letter from any other family member. His medical opinions might be 100% accurate, but they won't help you prove your SSDI claim, which needs medical documentation.[/QUOTE] ^^^Since I had him listed as a contact person, unbeknownst to me - they sent him a function report that is identical to mine . . .for him to fill out on me. He was not a 'happy camper' but he understands the importance of his filling it out in a timely manner and getting it back to SSA. |
Sure. Thanks for letting me know. I'll try to keep my comments on TOP or very BUTTOM on less lengthy replies. Thank you and every one else for your help/interest/concerns. Much appreciated.
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Hopeless |
I used my own name and I want it deleted out but I cannot find the area/icon to contact admin on. Thanks.
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Alerted admin
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It is on the left of the screen. You may want to locate any posts YOU made that include your name and send a message so they don't have to look for them. Hope this helps. |
NOT what I meant
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I like the interspersing so that it is easy to see exactly what you are referring to in your response, just not easy to see which are quotes and which are responses. The color change would be ideal. Thanks |
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