My 2nd go around with SSDI and Hubby has a new job prospect
 

I just started with my 2nd go around with SSDI and I am at the last leg of it. Today I had my psych evaluation and it went really, really well. I was in the appt. for an hour and 20 minutes and the Psychologist made feel like he really cared. The last time I with SSDI my appts. took like MINUTES and I felt like everything I said was swept under the rug. He even went over my answers to all the questions. Today, I was very thankful for the rain!! You know that we kind of go into that certain "zone" when our pain is weather related making it worse. He noticed certain things about my Cerebral Palsy that the docs in the hospital when I had my MRSA infection noticed. A MRSA infection was the cause of my RSD.

Also, some of you may remember me being hysterical a few weeks ago about my hubby being harrassed at work about my RSD, well some guy came into the store and offered him a job in, get this...INSURANCE!! I used to work with the guy that offered him the job and he is a real honest person....he must be doing well because he is building a house and came into the store for flooring...NO ONE is building houses around here unless they are very well off or run their own construction company. So, please continue to pray for us, as things are starting to look up in this household.

I have my internist exam for SSDI on Oct. 26....how long will I have to wait for an answer after that and the hearing? I didn't get that far the first round with SSDI because they couldn't locate some of my medical records, but they have all of them now! Thanks sooo much :)

Is this the second application for SSDI? If so, what was reason for denial at the ALJ level last time?

A few areas to concentrate on in these final stages.

An SS medical consultant will perform a Residual Functional Capacity assessment on your claim by relying on your medical records and your doctor’s notes about your functional abilities and restrictions. If you have hundreds of pages of records, this info can be hard for them to locate. Also, if you're not working, and haven't worked in a long time, there maybe little to no details in your file regarding work restrictions. Your doc's opinion that you are disabled or unable to work isn't enough. The details really count.

This link gives the basics, but you'll need to research this more in depth.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/soc...ity-rsd-2.html

If you're filing pro se at the ALJ level, the judge might allow you to address the Vocational Expert report before hand by mail.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfc-win.html

RSD is not a Listed Impairment, so you will be trying to get a Medical Vocational Allowance.
http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/wha...looks-for.html

This includes some redundant info but still, well worth the read.
http://www.rsdlaughter.com/smf/index...e;topic=2304.0

This info should be considered only a very basic starting point in your research if filing pro se. Please consider legal representation.

I do have legal representation this time and I am working with other several agencies...I have a list of diagnosis besides RSD to work with including depression, severe anxiety, Cerebral Palsy, arthiritis, and RSD ..so I am more opitimistic this time. Thanks for all the info :)

Anyone that's had RSD for an extended period of time should be evaluated for depression...

It sounds like you're being real proactive with this application!

I agree LitLove...how could you go through this mess day after day and NOT be depressed. There are so many changes in our lives and it is a constant struggle for everything! Best of luck to Cindi as she goes through the steps. Take one step at a time and try not to let it get the best of you. We have limited strength to deal with each day so take it one day at a time!! Best to all,
kathy d

Cindi -

Although CRPS may not be a "Listed Impairment" for purposes of SSDI, you should be aware of the very detailed "Policy Interpretation Ruling Titles II and XVI: Evaluating Cases Involving Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome," effective October 20, 2003, a copy of which may be found at http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/rulings/d...-02-di-01.html

Please check it out carefully. Good luck!

Mike

Cindi,

That is great if your husband takes the job. It would relieve alot of stress and SSDI sounds like you got your records and such in order. Which is great.
Good luck!
Anita:)