Call from SSD
 

I'm currently under reconsideration.

I just received a call from my case worker asking me if I have any upcoming breathing tests schedule for my COPD. I told her that I will be doing a CT scan and a spirometry next test month.

She said that a decision would be made soon .

Does anyone know if a phone call from SSD is good news or bad news ?

Thanks.

It means the case worker is being diligent, but it doesn't mean an approval or denial is more likely. Have you carefully read the Listing requirements?

What are Listing requirements?

Edit: she also said that she would pass what I told her on to 'their doctors'.

Listing of Impairments - Adult Listings (Part A)

You want to read all of 3.00 and then the appropriate Listing, I'm guessing 3.02 Chronic Respiratory Disorders: 3.-Respiratory-Adult

SS is very specific about the requirements for test type, as well as how it's performed and documented. Since you were denied at the initial level, in all likelihood you either didn't have the test documented as needed, you don't meet the Listing requirements or SS didn't receive the medical documentation.

Those that are approved at the initial stage usually meet a Listing. Those that are 50 or older and meet other requirements are sometimes approved quickly as well, but 2/3 of applicants are denied at the first stage. Reconsideration approval rates are a little over 10% and approvals mostly occur when new medical documentation is submitted that helps a claimant meet a Listing or helps with the GRID.

There is also a full 5 Step Sequential Evaluation Process that is used to approve or deny SSI/SSDI benefits, but it usually will require an ALJ hearing which takes a couple of years. https://www.ssa.gov/oidap/Documents/...Evaluation.pdf

So, if you might possibly meet a Listing, but require new testing be performed, I would suggest you request your case worker allow you time to schedule it and get the results back. Since you're already scheduled for more testing, verify if it will be what SS requires and if not, see if it can be.

This is an answer that I got from another website :

" The claims examiner may call any time that information is needed and the answer can be short and quick. The fact that the claim is being passed to a doctor without waiting for the November test results could be a positive sign."

thank you.

Yes, I looked at the Listing/bluebook BEFORE I filed my claim. I was denied at the initial level because they said " Your condition results in some limitations in your ability to perform work related actives , however these limitations do not prevent you from performing work you have done in the past" They never said anything about me not meeting the Listing requirements.

I had a CT scan, a Spirometry test and the six minute walk test done ,there are NO other tests that can be done for COPD, these tests were done at a a major hospital and the person that did them has been trained do preform them. SS has ALL of my test results and documents ( including ER visits, new meds etc ). I have been vigilant about making sure that SS has any new information about my health. I will be having a CT scan, a Spirometry test and the six minute walk test done next month and YES these tests meet SS requirements because there are NO OTHER tests that came be done for COPD.

*admin edit*

You were denied at Step 4. If you had met a Listing, you would have been approved at Step 3, and then the process stops. See link for the 5 Step Sequential Evaluation Process above.

It's not that your test wasn't performed properly, it just might not have been performed the way SS requires. As one example, it could be something as simple as you had a change of medication within two weeks of spirometry testing, so the test was invalidated. See 3.00 E from link for Listings.

Your case worker would not be asking about upcoming breathing tests if you had enough medical documentation to prove you meet a Listing today. You can ask why you don't already meet a Listing--I'm not sure why they don't volunteer this, but there must be a policy against it. Or, if denied at Reconsideration, you can request a copy of your file to see why they determined that you didn't meet a Listing.