Has anyone with CRPS recently (in the past year) filed for SSDisability? I would like to communicate here with a recent filee. tx!

I have RSD/CRPS and applied in April 2013, and was approved within three months for SSD. Also was approved STD/LTD benefits.

I originally posted this on the SSD forum.....................

I've been off work since 12-23-12. Got STD then LTD, I was required to
apply for SSD & did in late May '13 - Denied. Hired atty. to appeal early Oct.'13.
The original atty. left the firm and my case was taken over by another atty.
I have not heard of any progress on the process.

What does ALJ hearing stand for & what is/who is the VE?

Sorry for being naive' but I've worked all my life (fortunately) & have never had to go through any of this.
__________________
RSD/CRPS and contracture of left hand and arm after surgery for broken wrist.
AZ-Di is online now

After I get my VA disability approved. Even if I have to fight it and appeal it. I will be going for SSD. It's a hard battle to get either. I'm used to hard battles by now lol. It's supposed to be a little easier if you get your VA approved without having to appeal but we will see. Just remember no matter what, even if you're in a flare of mega proportions BE POLITE. It does make a difference in their attitude towards you.

I just applied on Friday. One thing my attorney told me was most cases are denied the first time so don't let that get you down,most likely you will be approved the second time,keep accurate records of everything and yes,be polite

I recently applied and was just scheduled to see a state appointed psychologist. I am a bit nervous...hoping it goes well.

I've had it mentioned to me by ortho Dr. & Hand therapist that
theres some testing that (IS or MAY BE?) required. I've returned
a "Function Form" to SS but that was for me to fill out.

I've heard the tests referred to as "Impairment Reading" &
"Residual Function Capicity". Are these necessary or do I wait
for SS to order/request them. I have a call into my atty. but no
return call as of yet.

I would wait until one of those tests are requested before doing one on your own. I had a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) done at the request of my PM dr. He required one before he would complete the short-term disability paperwok for my works insurance carrier. That FCE was brutal and only tested things like how much I could push, pull and reach. It did nothing to test me in my real working environment (working on computer all day, writing, concentrating, sitting, standing, etc). It was the major thing the insurance carrier used against me because it said I could do sedentary level work. I had a sedentary job. After many appeals, I was finally approved for STD & LTD benefits. It was of course it was sent in with all of my records to SSA for my SSD claim. I was approved for SSD on the first application. While the FCE was not helpful, my medical records and an awesome letter from my PCP were.

Allanira is right, BE POLITE, no matter what. I have a friend who is an analyst at SSA. She did not have any input on my claim, she never saw it since it was farmed out to a different state. But she did tell me that when I find out who is assigned to my claim, call that person and introduce myself and become their best friend. I never recieved a letter telling me who my analyst was so I never had a chance to do that. Probably because I sent them all the records they needed. She also told me not to hire an attorney until my claim reached the hearing stage (which happens after two denials). She said they slow the entire process down and complicate things. I know I am lucky to have been approved so quickly.

Yes I filed for SSDI and finally got approved last June. It took me almost 2yrs to get approved. I was denied the first time and then got a lawyer the second time around and he was stunned I was even denied because of everything and after another 6 months of filing and waiting I got approved. It can be a battle, but make sure all your drs are ok with filling out paper work, because the more drs you have, then it falls more in your favor. They are getting cheap though because the are generally, the whole system is running out of money for SSDI, so I got the lowest income they could give me by law. But that gave me an advantage because I don't have to pay for any of my scripts or health insurance. I can also get help with housing, cars (I cant drive though) food stamps etc... In my state though it is a 5yr waiting list to get help with housing so im getting ready to see what it takes to get on that list so im atleast on it.