I have started the process of filing for SSDI and SSI. I have a tramatic brain injury that turned into post cuncussive syndrome and post traumatic stress syndrome and on meds for them. Because I am under dr care I had an apt I am now labled a agoraphobic and have been put on 2 more meds. Do I tell SS or will they find out by them selves when they contact my dr? If I am suppose to tell them how do I do that? I know these probobly seem like stupid question but this whole prosess is so confussing and new to me.

Once you are assigned a case worker,they will request that your doctors send them all your medical records. That should be ongoing until that make a judgement on your case.

I would try calling your local office and asking how to get in touch with your case worker.

So often, an updated medical record contains new diagnoses or new meds that don't necessarily pertain to the SSDI claim (ie, being told you also have high blood pressure matters to your personal health, but in most cases would not be disabling). Agoraphobia has direct impact on your ability to do any job that can not be done from your own home. I'd want to make sure that is brought to SSA's attention and not 'buried' in the mix of all of your info.

If you have already applied, submitted your application, I woulld get your medical reports from your doctor(s) and submit them to SSA. Doctors are not always compliant with SSA's requests for information and sometimes SSA just ignores requesting records. Neveer trust the system. Another alternative is to have your doctor(s) submit a letter describing diagnosis and most importantly your limitations.
Respectfully
Trudi

Thanks for the advice. The contact person I have is this horrible woman who made me freal out and cry and then became angry at me. She did the first part of my report. But after my meltdown I was scared to go back (and my family wouldn't let me go alone again), so I did the rest online. Do I have to keep dealing with her or can I request someone new? Will this cause trouble?

Hi, I hope that your claim is going to go through with no trouble. I would give them all my medical records, and get them to your case worker. I had a lawyer, and he said to let them know about all medical issues. good luck to you. ginnie

You really don't get to choose the employee who works your case. If you feel you have a valid complaint against an employee, you could notify the supervisors or local management. Perhaps you may be more sensitive than other people, perhaps not. SSA staff is supposed to treat you both professionally and businesslike, but they are not there to help you feel better. It can be a fine line to straddle because they are still under the gun to get the work done as quickly as possible so that it reduces processing time for everyone.

If you have been diagnosed agoraphobic and you have provided the name of the doctor who diagnosed you to your examiner, it will be in the records. However, I would still call to let your examiner know to make double sure. I am very sorry to hear that your examiner was crabby and frustrated you to the point of tears. Without knowing the specifics I can't say how or why this could have happened, although as Janke rightly says, she is supposed to treat you professionally. It might be worthwhile to give her another call at some point, just to check on the status of your claim perhaps, or see if there is anything you can do to help her? It is always possible you caught her at an "off moment" (not really excusable, but I guess we are all human...) so please don't be afraid to speak with her because of one phone call. If she really is mean or unprofessional with you, you are well within your rights to find out who her manager is and let them know so they can investigate and take appropriate action.


Another thought...is this the person at the actual Social Security Office? Because if it is, she might not be the one actually working on your claim. In my state, the claimant applies at the Social Security Office, has an interview with a worker there, who does all the preliminary paperwork and things, and then the case is sent to a different worker for the actual medical portion of the claim. If this is the case, then you may not need to speak with the cranky lady again. Look at your paperwork (you may have received a letter in the mail with a name and phone number on it...if not, you can just go to the Social Security Office, or call them, and they can provide you your worker's number).

Oh my, what a wall of text. Hope this helps. PM me or reply with any questions.