Sonny1, my wife has RSD and was recently approved for SSDI last November. SS did send her to a doctor that lasted about 20 minutes. In our experience the doctor was very sympathetic and professional. He did write a report favorable to my wife's condition. She won her case.

You are correct Sonny1 in that how can a stranger evaluate your condition, especially RSD, in 10 minutes? My belief is SS wants to do a "looks see" to make sure no scam or a possibility of one is afoot before you join with the SS judge.

Just wondering if your mental issues are documented and for how far back.

Well I guess maybe once the doctor saw all of the scars on my hands from the 10 surgeries, maybe he believed me. he had me make a fist (which is hard when neither thumb bends, due to metal screws fusing them 100%), he asked where the burning was, had me lift my arms as high as i could and that was it. The shrink asked me 10 questions that i already answered in the application for SSD. So, yes, maybe it was just to see me and what my demeanor was. Well being on so many med's, I am usually like a zombie any ways!! Glad your wife did not have trouble getting approved!

Oh, there was plenty of trouble, years of it. She was denied 3 times. But she was only referred to an SS doc once and it was a positive one. Actually everything went much smoother after her visit with that doctor it seemed.

Sonny,
I know there are differences from state to state, but to encourage you I was approved the first time for SSDI. I too have CRPS in both arms although mine started in my right arm/shoulder from a herniated disc that damaged the C5 nerve root and not multiple hand surgeries like yours. Luckily, I did not have to go through a medical or mental review like you did and was approved without ever seeing a doctor but I can't see how that would hurt you. Good luck. i hope you are approved quickly and the first time.
Cricket

Hi Sonny,

My biggest tip would be reviewing your medical records yourself and seeing what they say. It is not enough for your doctors to say, "She is totally disabled and cannot work." The doctors have to explain WHY your condition makes you unable to work.

Look at your medical documentation and play devil's advocate with the information. For instance, and I don't mean to sound like a schmuck saying this and I have RSD myself so I understand what living with chronic pain is like......but, on what you have written here.....10 surgeries to one hand that now has limited range of motion.......why can't you get a job answering phones using your other hand ? That is the kind of question that your records have to address and answer. It's not just about 'what is wrong', it's about 'what impact that problem has on your ability to work'.

Does the increase in pain in your hand/arm after you shower and get dressed mean that you can't shower and dress many days ?

Does the loopy feeling from your meds and insomnia d/t pain mean that you can't drive most days ? Or if you could get to work and had a pain flare you couldn't get home ?

Does the pain get so bad you can't concentrate or have to lay down frequently ?

Basically, does the info in your medical records prove that you are unable to do something as simple as being a greeter at WallyWorld ?

Make sure the records focus on your functional limitations. Mine didn't until the end......and that's why I think it took 3 years for me to be approved.

Good luck

Yes my medical gives the specifics of what these surgeries have done to limit my abilities and also leaves me higly restricted due to lack of range of motion, grip, strength etc. My psychologist has also clearly addressed my emotional state (or as i call it disaster). There are many days I do not function at all (not even getting up to shower). All documented. And they also explain how the CRPS (aside from pain 24/7) leaves me sleepless and the medications cause serious functional side affects. My shrink history goes back to 2007 and has ridden the same roller coaster as I have with all of the phsyical issues. The surgeries were on both hands, so i have significant loss of use (well my thumbs are pretty much 100% useless, which has caused tremendous compensation else where in the hands.

I appreciate everyones input. I only applied for DDS on the advise of my attorney!

That all sounds really helpful for your case Sonny.

I'm still concerned for your approval though, because they sent you to their own doc and psych. It is my impression from reading here (not from personal experience and NOT something I know to be a fact) that SSA usually sends you for those when it's a borderline kind of case. It sounds like your documentation would be more of a home run.

I think your age counts against you. I was 40 too when I applied. From reports around here, it seems like it's an easier process for those who are over 50. Having a college degree can count against you too as they figure you have more employment options.

I hope you hear good news soon. If not, remember it takes most of us a few tries to get there.