I've been on SSDI for 4 years. I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, migraines and DDD. I haven't worked, go to my doctor regularly and have had to increase my medications since my pain has increased.

I am in the process of being reviewed by Social Security. They sent me to a doctor and he "examined" me. It was a really bizarre appointment.

I'm worried that reviewing my medical records, alone, didn't satisfy Social Security and they had me seen by their doctor? Is this typical? Should I be worried about getting kicked off?

My treating physician said not to worry as I've actually gotten worse since I was initially approved by Soc. Sec.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Kelly

Kelly: I just had my SSDI CDR for Bi-Polar and even though they review everyone at some point. It is vere difficult for them to take you off of SSDI if your going to your Doctor and still taking your medication, especially if the Doctor says you have gotten worse. I know this because I had a friend that worked in the field. Please don't make yourself worry about it. Believe me I stressed for so long, and it took them about two months to complete my review my claim. What type of form did they send you to complete to return to them, the short form or the long form?

Tom








UOTE=kellysf;797526]I've been on SSDI for 4 years. I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, migraines and DDD. I haven't worked, go to my doctor regularly and have had to increase my medications since my pain has increased.

I am in the process of being reviewed by Social Security. They sent me to a doctor and he "examined" me. It was a really bizarre appointment.

I'm worried that reviewing my medical records, alone, didn't satisfy Social Security and they had me seen by their doctor? Is this typical? Should I be worried about getting kicked off?

My treating physician said not to worry as I've actually gotten worse since I was initially approved by Soc. Sec.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Kelly[/QUOTE]

Hi Kelly,

I've got 'matching' dx's and have been on SSDI exactly 4 years this month.

I understand it's easier said then done to 'not worry about it' I expect I'll be gnawing on my nails when it's my review time.

It sounds like you have all of your ducks in a row, and that's all you can do.

What was bizarre about the MD appt they sent you too ? Was it a thorough exam or did he seem to poo-poo your concerns/complaints of pain ?

I was sent the long form for continuing disability. When I was granted disability, the judge said I should be reviewed after 1 year but they took 4.

The appt. was odd because the doctor didn't ask me about my pain now or my daily activities. He did ask me about how my problems all started 9 years ago and what kinds of things I have trouble doing now. He didn't do any of the tests that are relevant to TOS. Instead, he tested my arm strength and leg sensitivity to vibration (both of which are not a problem and are unrelated to why I was awarded disability). He just asked very few questions that were relevant to my case.

I'm trying not to worry but it's difficult when there is so much at stake -- as I'm sure everyone here understands too well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Ugh....that reminds me of so many of the IME doctors I had to see when I was still on WC. Limited ROM is such a small part of the problem compared to the PAIN !!!!!

Has anybody on this board ever been removed from SSDI after a review? I'm sure it happens. Yet you would think that if your still taking your meds and not working you should be safe-right?

I sure hope you're right.

I didn't know they made you see their doctor. Was this after you filled out the paperwork? My review will be in July of 2012. Someone asked if anyone knew someone losing thei rbenefits. Someone I know did lose theirs in May. They were awarded based on seizures. He had roughly 8-12 a year. They are now down to 2-4. So they took him off. He is 48 and is going to try again in 2 years. He has fought it but been turned down so far. The next step is to go before a judge again. He is very nervous about it.

Was he working while on SSDI? I heard that does raise flags. Is it true? I dont know, but I have heard if they see you working PT then they can say you can go back to FT work and lose the SSDI benefit.

my cousin who was recieving ssdi for about 15 years for bi-polar disorder and depression recently had his benefits stopped for the following reason.he recently had his disibility case reviewed by the social security admnistration..this was his 3rd review in 15 years since he first got on ssdi.social security sent him a letter giveing him there decision about his disibility case review.they said in the letter that they find that he no longer qualifies for disibility benefits under ss rules because he had not seen a doctor or takeing any medications for quite some time.the letter goes on to say that since he has not seen a doctor in a while or takeing any medications that his condition has improved to the point where he can return to work...