NeuroTalk Support Groups - SSD review, short version

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- Social Security Disability (https://www.neurotalk.org/social-security-disability/)

- - SSD review, short version (https://www.neurotalk.org/social-security-disability/165144-ssd-review-short-version.html)

continuation of ssdi benefits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teatime (Post 852981)

Hey all!
In the mail today, I received a disability report I have to fill out for Social Security. It's the little 2-page version. I'm on a 3-5 year review schedule and it's been 6 years since I was approved for disability so it's actually overdue.

I didn't think it was a big deal until I started reading a few of the threads here -- now I'm nervous! I didn't fill out my SSD application because I have problems with cognition and physical difficulties that make writing and sitting difficult. So a rep. at SSA wrote up my application for me. I just answered questions, took in all of my meds, and some of my med. records. My application was approved.

I have 12 diagnoses and more since then! I don't know if i was approved on one, a few, or all of them! So how do I fill out the review report? My most recent doctor visits, tests, and hospitalizations have been in the past month. I was just released from Baylor Heart Hospital a couple of weeks ago after having a major procedure. And I had a gastro-enterology appointment Thursday and med. changes for Crohn's Disease. These are new issues, though.

I have to see a lot of doctors and take a lot of meds. I have no shortage of medical documentation. But from reading the info here, I guess they are only interested in the medical problems related to the disabling conditions? I've had so much wrong, I don't know which ones they want documented!

The form asks for the last three medical visits and surgeries and says I should respond to the questions based on changes since Feb. 2010. I don't know why that year is signifcant but I figure SSA looks over our Medicare records from time to time to see how things are going and if we're receiving treatment.

Anyhoo, should I provide the latest visits and surgeries chronologically or should I emphasize the orthopedic surgeries I've had related to my connective tissue problems, instead? The heart problems might be related to the autoimmune stuff, though.

hi teatime,just make sure you provide all of your doctors visits and any medications you are takeing.with your current health issues your ssdi benefits will most likely continue after the review provided your not working.iv'e been collecting ssdi benefits for the better part of 16 years now and have had 3 reviews during that time.the one factor that social security looks at when reviewing a disibility case is if your working or not.

Hi Gilbert,
The form I got doesn't ask for all sorts of info on doc visits and medications. It just wants the three most recent medical contacts and the reason for them plus the three most recent surgeries or hospitalizations and the reason for those, too. That's it, besides asking whether I've worked or gone for any additional training and some basic questions.

It says if they have any questions about my responses, they'll call me.

I thought the main and final decison on a CDR ( review) is your current doctors opinions on ones condition to be considered still disabled or not? And When SSA sends you to their docs, dont they have a say if we keep or lose our SSDI?

Why would they offer the ticket to work program if one will lose benefits?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gilbert (Post 853856)

Quote:

Originally Posted by untilthebell (Post 854314)

I think a lot of it depends on how likely it is that they think you'll improve. Apparently they rate your review as a low, medium, or high priority. Check out the links that the other member provided. They're pretty amazing!

They are not doing a full review of me, at this point. I only have to fill out a questionnaire and from that they will decide if they want to do a full review. LOL, I'm hoping they won't because things like that make me nervous but I surely don't have anything to hide. I have so dang many health problems that keep multiplying instead of getting better.

If you plan to see your doc in the next 60 days, I'd ask if she thinks you can work and answer no, if you're positive of his/her response.

The short form is not a big deal, BUT you should follow the advice of the NY link listed and fill it out very carefully. The long form is similar to going through the original application process.

Quote:

Originally Posted by untilthebell (Post 854314)

SSDI eligibility is a medical/legal definition that involves a complex set of rules and evaluations. Doctors opinions are just one step in the process. With the short form, if your condition hasn't changed, you're continuing to receive some medical attention, you're not working or going to school or receiving work training, then there is no reason to go through the (potentially) lengthy and complicated process of reevaluation.

Ticket To Work encourages those that can work to attempt it and provides some protections. Not everyone that chooses to work PT uses the TTW program (I don't believe Gilbert did.) Using the TWP doesn't make a person permanently immune to the review process either. This is a matter to discuss in a different thread, at a different time, though.

the ticket to work program

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIT LOVE (Post 854775)

the ticket to work program is kind of like a double-edge sword.Meaning that this program encourages people to try to return to work while on the other hand any work you do can and will be used against you by social security and the judges.if they can see that you can do the slightest bit of work they will terminate benefits.such was the case with me.

Does an added impairment mean an automatic long review?

no but it is not something you would want to put on a short form to muddy the waters in anyway.

you are better off if you dont check that you have talked to your doctor about returning to work if you havent. first of all its the truth and second of all if the subject hasnt been raised by you or the doctor then obviously both of you believe that you are not ready to return to work at the present time. sources i have read have indicated to check the have not discussed box if this applies to you and not to worry about that choice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoes long ago (Post 854879)

So if you are disabled with 2 impairments,another impairment could jeopardize the other two?

What about on my approval letter,something is mentioned that isn't an impairment and now its a possible problem?

I thought as long as you have one severe impairment,it doesn't matter about the other impairments.

There has never been a discussion about returning to work. The cardiologist won't do a heart stress test because of my other impairment so I don't know if its a slam dunk for disability with the heart problem,since a test can't be performed.