[raindrop]

I was so fortunate to get my SSDI claim approved last month.
I had applied with the help of a highly rated SSDI attorney, began the application last *edited* - july - (guess I AM having some memory problems). It was my first application, I really did not expect to get an approval my first time through.

I just submitted my paperwork, and my doctors must have corroborated my reports of pain that affect my ability to function well on a daily basis. I know my physical therapist has been my biggest ally against the pressure my surgeon had been putting me under to return to work. I could not lift even #20 routinely, and as a floor nurse need to be able to lift #50 frequently (and often it turns into over 100 pounds, depending on the size of the patient & how much or little help is available). He was pushing me to "just say you can do it, and go find extra help." This is not ethical - it puts me, the patient and the other staff at risk of injury or further injury. If it weren't for my PT putting pen to paper that I could not do it, and a blanket clearance saying I could lift the weight would be highly inappropriate - I don't know what would have happened to me.

I was sent for a "mental eval" by a psychologist. I had the report forwarded to my provider. We read it together, and it was shocking. He took into account my statements, and his assessment was I was mildly to moderately depressed.

What was surprising; after noting I was 10 minutes late for my appointment, he observed that I had difficulty locating the right building (there were 3 in the parking lot) even after having detailed instructions. He then wrote that while I was in the parking lot and unaware I was being observed that I walked more slowly than is typical, with a slight limp and leaning slightly to the left. Well! Apparently before I arrived to the appointment or after I left, he was spying on me out the window.

My provider and I both dropped our jaws at that. So on top of numerous mental acuity & memory tests, be aware your evaluator may be observing you before or after your appointment.

[raindrop]

Another thing; on my application, I did not write answers that involved such length that I needed to add on extra pieces of paper. None at all. I wrote small & had to squeeze in some added detail. But overall I kept to the size of paper that was allowed on the form. I know I have read advice in the FAQ that this is not the right way to do it.

I asked my attorney's assistant, and she reiterated to keep answers brief and to the point. She pointed out that if I was able to submit a very lengthy & perfectly composed report that had taken 8 hours or even days to organize - they may question that I was not able to sit and work a normal work day. Just my .02 and a different point of view.

[St George 2013]

I was told I was approved at the end of Jan......such a relief but still going through an emotional roller coaster of feelings....never gave one thought to disability all these years. Never occurred to me that I might one day have to apply for it.

The only dr I could get to write a letter for me to SS was my GYN of 25 years....believe that ? Even the foot and ankle dr that told me how bad my SFN was would not put it in his notes or write a letter. Said the biopsy report was sufficient.

And my neuro ? Said for me to have my attorney send him a request in writing. I didn't/don't have an attorney.

Congrads,

Debi from Georgia

[Hopeless]

Hi Raindrop,

Congrats on your approval. Your post was VERY interesting. Thanks for sharing it with the community. Also, very glad to see you. Please stick around. We like having you here.

Hopeless

[raindrop]

Congrats to you too St. George. I know what you mean on the disbelief that you are now in this situation. I've worked steadily since I was 17 years old. Was back to work 2 weeks after my C-section, as a new Mom. Never dreamt that my 2nd back surgery would go so bad when the first was no problem.

And thank you Hopeless for the welcoming words. I just thought others might benefit from reading about the "assessment" that started or ended out in the parking lot - observing how I walk or try to locate the right building & office.

[finz]

I wonder how many docs have the opportunity or take the time to do that.

My mom had a similar situation when she went to a neurologist for an eval of possible Parkinsons. My mom didn't agree with that dx and told the doctor that as soon as she was seated in the doctor's exam room. The doctor said, "I watched you get out of the car and walk in with your walker, trust me, you have Parkinsons."

[LauraM]

Thats funny, mine did not watch me in the parking lot, she was eating lunch. They ignored me in the waiting room for half an hour, but she did comment that I walked slowly to and from her office and had someone drive me, what I wore there, the color of my hair and how well groomed I was.