One more link that is about grid rules for persons aged 50-54

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/res...h-social-sec-0

Prior to the ALJ hearing stage, most approvals are from applicants that meet a Listed Impairment or qualify via the Grid Rules.

Those that have to undergo the ordeal that is the 5 Step Sequential Process, the 3rd and final way to be approved for SSI/SSDI, have to prove they are no longer capable of former work (step 4) or any work (step 5). An ALJ uses an applicant's medical documents, their application and testimony, and 3rd party function reports to determine their functional limitations. At the hearing, the ALJ will pose questions to the Vocational Expert (VE)about a hypothetical worker and various limitations and the VE will determine if that hypothetical worker is capable of various jobs. After the hearing the ALJ sets the applicants RFC rating and uses the VE's testimony to determine if they are capable of any work.

The idea with supplying your own RFC forms, is to prove you have certain functional limitations, which will then erode the jobs listed by the VE. (I always advise applicants to undergo a Functional Capacity Evaluation or FCE, which then allows their doctor to use the testing results from the FCE to fill out RFC forms.) And there are 2 versions of RFC forms--one that covers physical disabilities and the other mental disabilities.

There are times when I've advised applicants for a variety of reasons to consider having a FCE done very early on, as well as having the accompanying RFC/s filled out. In this case, I'd advise against it at least until the OP deals with the issues of his doc being not supportive of his claim, he should not ask him to fill out any additional paperwork.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfc...statement.html

"RFC forms completed by your treating doctor can be extremely helpful to you at the time of your hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ)."

Since he has conditions that might allow him to be approved with a Listed Impairment, it makes the most sense IMO, that he focus his energy on providing the medical documentation required to meet or "equal" a listing.

IMO, it appears the biggest issue the OP is facing is that his PN doc is not supportive of his disability claim. I'm actually really confused by this. Earlier in one of these threads, the OP stated it was his doc that insisted he stop working or he'd cause permanent damage. Was that the same doc or a different doc?

Should he consider finding a new doc like Echoes suggested? A new doc likely won't have much effect for several months. If the current doc will never be supportive, than the OP will have to accept the delay and move on.

Is the OP seeing a psychiatrist? What is his or her opinion about your mental health claim?

Hi Hopeless,

Thanks for the link. I agree with what you wrote below. I gave a 2 page form to both my shrink and my neuro yesterday. These forms were created by my law firm. Shrink took it no problem and seems as if he will support me on my claim.

My neuro was 'What is all of this? This is subjective . . . '. I felt like saying, 'Well . . . we got OBJECTIVE data from one of your peers here at the hospital stating that on 2 of the three test sites on my body - that I was outside the range . . . and therefore have small fiber PN, but that does not seem to matter either...' Cooler heads prevailed, I kept my mouth shut. He handed the two page doc to his nurse.

My brother who has been a GP doc for about 30 years told me, "I hate those dumb forms." He stated his many reasons why. Then he told me, "Do you docs a favor. You fill it out. Then when you hand him the blank say . . . my brother is a doc and he hates filling out these things because they are time-consuming and subjective. Do him a favor. You fill one out. You had him the blank one and the filled out one and say something like this, 'My brother is a doc . . . he told me to fill one out ahead of time . . . not to tell you what to put on the blank report . . . just to show the you (the doc) how I would honestly fill one out on myself.'

The idea being, cut down on the doc's time by him looking at the form you already filled out. Bro said tell the doc something like, "if you have any questions about anything on put on the form you could ask me now or later. I'm simply trying to make this request from me - easier on you, should you choose to do it for me."

Lit wrote:

IMO, it appears the biggest issue the OP

^^^Does OP mean the 'other person'?

is facing is that his PN doc is not supportive of his disability claim.

^^^Yes. I found that shocking especially with my clinical history, my current trend of getting worse and the SOLID science of the skin biopsy.

I'm actually really confused by this. Earlier in one of these threads, the OP stated it was his doc that insisted he stop working or he'd cause permanent damage. Was that the same doc or a different doc?

^^^The other doc is a relative. Out of love for me and from his expertise as a doctor of 30 years - this OTHER doc said, "Stop working NOW." I did not want to stop but it was obviously the right thing to do for reasons I have already stated numerous times on this forum.

Should he consider finding a new doc like Echoes suggested? A new doc likely won't have much effect for several months. If the current doc will never be supportive, than the OP will have to accept the delay and move on.

^^^I dread seeing another doc about PN. Why? I have seen many and most have no idea what they are looking at/for. Just ask about any PN patient will tell ya that they had to go through at least 30 docs to find one that could help them. A general neuro is of no help. They only deal with the 'biggies' - ALS, MS, etc. The subspecialty of skeletal-muscular is generally needed to get a proper DX for PN.

^^^This current neuro doc, who has the subspecialty mentioned above, seems in the ball-park at least. At least he is calling a 'spade and spade'. Hearing, "You have small fiber PN is much more comforting than hearing - 'I do not know what is wrong with you. There is nothing I can do to help you." Or, even worse - a subtle or not so subtle . . . .'there is NOTHING wrong with you. You must be crazy..." And my bro said, "OK. So what? Crazy people get PN also . . . If you don't know what it is . . . .send me to somebody that might..." So, I got sent out . . . and they did not know what it was . . . and the cycle continued . . .

^^^I just don't get it . . . yesterday was my third time seeing him since 4/29/15 . . . and each appointment I have been worse off then the previous one. HE is the one that tells me to do LESS physical work (ie. a ten minute bike ride or a ten minute walk) . . . HE is the one that increased my GabaP from 900mgs per day (3 - 300's per day) to the now current dose of 2,400 mgs per day (600 mg 4 times a day). And he increased to the higher dose about six weeks ago. I am getting WORSE, not better . . . in spite of the care I am receiving. YET, he thinks it is mostly in my head . . .If my head get better, my ability to deal with my PN gets better. Yes. I agree. No doubt about that. BUT . . . it doesn't magically make me fall back into the correct ranges on any additional skin biopsies . . . I don't think the best talk therapy in the world is going to magically make my symptoms lessen or disappear . . .

Is the OP seeing a psychiatrist? What is his or her opinion about your mental health claim?[/QUOTE]

***My shrink is quiet. He hasn't given me a straight 'Yeah' or 'Nah'. He did take the two page form from my law firm without question. He scanned over it and told me he would fill it out and get it back to them. He does agree with my neuro that I have been under a tremendous amount of pressure over the last 10 months with only more still to come in the future . . . Although PN was the major reason I took FMLA this school year . . . my shrink is the one that gave me the doctor's note. I did not ask my neuro at the time, because I did not know him at that time. My shrink does agree that I did talk therapy and that it will help me deal better with my PN.

Finally, neuro is only 38 years old. My shrink is about 55 years old. Nothing against young folks . . . but generally speaking - wisdom is something reserved for the more mature in age.

Thanks for reading and sharing and helping. All are appreciated.

^^^I do not think the above will apply to me. I do not have ataxia. I do have sensory disturbances every day, every hour. PN does cause me balance problems and makes me clumsy . . . my PN does not (at this time!) interfer with my use of fingers, hands and arms.

^^^Thoughts? Thank you all.

Lit Love,

Thanks for your reply. That is why I always refer the Original Poster to defer to YOUR comments.

I was just thinking the 3 links may help the OP better understand things from the viewpoint of SSDI.

Thanks so much for all the information you provide.

OP=Original Poster

You need to be prepared that this might be a very long process. You might need to consider moving in with family if you don't have another source of income.

No, it does not appear your PN will qualify you with a Listed Impairment at this time. Becoming a klutz does not rise to the level of severity needed. The same thing with having body twitches a few times a day.

Your current Neuro is increasing your meds to hopefully reduce your symptoms and give you the highest degree of function possible, that's not necessarily inconsistent with him thinking you may be capable of working.
The skin biopsy proves you have PN, not what your functional limitations are. This might be a good time to request a referral for a Functional Capacity Evaluation. It will help provide your Neuro with objective test results regarding your abilities and limitations, as well as providing SS with the same. --And he is right, if he just guesses what he believes are your functional abilities, SS may or may not give it any weight. (Those forms your attorney asked your docs to fill out, and that were maybe even customized specifically for you, were probably a version of an RFC form.)

Did you give the Neuro a copy of the form that you had already filled in? If so, that was not a good idea IMO.

BTW, it is possible SS will determine you are no longer capable of teaching PE due to your PN, and perhaps not teach any subject due to your BP disorder, but they might claim you are capable of a less stressful desk job.

In all my lengthy postings to you, the one thing I've forgotten to say is that qualifying for SSI/SSDI is a complex medical/legal evaluation.

One last thing, your brother can write a letter on your behalf, but unless he's a treating source, it will be the same as a letter from any other family member. His medical opinions might be 100% accurate, but they won't help you prove your SSDI claim, which needs medical documentation.

Hi can I find a good dr,

I have some vision problems and have a little difficulty reading your responses when you intersperse your comments WITHIN quoted material and then also outside the quoted material. I did notice that you use symbols to differentiate but would it be possible for you to use a different color for your comments so they stand out a little better? That would help me if not too much trouble for you.

Thanks,
Hopeless

I'm sorry I have gotten lost. What was the info that Lit put out that she is now calling a mistake and/or is in need of correct? Thank you.

Where on the screen do we look to find what you are talking about below? I can't find it.