I will be applying the next couple of weeks for ss disability due to rsd in my knee from a total knee replacement last december. I lost my job in March and have been on unemployment, thinking I would be able to find a job. But now have come to the conclusion (along with the physician) that I should apply for disability. I have not regained by flex (at 80 ) or extension (-10) since the knee replacement and can only walk with a cane. I cannot drive, or stand or sit for any length of time (around 15 minutes) due to the rsd and my knee and am on strong pain meds (methadone and oxycodone) which also makes it hard to concentrate. I am doing PT 2 x week, and on my own daily. My question is, isnt there a certain form that I should have the pain med doc fill out, stating what I can do and can't? I thought I read somewhere a certain form to be filled out. Or do I wait for the SS dept to send it to the doc? I am thinking if I do it ahead, and give it with me medical records when I apply, this will help speed up the process. Also, would I need to get the Orthopedic Doc records from the surgery? I am only 50 (sounds kinda funny to say it that way!) and never thought I would be in this position, although I have been through numerous medical problems of the past. I have had to deal with scoliosis of the back and have had my back fused, which adds to the problems and pain I have. Any suggestions and advice would be most welcome on how to deal with applying.

I don't think there is a special form. SS will get the records from all of the Doctors you tell them about, you may have to encourage some Doctors to send the information in a timely manner.

There IS a form. It's called a residual functional capacity form. Google: "residual functional capacity form" and you can find several examples of them. The best ones are pretty detailed and sometimes tailored to your physical problem.

If you have mental health issues too, you can get a mental health residual functional capacity form filled out.

It's important to note that Social Security won't care if your doc thinks that you're disabled. That decision, being disabled, is Social Security's decision. What it will care about is whether or not your problems have an impact on your ability to work. So the best thing that you can do is get records from EVERY doc that you've seen for problems.

Tell SSA about all the docs you've seen. They are supposed to get the records but don't always do that. You should follow up, pretty closely, to see if it does get the records. And if it doesn't, then you need to make a stink to make it GET the records. Or get them yourself and submit them (keeping copies of them for your own records).

Don't be discouraged if you're denied initially. If you have a real problem, and it sounds like you do, then keep at it. Get an attorney if you need to if you're denied--someone who does a lot of Social Security disability work. Look at NOSSCR for an attorney in your area if it comes down to that.

best of luck!