I just applied on January 2, 2009 for SSDI. I am a 45yr old with diabetes mellitus with recently confirmed by EMG test to have severe diabetic neuropathy which is progressing to my upper extremities. I also have diabetic nephrology (high levels of protein in urine) and stage 2 kidney disease. I recieved a third party function report for a family member to fill out which he did and mailed back. Today I received a "Mental Exam" appointment from Kentucky disability determination services. It states they received my claim for evaluation of my disability they state they need additional information to complete the evaluation.
Is this normal? I did not indicate any mental disorders or depression on my ssdi application. Also it notes I must attend this appointment "before a decision can be made" does this mean after the exam I will get a decision in such a short time period? My doctors have written brief letters on my behalf and I gave them copies of the emg test results. Has anyone here been approved for diabetic neuropathy on the first time around? A friend said to me the mental exam is a sign the claim is going to get denied.

Hey there Colbey, sorry to hear about all that is goin wrong with you, and I hope you get approved real quick.

I would think it is fairly normal, and would ask you a question. Arent you a little depressed? I know I got real depressed when I realized my life as I knew it before being disabled was over.

I actually think that it could only help you if your depressed, so if you are dont hide it from them, be honest about your condition and how it makes you feel.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

colbey (I hope I got that right),

I am on social security for the second time with rsd. This time after submitting all doctor reports ssi asked for me to attend the saame evaluation that you are being asked to. Mine lasted approx 45 min. The normal questions were asked--what meds are you on--what do you do all day etc.., however--social security at this point has excepted the fact that you are physically disabled--you now have tp prove you are mentally unable to do any job. this is assed on how quick you respond to the oral questions--are you quick and know youe wits around you or does it take you a long time to COMPREHEND THINGS-- do the MEDICINES make your MIND FOGGY and hard to REMEMBER THINGS__does someone HAVE TO HELP YOU PAY BILLS--are you DEPRESSED--I assume you ARE with your disabilty.
you will then be asked to fill out a questionaire(everything might be different there but Im giving you the help and THINGS to know!) questions on each page are the same JUST ASKED IN DIFFERENT WAYS! ie are you suicidal? yes-no you HIT both(if you get that way)because SOMEDAYS YOU FEEL LIKE IT-- would you do it probably not ie have kids to live for etc. or whatever else keeps you from it. the next page might say HAVE YOU EVER FELT LIKE COMMITING SUICIDE-yes no--who HASN'T when experiencing PAINFU DISABILITIES THAT AFFECT OUR LIFES!!!! when done with this question page they will go over it with you to see if you answer the same way you did--at which time they will be grading your answer as to if it is the same--OF COURSE IT ISSSS THAT IS HOW YOU FEEL!!
I forgot to tell you some of the first questions will be do you shower each day--LET THEM KNOW IF YOU DON'T AND HOW IT IS OR IF YOU NEED HELP!! does SOMEONE HELP YOU? do you clean cook etc you get my drift what CAN YOU DO but most important is to let them know WHAT YOU CANNOT NOT DO HOW HARD IT IS TO DO THINGS AND HOW MUCH HELP YOU NEED TO DO EVEN THE SIMPLIST THINGS.
they may ask you to copy this figure that they draw--it is a diagram of a (i think) a 6 sided box inside another box--it is what neurologist use to determine if YOUR MIND IS ABLE TO PROCESS THIS SIMPLE DIAGRAM in normal situations you can complete it in A FEW SECONDS if YOUR MIND AND THOUGHT PROCESS IS DISTURBED BY PAIN THE TEST WILL TAKE YOU SOMETIME TO FIGURE IT OUT AND SOMETIMES IT MAKE TAKE A COUPLE TRIES AND EVEN THEN YOU CANNOT GET IT ALL RIGHT.

i REALLY HOPE THIS INFORMATION IS OF ASSISTANCE TO YOU AND TO OTHERS WHO FACE THE SAME APPTS WITH SSI. THEY WANT TO KNOW YOUR WORSE DAY AND IF YOUR LUCKY THE DAY YOU GO WILL BE A REALLY BAD DAY--SAD TO SAY BUT TRUE

After this report I heard back within 3 weeks. I think this is the last stage and his report is THE FINAL descion maker

good luck--let me know if you have any more questions

cheers!!!!

flyaway!!!!!

Colbey, I am new here--I just sent a rather long reply letting you know what to expect for the entire exam. I do not know if it was sent because it sent me back to long in--if not recieved let me know will repost---you will want to read before exam.

cheers!!!!!!

flyaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it posted thank you so much your information is very very helpful.
I just applied on January 2, 2009 I live in Kentucky. Everyone I have spoken to says Social Security is seriously backlogged. I am currently on Short Term Long Term disability program from my employer so that helps me as far as income in the waiting game.

Thanks again for the info and tips.