[gdanger]

I was in a MVA 4 years ago and have been suffering from PCS ever since. I thought I would be able to go back to work but that failed miserably. Four attempts later and I finally applied for disability here in Montana. It has been two years later, and many rejections later and I was finally notified of my hearing this month (talk about short notice) I now have a lawyer but still feel very under prepared. Because I do not have health insurance since the accident, I have been unable to see many doctors, especially specialists. The doctors I was able to visit just told me I am depressed and have and should take medicine and it will be cured. I know this is not the case, and many close to me have said the same. This in turn gives me very little hard evidence. to prove that I have PCS. I know after years of dealing with the symptoms that I do suffer from PCS and there is no quick fix. I would absolutely love going back to work as I was a river manager and enjoyed the heck out of my job, and I have tried numerous times to work in very simple positions without luck. Does anyone with similar experience have any advice for my hearing and tips for the future.

I am super frustrated with the system and pretty desperate.

[Mark in Idaho]

gdanger,

I have been through the long process of disability. It took me three years to get a hearing. Your attorney should be preparing you. SSDI should have ordered an evaluation by a psychologist, maybe an occupational psychologist and a few other specialists. Your own doctors rarely have much input to the hearing. Have you had a NeuroPsych Assessment ?

Your attempts at work should be documented. They are important. But, your attorney should be on top of these issues.

You will likely just be an observer at the hearing. I doubt you will have much to offer.

My best to you.