Social Security Disability Evaluation

[SeanCharles]

Hello everyone,

I have finally reached the crucial point in my Disability case I filed near the end of last year. Over the course of devoted time here I had worked through quite a few issues and learned quite a lot about myself and PTSD.

I am writing this post in the hopes of possibly seeking some advice and suggestions as I am preparing to undergo a couple of medical examinations because the state Disability Determination Service (DDS) which is the investigative body of Social Security is requesting these evaluations. Thankfully, I am not paying for these evaluations.

Of the two evaluations, the first one I am not extremely concerned with has me meeting an MD who who will be doing a physical exam. The second one later the same day is raising my anxiety level as I will be meeting with a psychologist to evaluate my mental health status.

The last few years (I believe the last three) has been quite productive with a great deal of personal work having been done on this forum. While much of that work has been rough given the amount of trauma healing in the short amount of time I devoted to that work, I have to wonder having healed several emotional scars which has brought me to where I am in the present will suddenly have a negative bearing on my case or could cause a rebound effect.

Since I have not worked with a T after having become a member of this forum and knowing too that this upcoming appointment is a one time encounter with a stranger who I don't know and who will only know little about me or more like nothing about me only to have them form an opinion based on a short single encounter rather than over a series of long term encounters is what has me nervous, anxious and even stressed.

I know this encounter is important to my case as this will ultimately help me win or will have the opposite effect of not being disabled enough to qualify for benefits. Either way, Not knowing what I am facing (walking into) even though in a variety of ways I do know what I am facing because I've been through this at least twice now, the second being just a few years ago while the other was many years ago and before I knew then what I know now after the past came back and I would learn many years later that I did/do have PTSD which was diagnosed in 2009 with a PTSD Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) label.

Since that time and my initial evaluation which was used at two different times initially approved me for SSI benefits when I did not have enough work credits to qualify then unlike the accumulated work history I have now from the last eight years of employment. The second evaluation then was used at very volatile time when I was going through a period of personal self destruction without knowing why, I ways I do know why. Partly that was rebellion and the other was in ways self medicating with the wrong substance.

Progressing forward, I am not unstable, rather I am existing and feel like I am in chaos with some more changes expected. I do feel some turmoil as well knowing that some uncertainty exists which seems to have a bit of a whiplash feeling.

I will end this now and see what comes of this post.

 

[EmmaOwl]

this upcoming appointment is a one time encounter with a stranger who I don't know and who will only know little about me or more like nothing about me only to have them form an opinion based on a short single encounter rather than over a series of long term encounters is what has me nervous, anxious and even stressed.

If the doctor is decent, he should be able to get this sense from you. That is his job, after all. Presumably he makes such evaluations on a regular basis, and knows how to make judgements based on short encounters.

Good luck! Stay in touch, let me know how it goes! I was anxious going through this too. It wasn't a pleasant process, but it ended up ok in the end.

 

[SeanCharles]

If the doctor is decent, he should be able to get this sense from you. That is his job, after all. Presumably he makes such evaluations on a regular basis, and knows how to make judgements based on short encounters.

You're correct. I do believe that my fear is having worked through many issues which were unresolved baggage while I know there is some issues still remaining as these are not dealt with easily. Much of the work I have done has been on this forum and not with encounters with a psychologist as of most recently. For me too, I know that writing is my major form of communication versus having to verbalize my communication. On another note, I am never quite fully happy with any clinical findings, sure there are some I agree with and others that I totally disagree with too.

I know too that honesty is of course necessary and I am sure I will not be holding too much back unless I feel that is simply not applicable to the present. I will definitely be following this thread as I prepare for this encounter. I appreciate your comments.

 

[joeylittle]

@SeanCharles - some practical things you can do, which will help you feel more prepared in the meeting with the psychologist.

• make a bullet-point list of your major life events, including physical and mental health, and how old you were. If you can do this chronologically, all the better. Include any diagnoses you have been given.
• make a list of all medications you have ever been on, what dose, and how long you were on them for. Also, note their effects and why you started and stopped them (whether they helped or made things worse, or you couldn't afford them, etc.)
• List what you think are the major self-care things that you struggle with. For example, I remember a while back it was hard for you to take a shower or launder your work clothes...this list should be things that made it difficult for you to work, or accomplish tasks like shopping, paying bills, etc.

These are all questions that you will be asked, and it's very difficult to come up with all the answers right then and there. It will take some time to make these lists, but you will be grateful to have them - you might just use them to read off of, or the doctor might want to see them. Either way, it's super-helpful.

 

[Enaila]

I fully agree with JoeyLittle. Have the list. If you were journaling, look through those to help build your list. I had a couple of good months lately and then about a week ago I was knocked off my feet by a flashback I thought I had worked through. PTSD can be triggered at any time and isn't something which can be controlled. I used all the techniques I knew by heart and still ended up sobbing and disassociating. Some days are better than others. If the MD is knowledgeable about PTSD, then he/she will realize the bad days can be unpredictable and significantly impact one's ability to work and live productively. Sending comforting courageous thoughts to you! Take care friend!

 

[Deleted member 38242]

Well they usually turn everyone down the first go about, so if you do get turned down its not over. Bring your worst day in there. Do not care what they think. The fact that you know what day it is, and who the president is can be bad enough. They see people who poop themselves due to mental problems. I went through this process, and told him I have good days twice a week, and got denied, and had to go to court.
Don't feel bad if you get the "your not disabled." They do it more than not. Bring in paperwork from your shrink stating you can't work if you can. I didn't , and it hurt.
Seriously being your worst day. Not your best day. It makes a big difference. I later met people who work for disability, and she has stories about people being turned down that was beyond me. People with safe 3 cancer, and dying due to illnesses. But, I also have friends who got disability from social workers right away, and mental hospitals right away.
It depends on the person unfortunately. Bring your worst. Good news is its easier for mental than physical disability.
Good Luck! You can still get it even if they say no.

Also federal law requires that you have not had any employment, or schooling for one full year. Just an FYI.

 

[SeanCharles]

These are all questions that you will be asked, and it's very difficult to come up with all the answers right then and there.

@joeylittle Thank you! :) I had completely overlooked this task and I am so glad you've responded with this advice. You're correct that answering those questions will be difficult to answer on the spot. Given that much of my documentation that I submitted was mainly hospital records, I am not sure if they (The State examiner) has received additional mental health documentation yet aside from the two updated functional reports one I completed and the other my mother completed as her and I do interact regularly. I am considering going through my diary here also in preparation of this information gathering given that I know on several occasions I did write key factors which I know may provide some insight to the person doing these evaluations of me. This will definitely be quite useful to the MD Appointment also that I am seeing as well, earlier in the morning, on the day of these two appointments.

 

[SeanCharles]

Well they usually turn everyone down the first go about, so if you do get turned down its not over. B...

For me, they haven't denied me this time around. I was unfortunately and in ways fortunately too terminated from my employment which got me over the major income hurdle. I am preparing for the medical on two fronts: a physical exam and comprehensive which is the mental health evaluation. In part they needed a bit more current information as much of the records I submitted this last claim was pretty much years previously with some medical occurring while insured under my employer. I don't believe I will be denied providing I am properly prepared. In the event that all this fighting does lead to that I will cross that bridge when I know for sure. I've been through this one other time and at that time I was found disabled after having to appeal once or twice until I was seen by a psychologist. At that time I didn't have the work experience that I fought long 8.6 years to maintain which was filled with difficulties including a seizure which occurred while on the clock! I know that episode was documented in the records which occurred in Decemeber 2013! It was after that episode that I began looking for and found what I confirmed to be a possible connection between my seizure condition and my PTSD that was diagnosed in approx 2009! I know they do deny the first go, this is in the initial stage, but I have waiting the 5 months plus as they are doing a thorough medical determination.

 

[SeanCharles]

I fully agree with JoeyLittle. Have the list. If you were journaling, look through those to help build your list.

This is what I intend on doing! :) I am so glad that @joeylittle did share this advice and believe me, I will be doing this list. I will doing this list electronically on my iPhone using the Note
App so that I will have this since this is too important to not be prepared for. I totally appreciate everyone's input and feedback. I am so :joyful: to have everyone as part of my extended family and close
friends who have been following me in more ways than I have sometimes realized.

 

[EmmaOwl]

in ways fortunately too terminated from my employment which got me over the major income hurdle.

This can be helpful - depending on the reason for the termination. I learned there is something called "failed work attempts" - if you get a job and only last a short time because you can't cope. For example, I had a situation where my nightmares/insomnia left me unable to get up in the morning for a productive day of work. But there's no "one best way" here... They will look favorably on you, that you've put effort into working as much as you could manage.

I think I ended up being "just the facts" in my first response to you, and I want to apologize if I sounded very detached or short about this... I think you were asking for emotional support and I totally missed that. I was very tired but wanted to write to you as soon as I could.

What I left out before:
You're a good and kind person and these things, it is so easy to build up in your mind as a big deal, and I"m sorry you're having to sit through this stressful process.

Do you have things scheduled? I hope you don't have to wait too long. Waiting... and then, as often as not, these things can be anticlimactic, I have found. There's no magic word I can give you - I wish there was - but I will just tell you, you've been through a lot, and you'll get through this, too. Focus on taking care of yourself! You will be okay, not matter what happens.I have faith in you! I I haven't corresponded with you very much but I see you on the boards and you are thoughtful and have so much kindness that you offer to others.

((((((SeanCharles)))))) hugs if that is ok.

Please PM me anytime or post if you feel like you're jumping out of your skin waiting., or want more details on the doctors' evaluations, any of it.

 

[SeanCharles]

This can be helpful - depending on the reason for the termination.

The termination was as I look at that in a positive perspective was a blessing in disguise. Over the course of these eight years of employment which I am glad I fought hard and that long to maintain came without challenges. The company knew that I had disabilities and in many ways did make some accommodations that were in ways mutual. In ways I had misplaced in the wrong department initially and when that was discovered later, by the time I was offered a position in the right department I had some major health issues going on some of which were new while I had some pre-existing issues too while others developed suddenly without warning and I had reached a point of being resistant to degree as I was a for at least a couple years under the management of others who didn't know me and didn't know my situation completely and in ways likely drew the wrong conclusions about me without question.
To my credit though, in many ways, I did have have good people who had my back through thick and thin. Coming back to the why I was terminated was because after I built this current claim which has not been denied I had repeatedly been disciplined based on my actions which in part was connected to my disabilities. One issue that off and on I had shown progress in changing was my attendance until finally when I knew the case was not being immediately denied started changing with oversleeping. That eventually got me suspended and then I showed up and BAM! I ended up oversleeping again, and the company then decided they had to terminate me. I am in many ways glad they did.

To me, This clearly shows that I do have some disabilities, The company saw their disciplinary action against me as a way to help my claim. Unfortunately, although because I did work less than I should have I was able to show that I worked below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) which has moved my case to the medical review which is/was the first time after several previous attempts to file because of the income/SGA. The company had been sent a questionnaire which was to determine whether or not my work was subsidized. This form is NOT a mandatory requirement by an employer, which to me shows how a/an employer can undermine the success and or failure of a disabled employed individual.

What's extremely rough for me is returning to my employer as as a customer which, in ways is unavoidable because of the nature of their business. Since I was employed and do return weekly since I have the basic need they provide, that being food, I can't easily avoid shopping with them. What's most difficult too is the knowledge I have gained and the experiences too that I have endured through my employment there and knowing what the people some I know and some who I don't who also work there and what they deal with.

What I left out before:
You're a good and kind person and these things, it is so easy to build up in your mind as a big deal, and I"m sorry you're having to sit through this stressful process.

Thank you! :) Yes, I realize now that when I first saw the appointments which I have confirmed that I will be attending which occur in about a week I am a lot more relieved than I was knowing that I have a better preparation plan now than I did when initially wrote this post! I am not sorry that I am going through this battle, I had been planning this for a while and in ways early going into my employment situation which was not my sole decision (long story). Maintaining this last employment situation was vital to me reaching this point, In some ways this move may be considered a step or several steps backwards. I know though too that I am making the right choice in pursuing Disability as I can see this as an opportunity to move forward while changing possible paths and maybe discovering something or even perhaps doing something totally different and new and productive too.

Time will definitely be the tell when all is finally said and done.

 

[Joan]

I am one of the rare ones that did not get denied the first time trying. I only had one evaluation from an inappropriate psychologist who basically told no way in hell would they deny me. Was not sure how to take that, but decided to be grateful. The process was very anxiety producing, but was just honest. Will hope that all goes well for you.