Disability Medical Re-evaluations, Have You Had One?

[Changing4Best]

I am possibly up for Medical Re-Evaluation for my Social Security Disability. Have you had one of these before? How do they do it? (Do they send you to their Dr.s or do they take your Dr.'s word for it)? How old were you when they did it (and how long had you been on Disability)? What was the outcome? Did you personally have to fill out any paperwork? (Did you get anyone to help you with said paperwork)?

My mind is so troubled about all of this. I cannot get my mind off of it, wondering about it. Any answers to the above questions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

(((SheilaKathy)))
I have been on disability for many years, and about every 2-5 years, they review my case.

Usually, I just fill out a paper that asks if I have worked, and if I have gotten better or worse. It asks whether or not I have seen a doctor or therapist for my problem, and the last 5 or so dates of those visits.

I haven't had to do any more than that for a LONG time. Receiving those letters ALWAYS freak me out, too, even after all these years.

Is this the first review that has been requested since you went on disability, and how long have you been receiving benefits, if you don't mind me asking?

Try not to worry about it, as long as you are still seeing your doctors, and/or therapists, you should be fine.:hug:

 

[Changing4Best]

I've not been re-evaluated in over 7 years, and now, out of the blue, because I asked them for a statement stating that I am disabled, the statement seems to indicate that I am up for some kind of medical re-evaluation. Yes, I have been seeing several Dr.s and taking my medicines regularly. No, I have never worked since I first went on Disability in 2002. So, I am hoping that there is nothing to worry about, especially since I am of the age when most folks retire! It just seems odd that they would do this now, after all these years.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

:hug: @SheilaKathy
It sounds to me like you will be ok. I don't remember how long it was before my first review, and it scared the heck (he!!) outta me! But, it does sound like the form letter that I fill out every few years. Especially since you haven't worked, and see your doctors routinely and take meds. The info you give them can be verified by your medical records/Medicare.

Any time I have to prove my disability, I use my statement that I get for filing taxes, even though I don't make enough to file. That paperwork shows where I get my income, which is proof of your disability. I hope no one that has no business in your affairs is asking for proof. It's no one's business but your own.

Blessings and hugs :hug:
AKJ

 

[Changing4Best]

I was called for Jury Duty, and so had to get a statement from SSDI that I am disabled, so that I can hopefully get a permanent exclusion from Jury Duty. I have Sciatica, which is nerve pain that runs down my right leg caused by a pinched nerve in my lower spine, as well as a BUNCH of other conditions that would make me a very poor Juror. The Sciatica, for instance, makes it hard to SIT. Can you imagine sitting for HOURS in pain? NOT! I am not supposed to sit for more than 45 minutes at a time, and even that can be difficult.

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

I can relate to not being able to sit for long. I have sciatica on both sides, along with the bunch of other issues that would make me a poor juror. My T told me later, that I could have given them a letter from my psychiatrist that would have excused me from being a juror.

I did go through a lot of the process, and they reached the part where they ask people if they could be impartial to the case. It was a murder trial of a teenager as a result of a robbery, I think. When they asked for a show of hands from those who could not deal with the subject matter, I raised my hand. I went up to the judge and told him that I felt that my daughter had been murdered, and they excused me. They have never called me back.

That was probably 15+ years ago. It didn't even dawn on me that I wouldn't have been able to sit for long periods of time...I was wanting to do my civic duty. I was SO relieved that I had a GINORMOUS panic attack when I got to my car.

I'm sure it will be an easy review, not anything you should worry about, but if you are like me, then until that paperwork comes, and you see what it is, you won't be able to relax about it. (((:hug:)))

BTW, I LOVE your avatar!

 

[FireSign8]

I am also on medical SSI & have been since final approval in 2004. I .was moving around a lot & the SSA worker said I should not send in any type of forms with my personal info in them. They said if they needed info, they would send me an appointment letter & I could accept or reschedule. So, now when I get a request to "update" my medical status, I put it in the shredder. They have all of my medical records because I go to their doctors! Easy Peesy in my mind.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I was put on SSDI when I was 52. They said they would re-evaluate every 5 to 7 years. It has been 5 years and one of my therapists told me they would probably not get around to a review. I got mine approved in 4 months, and I know yours was quick too, @SheilaKathy, so I don't think it could be too bad. I appear better since I don't have to go into work, and deal with a lot of other things. I'll be thinking of you, and I hope you let us know how it goes.

 

[Lionheart]

My personal medical record is about 2 inches thick So, I get skipped over for re-evals, but I can tell you this;

....when I was first sent to their doctor he asked me if I was in a burning movie theatre what would I do?...and I could not answer the question.

I suppose I would freak out...looking back, I would have identified the source of the fire and the quickest exit, but none of that registered when anxious.

 

[MrMoonlight]

I was approved for SSDI in 1999 for chronic fatigue, migraine and major Depressive Disorder first time through without interview. My first review with a psychiatrist came last year when I started changing medications and looking into this PTSD thing. Guess when you make changes to your care it can make them curious about your current condition.

I and someone that knows of my daily struggles had to fill out a bunch of questionnaires regarding my health and capabilities. I then had to meet with their psychologist who assessed my mental acuity by asking some questions. I'm sure they are looking for more than correct answers and I remember a bit of panic when answering questions like:

1) what floor of this building is this office?
2) remember the following three items? (had to recall later)
3) count backwards from 100 by seven
4) recall last few us presidents
etc...

It's all terribly distressing but went well and I passed..or failed depending on how you look at it but my SSDI benefits remain unaltered and I guess I'm good for another stretch of time.

I didn't attempt to make myself look worse than I was. I was freshly showered and wearing appropriate attire...I answered questions quickly and to the best of my ability, didn't attempt to put on a show. So I guess I'd recommend the same to anyone being evaluated.