Usa Social Security Application In Progress; Being Sent To Doctor For Evaluation

[Ava Jarvis]

Hi,

I just got a call from social security disability that I'm going to be getting an appointment in the mail soon for a doctor evaluation.

Looking on the web, it sounds like the only reasons they send you to a doctor for evaluation is weak medical evidence or contradictory medical evidence, so now they need an evaluation from a third party. (These doctors are contractors, not employees of the government.)

I'm really worried about this. It kinda sounds like my application is going to get denied even with the evaluation. Like, if they ask for an evaluation, doesn't it mean they're going to reject my application?

I don't know what the appointment is going to be like. I'm told these examinations are very quick, 15 minutes at most, so... that kind of fuels my concerns about rejection. If they only look at you for 15 minutes, it sounds like you're going to get rejected out of hand in most cases, if not all of them.

The only thing I can really do is be prepared, be courteous to everybody involved, be ready for my ride to the appointment, and do my best at whatever examinations or tests are given to me.

Anyone know what these appointments are like for PTSD sufferers? :(

 

[Crow]

My ex had one of these on her second appeal. Was quick and she was approved. If I remember correctly, they needed clarification on a few points. Don't worry too much. Just look up answers to most asked questions. They're tuned in to keywords.

 

[hodge]

It is par for the course. I had a psych eval when I applied, also. I was turned down the first time, which is not unusual for non-veterans. Then I got a lawyer, appealed and won. It was kind of freaky because a neighbor of ours ran a restaurant for years and years after his service in Vietnam then finally applied and got approved within weeks. Me? I had had to stop working for months before I applied and wasn't approved till I got an attorney. Vets definitely get priority with SSA disability, even though they also get VA disability. I don't hold it against them, just sayin'. It's harder for us civilians to get approved. Just hang in there and find an attorney who specializes in disability appeals. And don't worry about being at your best. This is not a job application. You are applying for help you paid into because you obviously can't handle job interviews or else you would be doing those instead, right? Just as I would have. Yes, be courteous, but don't worry about trying to impress anyone. You are there because you are in trouble. Like so many of us. You don't need to put any more stress on yourself. There's a good reason the word "stress" is in our diagnosis.

As for the appointment itself? I don't remember many details, but I know she did ask me if I drove myself there and also wanted me to count backwards from 100. Like that would prove anything. It was a struggle for me, but I did it. I don't think they have the best evaluation materials to test cognitive impairment. Anyway, no worries. If you get denied this first time, which would be pretty typical, just find a disability appeals lawyer in your phone book. That should take care of it. It will take a few months, though, so if you have a 401K or anything, this is the time to tap into it.

 

[hodge]

Oh, and also, it is basic practice for any reputable disability appeals attorney to only take a portion of your back pay as a fee once you win, which undoubtedly you will. So don't worry. Just hang in there.

 

[sun seeker]

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best. I don't know anything about the process of applying for disability in the U.S., so will stay out of that part. Just sending a friendly hello and a hug if you can use one. :hug:

 

[Fadeaway]

Write stuff down, have a list of possible answers before you go in. A list of symptoms. A list of triggers. A list of physical complaints due to PTSD symtoms. Achy muscles from being tense all the time, burning eyes from lack of sleep, cordentation problems due to lack of sleep. Ect.

I had to do the counting backwards from 100 too at my rexamination It is silly.I could do it then, but once at a job interview I was asked the same thing and froze. It is very silly.

 

[Bloomy]

Also sending you friendly hug and wish for you the best Ava

 

[EveHarrington]

:hug:


Remember, you're not trying to impress these people. Don't worry about getting upset or letting them see your symptoms. Make a list in case it's difficult to talk.