need some insite please

[larbec7]

I have been out of work since 2008 and have hired an attorney to help me get my ssdi.  I have chronic pain due to an old injury and I have panic disorders and severe depression which isd what all my doctors are saying.  Well, social security called me AGAIN and want me to see ANOTHER psychologist in two weeks.  This will be number 4 within 6 months.  The first 3 all say I have panic disorder and major depression along with chronic pain.  I am on heavy duty pain meds and muscle relaxers through out the day and my doctor pulled me out of work because of the medication I am on and some paralysis that i have,  He was afraid I would hurt myself or someone else and perhaps kill myself.

Can someone tell me if this is normal?  What is this other psychologist looking for that thet others have not seen or is SSDI looking for ONE person to say I am ok.  I am very frustrated with the whole process and I am not sure how to act when I see number 4 dr.

What do you all think???

[larbec7]

My psychologist said they would give me some test at the other office.  What kind of test do they give?  What kind of questions?

[larbec7]

Thanks for taking time to reply.  I go nest week to this new phd.  I go every two weeks to my regular phd shrink and he told me not to sweat it that they more than likely give me a test to see just how depressed I am.  He said that his office said I am severely depressed with major panic disorder and the more drs that can talk to me the better off I am in trying to receive SSDI.  I hope I get an income soon.  This is tough

[Bipolar1957]

I applied for disability about 3 years ago when my depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, etc. elevated to the point that I could no longer work. The first time I applied I was denied but my attorney was prompt in filing an appeal. I had records for my pdoc, my psychologist, my internist, my PTSD therapist, everyone short of the Pope!  When applying the first time I wasn't asked to speak to any of the state psychologist but on appeal they wanted me to talk to their psychologists (the first being a phone interview). My attorney strongly advised me NOT to but I was insistent to do so because I had nothing to hide.  I spoke to both and was extremely honest and forthcoming with my answers. I think when being interviewed (evaluated) it is best to be totally honest with them. I have a friend I met in the pschy. ward who applied the same time I did and when he was being evaluated he pretended he didn't know what day it was. I don't know if that influenced the doctor's decision but he was denied both times.



My best advice is to be honest when being interviewed, submit as much documentation as possible from therapists, doctors and even close friends or family who have witnessed your disability. And to list ALL of your medical conditions whether they're applicable to the major cause of your disability or not. Also, if denied don't get discouraged and be diligent in filing appeals. There are many levels of appeal and I have read that most people  get turned down on the state level, but upon appeal are granted disability. I'm including a link to the government website on disability that gives much information on the entire process. I hope this is helpful and good luck :)



http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

[lj340]

I wish I would have read this sooner before you even hired an attorney. I receive Social Security disability benefits for severe treatment resistant clinical depression. I used an EXCELLENT company called Allsup instead of an attorney when I applied for benefits. I had a wonderful experience with this company. They were a huge help. Here is the website if you want to look into it:
http://www.allsup.com/
Good Luck!!!

[larbec7]

according to my attorney I meet ALL the guidelines for SSDI.  I am just nervous.  We have been without income for so long and selling almost everything to stay in our home.  Someone hit my car and $1800 in damages and I have to use the money for the house payment instead of repairs

[ILADVOCATE]

Yes I am very familiar with the Social Security evaluation process and Social Security does use the services of outside physicians and psychiatrists to do an evaluation but it should be noted that under Social Security regulations the weight of the evidence of a treating physician or psychiatrist always is greater than that of a Social Security physician or psychiatrist. For more information google "disability secrets" and also go to the Social Security website at ssa.gov and look under "questions and answers". They also have the specific regulations and eligibility criteria listed for each disability as well as its all public information.