disability questions

[meg321]

I filed for disability awhile back, which i am not sure is that good but I am letting it roll now.  

Now they are sending me to a medical Dr and a shrink for evaluations.  Why would they think a Dr who doesnt even know me can talk to me once and confirm anything at all.  I don't even look sick..lol  And why is it that my MS specialist isn't enough, she has all my tests.  And tests are all that show what we have.

I do see my Dr next week so i will ask her about it.

I would like to hear from others who have gone thru this.

thanks, meg

[meg321]

That makes me want to curl and die !! LOL  I am not even sure it would be worth it for me.  But I am trying just to put one foot in front of the other and let God help with these decisons, since I have no idea what I am doing at times....But I am learning..

thanks, meg

[Fluffysmom]

Hello,
It is how they do all disability claims; I was sent to doctors that seemed to be completely ridiculous for what my issues were.  The psych testing was pretty simple at first, but after I was denied once, I was sent in for more in-depth testing, with lots of multiple choice questions.  Pages and pages of them.

They just don't want to rely on other doctor's examinations and tests.  Crazy, but that's the way they do it.

Anyway, I was denied twice, hired an attorney, and was approved.  He got a cut of my back pay, but it was worth it.  He was nice and considerate, and smart!  They counted my disability from when I couldn't even do temp. jobs, and I ended up with two years of back pay, minus the payment to the attorney.  It was a big help when that money came in!

I quickly learned to live on my monthly amount, and within two months was approved for low-income housing (I'd been on the waiting list for 2 years).  I have a nice apartment, Medicare, and enough money to pay for a supplemental policy that gives me better coverage, and extra help from the state so my prescriptions are $2.40 or $6.00.

Although my disability was approved on conditions that would be unlikely to improve, they occasionally do a review.  I just got a questionaire from Social Security, and my have to go visit a doctor or two again.  I have reams of test results and doctor's reports if needed.

My last review was very simple, and I received my approval letter in a short while.  I just try to be calm when I have to do paperwork or see a doctor, and know that the evidence is there and that I'll be approved again.

I hope things go smoothly for you.

Kathy

[Lulu54]

Hi Meg,
it sure has been quiet around here so you may be waiting for a while for answers. I haven't been through disability hearings but have read a number of other's experiences.  It never sounds pretty.  

Almost unanimously folks say the best way to cut the time down and be successful with the claim is to use the services of a disability attorney.  They take a certain percentage of your first check, so it does cost $$.  But as I understand they don't charge the usual up front fees.  you might want to consider that.

I hope someone else has some ideas to share with you.

be well,
Lulu