SSDI application process experience

[Guest guest]

,

My heart goes out to you. I know what you are dealing with (been there

done that) and I know it is frustrating. I will tell you how my SSDI

application process went.

First, I filled out all the paperwork online and KEPT COPIES OF ALL MY

ANSWERS. That is key. They will ask the same question umpteen different ways

to see if you consistently answer with the same response or not. If you do

not.........their red flags pop up. I was the first person in Indiana to fill

out the paperwork online, they told me, so the entire procedure was new to

everyone involved. She looked at the medicaid application I did at the same

time and threw it away saying I couldn't get that. I still haven't figured out

why I can't get it.

But, back to the point............ By filling out the paperwork online, at

my leisure, I could stop and search through my desk, files, etc. for the

documents, doctor's reports, financial info, etc. that you would not be able to

look for and use if you wait to fill out the paperwork in the SS office. So,

if you have that online option in your state, I highly recommend utilizing

it. Then, if I remember correctly, it took about 3 months before they set me

up with an appointment with their doctor. It was my impression that the

doctors that do these interviews (at least in my case) are not the brightest

bulbs on the tree............else, they wouldn't have to make their money doing

this kind of work.

This doctor they used told me that pain is not associated with CMT (he was also

showing off for some cute, perky medical student that was shadowing him that

day). I informed him of his ignorance of CMT and, upon arriving back home, I

immediately fired off a letter to my SSDI caseworker telling him that if I am

denied SSDI on the basis of this doctor's ignorance, that I would require a

qualified neurologist to do the exam. In short, I was approved on the first

try, but then you still have to wait before benefits start.

I believe that the waiting period in Indiana was 6 months, so I can relate all

too strongly with the need for immediate financial assistance. The entire

procedure, from filling out the online paperwork to getting my first SSDI check,

was about nine months.

Do not become discouraged (I know it is difficult not to) and hang in

there. ALWAYS take a proactive stance in fighting for your disability. People

all too often look upon doctors as being all-knowing, better than them, etc.

Fact is, they are just llike you and I with the only difference being that

they somehow managed to graduate med school..............and remember, SOMEONE

had to finish last in his/her class and are still looked upon as being

god-like by too many people. NEVER hesitate to question your doctor's

responses, diagnoses, prescriptions, knowledge of CMT, etc. Fact is, if you

read a paragraph on CMT, you may well know more about it than most physicians.

So fight for yourself.......you are your best advocate.

Good luck............you are in my prayers.

Bob in Indiana