Re: Disability Determination Services

[Guest guest]

Amy,

SSA and DDS are notorious for 'lost' paperwork, even in the

electronic age. And the workers can be exceptionally rude. So,

unfortunately, you'll have to resend the info. Make sure to keep a

xerox copy of *every* piece of paper you send, where you send it and

to whom, and put the date on it you sent it - for your own home files.

As for " Daily Activities Form " they want to know what you do in the

day, like getting dressed (and how long that takes), caring for

family, do you go out, and where (like say to buy groceries, other

shopping,to church, to community meetings, the library, also stuff

you do at home, housework, preparing meals, yard work, etc. Be as

specific as possible. Add in there all the childcare, etc. Add in

activities you can no longer do, say like vaccuming, housework, etc.

Also add in anything your doctor has 'restricted' you from doing,

such as bending, carrying heavy things, walking. If you take

medications, list times you take medications and their effects and

what you cannot do when you take them. This form is just standard for

the SSA.

The " Consultative Exam " is just standard procedure too. The doctor

will more than likely *not* know anything about CMT. He may look at

your legs, feet and hands, maybe do Xrays, maybe not. He may ask some

funny questions like " what are the similiarities between apples and

oranges? " Or may ask you to count backwards from 100 by 7's. These

questions have nothing to do with CMT, but are just 'part of the

process'. Do not miss this appointment, no matter what. It is

important that you be there - if not, your application will be thrown

out.

Here's something about the CE

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/greenbook/ce-adult.htm

It is unfortunate that it is so difficult and time consuming to apply

for benefits.

Gretchen

[Guest guest]

Amy,

Of course Gretchen is the one who knows this best, but I helped a girlfriend

fill this out and what we did was list when she woke up, how long it takes her

to get going, then she would work for 2 hours (at home) and then we would list

that she would need to nap. How oftem she would go to doctor/physical therapy,

how long there and how that impacted her day and activities in the house and out

always stressing that afterwards, she would need to rest.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Amy,

I have a comment for you.After stressing out bad over the huge pile of

papperwork needed to be awarded SS Disability,worried that if any tiny piece

of info was missing or incorrect.The Doc I was sent to(by Social

Security)took one look at my hands,mostly between my thumb and index finger

at the lack of muscle(a sure sign of CMT)and said in so many words YES I

HAVE CMT.I could tell that he was convinced and was now on my side.He said

my case was easy,it is clear to him I am not a liar,THIS IS ALL THEY WANT TO

KNOW..I was awarded on my first try and I do NOT look bad at all.Good luck.

Geoff

[Guest guest]

Geoff,

That makes me hopeful that when it is my time, and it is approaching, that there

are some positive experiences. Thanks for posting.

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Amy, I responded privately to you.  Please check your spam folder, if you don't

see my email in your inbox. 

AG

[Guest guest]

Yes, thanks to all of you for your response to my posting on disability. I went

ahead and filled out the info they requested, just to make it easier on them.

I appreciate all of the help!!!

Amy