Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks!!! Include how? Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... Also, when your bad days vary so wildly from your good days...and you don't know when either one will happen... How do you answer? > The thing is, my sister did not include all the accommodations she had to make in order to do all the things she was so proud of doing despite her severe disabilities. > > Finally, her 4th lawyer convinced her to include her many accommodations to doing anything and she was granted SSI benefits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 Thanks!!! Include how? Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... Also, when your bad days vary so wildly from your good days...and you don't know when either one will happen... How do you answer? > The thing is, my sister did not include all the accommodations she had to make in order to do all the things she was so proud of doing despite her severe disabilities. > > Finally, her 4th lawyer convinced her to include her many accommodations to doing anything and she was granted SSI benefits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 On Aug 5, 2012, at 6:42 PM, Olnisa wrote: > Thanks!!! > > Include how? > > Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? > > Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. > > I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... > > Also, when your bad days vary so wildly from your good days...and you don't know when either one will happen... How do you answer? You are correct that we don't have control over medical records. Never fear 'cause you have control over Thr records you have. Sounds like you have your own records. Make lots of copies 'cause SSA has been known to lose whole files (including mine and my sister's temporarily). Perhaps you can make a summary of your records listing, in columns, only those visits and tests which exemplify your symptoms. I did this in my own handwriting (before computer) listing: -dates of dr visits, -which dr, -complaint prompting visit. You can always add more supporting paperwork to your SSA file. You can send it directly to SSA if your lawyer has filed your paperwork. Make sure you make lots of copies and send a copy of everything you have added to SSA's file for you to your lawyer. Added supporting documents include additions to your daily activities questionnaire, all accommodations you must make in order to drive, shop, cook, do dishes, any cleaning. For instance, -I carry a sportseat (3 legged cane with folding seat) to shop and for standing in lines. -My sister stood only long enough to wash food st sink, then sat at table to cut, up to put in pan then back to table while food cooked, etc. -I stopped upchucking once driving for 20 minutes by driving in a more reclining position thanks to easily adjustable seat backs in my car. Your accommodations are likely quite different or similar to mine. Write them down as you think of them and on e you have enough to convince an SSA reviewer you cannot work reliably, add the document to your SSA file, sending a copy to your lawyer (keeping extra copies for yourself). I finally bought a copier (flat top one) as an accommodation to my conditions as every trip out of my house to, say, the copy place, wore me out for weeks. SSA cares not only about whether you can work but how reliable you are. I cannot be counted on to be anywhere every week much less every day. If this is true for you, include examples. The woman I lived with for years when I got sick also wrote a letter on my behalf with examples of her witness of me getting more and more unable to do things. I hired a Home Organizer who wrote a devastating letter with an example of my cognitive dysfunction and compared my physical stamina negatively with her stage 4 cancer patient clients. Keep a notebook close by making notes as you think of examples of how your conditions and symptoms have prevented you from working. When you think you have remembered everything, send a copy to SSA and copy yourself and your lawyer. Also, your extensive working and failing to continue to work experiences may prove very helpful in your SSA review. Make sure these experiences are highlighted or send them separately to SSA (with copies for you and sent to lawyer). We all worry about our " good " days when filing for SSDI. But are those " good " days really all that good? If you are like most CFS-ME patients, what you do on a good day is nowhere near what you coulda done a few years ago. And good, active days are followed by days of pain, exhaustion and other symptoms including being bedridden or unable to reliably do paperwork or even hold a conversation. Remember, SSA's job is to award benefits to those who cannot work reliably even at a part time job. You can do it. It was the hardest thing I have ever done physical, psychologically and emotionally and I did it. Toni Cf-Alliance.tripod.com/ from iPod touch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 5, 2012 Report Share Posted August 5, 2012 On Aug 5, 2012, at 6:42 PM, Olnisa wrote: > Thanks!!! > > Include how? > > Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? > > Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. > > I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... > > Also, when your bad days vary so wildly from your good days...and you don't know when either one will happen... How do you answer? You are correct that we don't have control over medical records. Never fear 'cause you have control over Thr records you have. Sounds like you have your own records. Make lots of copies 'cause SSA has been known to lose whole files (including mine and my sister's temporarily). Perhaps you can make a summary of your records listing, in columns, only those visits and tests which exemplify your symptoms. I did this in my own handwriting (before computer) listing: -dates of dr visits, -which dr, -complaint prompting visit. You can always add more supporting paperwork to your SSA file. You can send it directly to SSA if your lawyer has filed your paperwork. Make sure you make lots of copies and send a copy of everything you have added to SSA's file for you to your lawyer. Added supporting documents include additions to your daily activities questionnaire, all accommodations you must make in order to drive, shop, cook, do dishes, any cleaning. For instance, -I carry a sportseat (3 legged cane with folding seat) to shop and for standing in lines. -My sister stood only long enough to wash food st sink, then sat at table to cut, up to put in pan then back to table while food cooked, etc. -I stopped upchucking once driving for 20 minutes by driving in a more reclining position thanks to easily adjustable seat backs in my car. Your accommodations are likely quite different or similar to mine. Write them down as you think of them and on e you have enough to convince an SSA reviewer you cannot work reliably, add the document to your SSA file, sending a copy to your lawyer (keeping extra copies for yourself). I finally bought a copier (flat top one) as an accommodation to my conditions as every trip out of my house to, say, the copy place, wore me out for weeks. SSA cares not only about whether you can work but how reliable you are. I cannot be counted on to be anywhere every week much less every day. If this is true for you, include examples. The woman I lived with for years when I got sick also wrote a letter on my behalf with examples of her witness of me getting more and more unable to do things. I hired a Home Organizer who wrote a devastating letter with an example of my cognitive dysfunction and compared my physical stamina negatively with her stage 4 cancer patient clients. Keep a notebook close by making notes as you think of examples of how your conditions and symptoms have prevented you from working. When you think you have remembered everything, send a copy to SSA and copy yourself and your lawyer. Also, your extensive working and failing to continue to work experiences may prove very helpful in your SSA review. Make sure these experiences are highlighted or send them separately to SSA (with copies for you and sent to lawyer). We all worry about our " good " days when filing for SSDI. But are those " good " days really all that good? If you are like most CFS-ME patients, what you do on a good day is nowhere near what you coulda done a few years ago. And good, active days are followed by days of pain, exhaustion and other symptoms including being bedridden or unable to reliably do paperwork or even hold a conversation. Remember, SSA's job is to award benefits to those who cannot work reliably even at a part time job. You can do it. It was the hardest thing I have ever done physical, psychologically and emotionally and I did it. Toni Cf-Alliance.tripod.com/ from iPod touch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 They should have been included on the initial application--but, since you didn't....make sure that you have an attorney for the hearing that specializes in SSDI appeals--- You keep a record on your bad days of what you CANNOT do...that healthy people CAN do---you'll be surprised with all of the things that you come up with.  Make sure that the attorney and you go over the list..... Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Thanks!!! Include how? Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 They should have been included on the initial application--but, since you didn't....make sure that you have an attorney for the hearing that specializes in SSDI appeals--- You keep a record on your bad days of what you CANNOT do...that healthy people CAN do---you'll be surprised with all of the things that you come up with.  Make sure that the attorney and you go over the list..... Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Thanks!!! Include how? Discuss what she needed for accommodations at the hearing? Or in some paperwork? I filled out the initial daily functioning report so long ago, and didn't know much about the process then, so I might have not done a good job. I dont know what else there is other than medical records which you really don't have control over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 On Aug 5, 2012, at 6:42 PM, Olnisa wrote: > ... medical records which you really don't have control over... Hi Olnisa, I forgot to mention, there are no consequences for doctors who do not respond to SSA or your lawyer's requests for your files. Doctors suffer no consequences for never bothering to fill out SSA's disability forms for you. Only one doctor and one psycho-therapist sent completed forms to SSA for me. I had seen 20 doctors in 6 years in search of answers (to my body's screaming HELP) and help for getting to work more reliably. This makes it really important to get copies of all relevant doctors' records (those records related to symptoms preventing you from working: test results, doctors' notes, your reasons for docs' visits). If you have your medical records, you may identify relevant medical records to SSA yourself, bypassing any doctors' participation with your disability claim. toni cf-alliance.tripod.com/ from iPodTouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 On Aug 5, 2012, at 6:42 PM, Olnisa wrote: > ... medical records which you really don't have control over... Hi Olnisa, I forgot to mention, there are no consequences for doctors who do not respond to SSA or your lawyer's requests for your files. Doctors suffer no consequences for never bothering to fill out SSA's disability forms for you. Only one doctor and one psycho-therapist sent completed forms to SSA for me. I had seen 20 doctors in 6 years in search of answers (to my body's screaming HELP) and help for getting to work more reliably. This makes it really important to get copies of all relevant doctors' records (those records related to symptoms preventing you from working: test results, doctors' notes, your reasons for docs' visits). If you have your medical records, you may identify relevant medical records to SSA yourself, bypassing any doctors' participation with your disability claim. toni cf-alliance.tripod.com/ from iPodTouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 On Aug 5, 2012, at 6:42 PM, Olnisa wrote: > ... medical records which you really don't have control over... Hi Olnisa, I forgot to mention, there are no consequences for doctors who do not respond to SSA or your lawyer's requests for your files. Doctors suffer no consequences for never bothering to fill out SSA's disability forms for you. Only one doctor and one psycho-therapist sent completed forms to SSA for me. I had seen 20 doctors in 6 years in search of answers (to my body's screaming HELP) and help for getting to work more reliably. This makes it really important to get copies of all relevant doctors' records (those records related to symptoms preventing you from working: test results, doctors' notes, your reasons for docs' visits). If you have your medical records, you may identify relevant medical records to SSA yourself, bypassing any doctors' participation with your disability claim. toni cf-alliance.tripod.com/ from iPodTouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 Toni, OMG, That is unforgivable I felt like a Type-A micromanager getting all my records and then giving them to my lawyer.... But, initially, I gave them a name of a doc for the initial app, and it wasn't listed on my determination letter. Idk if the lawyer missed it, ssa missed it, or the dr ignored a request. But I wasn't about to let it happen again. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of time and money to chase down (and correct) all my records. Evidently I'm saving HER money And it's not like these records are good.... You can't even read half their scribbles, and they certainly don't describe my situation well, if at all. There should be rules and explanations! There is so much contradictory info! I also just found out that the person who knows my situation the best (my therapist) could have their records totally dismissed because he's an LPC. Is that true? A year of pouring my guts out and and working on my problems could be ignored? Olnisa > Only one doctor and one psycho-therapist sent completed forms to SSA for me. I had seen 20 doctors in 6 years in search of answers (to my body's screaming HELP) and help for getting to work more reliably. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2012 Report Share Posted August 6, 2012 Can I/should I do an updated functioning form? (ps yes this is her specialty) > They should have been included on the initial application--but, since you didn't....make sure that you have an attorney for the hearing that specializes in SSDI appeals--- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 On Aug 6, 2012, at 6:03 PM, Olnisa wrote: > ... I gave them a name of a doc for the initial app, and it wasn't listed on my determination letter. Idk if the lawyer missed it, ssa missed it, or the dr ignored a request. But I wasn't about to let it happen again. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of time and money to chase down (and correct) all my records. It is all for you, ultimately. It is in your best interest to do everything you are ABLE to do for your own case. If you are not able, let it go. Your lawyer appreciates you for understanding and tracking down more of your records making for a better case which is ultimately for you. : ) toni cf-alliance.tripod.com/ from iPodTouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 On Aug 6, 2012, at 6:03 PM, Olnisa wrote: > ... I gave them a name of a doc for the initial app, and it wasn't listed on my determination letter. Idk if the lawyer missed it, ssa missed it, or the dr ignored a request. But I wasn't about to let it happen again. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of time and money to chase down (and correct) all my records. It is all for you, ultimately. It is in your best interest to do everything you are ABLE to do for your own case. If you are not able, let it go. Your lawyer appreciates you for understanding and tracking down more of your records making for a better case which is ultimately for you. : ) toni cf-alliance.tripod.com/ from iPodTouch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 You should ask her if she can file that for you...... I would do it--give it to her--and also give it to your doctors. Â Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said...... SSA only called ONE of my doctors--and I had four of them....including a psychiatrist. Â They picked the rheumy.....and the speedy approval of three months was based on JUST the fibro diagnosis. Â I threw everything in there--but, the kitchen sink....depression, panic disorder, ADHD, etc. etc. Â But, for some reason--they only called my rheumy---didn't send me to ANY of their doctors..... I guess I lucked out....but, it also may have been because I was 51 when I applied.... Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Can I/should I do an updated functioning form? (ps yes this is her specialty) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Yes, unfortunately, you have to stay on top of things---my attorney almost missed a deadline. Â I was NOT afraid to be a pest.....my future was at stake....I also did all of the follow-ups with my own docs to make sure that they sent the requested info---and I also asked my attorney to send me to another doctor who might be friendly toward your condition---just for the record. Â My attorney sent me to TWO other doctors that he knew dealt with SSDI all of the time....They, TOO know the " buzz words " .... Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Â Toni, OMG, That is unforgivable I felt like a Type-A micromanager getting all my records and then giving them to my lawyer.... But, initially, I gave them a name of a doc for the initial app, and it wasn't listed on my determination letter. Idk if the lawyer missed it, ssa missed it, or the dr ignored a request. But I wasn't about to let it happen again. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of time and money to chase down (and correct) all my records. Evidently I'm saving HER money And it's not like these records are good.... You can't even read half their scribbles, and they certainly don't describe my situation well, if at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Yes, unfortunately, you have to stay on top of things---my attorney almost missed a deadline. Â I was NOT afraid to be a pest.....my future was at stake....I also did all of the follow-ups with my own docs to make sure that they sent the requested info---and I also asked my attorney to send me to another doctor who might be friendly toward your condition---just for the record. Â My attorney sent me to TWO other doctors that he knew dealt with SSDI all of the time....They, TOO know the " buzz words " .... Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Â Toni, OMG, That is unforgivable I felt like a Type-A micromanager getting all my records and then giving them to my lawyer.... But, initially, I gave them a name of a doc for the initial app, and it wasn't listed on my determination letter. Idk if the lawyer missed it, ssa missed it, or the dr ignored a request. But I wasn't about to let it happen again. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot of time and money to chase down (and correct) all my records. Evidently I'm saving HER money And it's not like these records are good.... You can't even read half their scribbles, and they certainly don't describe my situation well, if at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 Ugh I havent done this at all In fact my doctor give me their opinions, but they certainly don't know about my daily life, and consequently don't list limitations. Plus I have some doctors I've only gone to a few times; I keep getting shuffled around, and I assume the lack of consistency isn't good --Sent from my iPhone > Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2012 Report Share Posted August 7, 2012 I also can't get a handle on when things happen. Like when does the attorney stop collecting records? The day before the hearing? The month before the hearing? My hearing is sept 12, so I don't know if I should be cramming in dr appts... Not that they tell meant thing new When does the judge review my case? The day of the hearing? When I'm in the room? Does he do his homework and go thru all my info a month early? Do I need I keep up on all this until the day of the hearing? What about after the hearing? Does the judge start really investigating things after the hearing? Does he call on my doctors then? At all? Or is everything dumped on him at the hearing and that and only that is what the decision is based on? > Yes, unfortunately, you have to stay on top of things---my attorney almost missed a deadline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Right---but, all of these things you can correct. Â Whatever you are giving to your attorney about your limitations in daily life, etc---you need to make sure that your doctor gets a copy. Â You really only need a one or two doctors who see you regularly----ask THEM if they will support your claim for disability when you give them the list! Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Ugh I havent done this at all In fact my doctor give me their opinions, but they certainly don't know about my daily life, and consequently don't list limitations. Plus I have some doctors I've only gone to a few times; I keep getting shuffled around, and I assume the lack of consistency isn't good --Sent from my iPhone > Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Right---but, all of these things you can correct. Â Whatever you are giving to your attorney about your limitations in daily life, etc---you need to make sure that your doctor gets a copy. Â You really only need a one or two doctors who see you regularly----ask THEM if they will support your claim for disability when you give them the list! Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Ugh I havent done this at all In fact my doctor give me their opinions, but they certainly don't know about my daily life, and consequently don't list limitations. Plus I have some doctors I've only gone to a few times; I keep getting shuffled around, and I assume the lack of consistency isn't good --Sent from my iPhone > Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Right---but, all of these things you can correct. Â Whatever you are giving to your attorney about your limitations in daily life, etc---you need to make sure that your doctor gets a copy. Â You really only need a one or two doctors who see you regularly----ask THEM if they will support your claim for disability when you give them the list! Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Ugh I havent done this at all In fact my doctor give me their opinions, but they certainly don't know about my daily life, and consequently don't list limitations. Plus I have some doctors I've only gone to a few times; I keep getting shuffled around, and I assume the lack of consistency isn't good --Sent from my iPhone > Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Olnisa, I can't help you with this--since I never had to have a hearing..... But, I am sure that others, who have been through the process, can let you know... It WILL happen---just may take a little time.... Hang in there.. Lynn ________________________________ Subject: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES I also can't get a handle on when things happen. Like when does the attorney stop collecting records? The day before the hearing? The month before the hearing? My hearing is sept 12, so I don't know if I should be cramming in dr appts... Not that they tell meant thing new When does the judge review my case? The day of the hearing? When I'm in the room? Does he do his homework and go thru all my info a month early? Do I need I keep up on all this until the day of the hearing? What about after the hearing? Does the judge start really investigating things after the hearing? Does he call on my doctors then? At all? Or is everything dumped on him at the hearing and that and only that is what the decision is based on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 And, Olnisa,if none of your drs will help, ask your lawyer if she can recommend one. And/or find one, a rheumatologist, othropedist, neurlogist...even a family practitioner who understands enough anyway, and agrees to do the form'(s) for SS. K. Re: Re: Work? SSDI NOTES Ugh I havent done this at all In fact my doctor give me their opinions, but they certainly don't know about my daily life, and consequently don't list limitations. Plus I have some doctors I've only gone to a few times; I keep getting shuffled around, and I assume the lack of consistency isn't good --Sent from my iPhone > Your doctors need to know WHAT you told social security--so, that when/if they are called---they can pull that out and confirm what you said.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 Good! How often is regularly? I could use my GP or my internist.... But I've also heard that since they are not specialists, they may be discounted... > You really only need a one or two doctors who see you regularly----ask THEM if they will support your claim for disability when you give them the list! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2012 Report Share Posted August 8, 2012 At the end of every appointment from now on, ask for a copy of the records for that appointment and bring them with you. If you call the ALJ or your local social security office, you can request a CD with all of the records that they have so far. Look over it and make sure you aren't missing anything records. If any records are missing, request them from the doctor's office (records from one or two appointment are usually free). NEVER trust a lawyer to make sure Social Security has all of your records you will be severely disappointed. I would keep having the appointments up until the day of the hearing, but make sure YOU gather the records and bring them to the hearing. Steve M in PA I also can't get a handle on when things happen. Like when does the attorney stop collecting records? The day before the hearing? The month before the hearing? My hearing is sept 12, so I don't know if I should be cramming in dr appts... Not that they tell meant thing new When does the judge review my case? The day of the hearing? When I'm in the room? Does he do his homework and go thru all my info a month early? Do I need I keep up on all this until the day of the hearing? What about after the hearing? Does the judge start really investigating things after the hearing? Does he call on my doctors then? At all? Or is everything dumped on him at the hearing and that and only that is what the decision is based on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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