Social Security Disability

[Guest guest]

I just received a copy of " Chronic Pancreatitis Medical Assessment

Form " that I think many of you would be interested in seeing. This is

not a Social Security offical form - it is put out by the person who

writes manuals for legal professionals dealing with Social Security.

Evidently it is accepted by Social Security; case workers have

approved its use. However, in my brief review, I can see problem areas.

This form is sent to the physician who is evaluating you. If I knew my

doctor was going to be filling out this form, there are many things I

would want to make sure she knew - things that I might not necessarily

have discussed with her previously.

Also, there are questions which show a predisposed attitude that

chronic pancreatitis is caused by alcoholic consumption. (e.g. " If

you were to assume that your patient was able to maintain complete

sobriety, would your patient continue to exhibit the symptoms and

limitations discussed in this form? Yes or No.)

Among symptoms for the physician to check are many of the things we

may experience, but many are missing. Recurrent/peristent diarrhea is

listed, but not constipation. Poor appetite with weight loss is

listed, but not bloating or weight gain. Pain may be abdominal or

radiating to the back, but does not mention upper abdominal/chest.

This is a 4 page questionnaire and I don't have a scanner. I would be

happy to mail it to Karyn if she thinks it's appropriate for

posting. Or better, for revision!!

I'm not applying for SSDI yet, but know that it's in the future, so

I'm interested in anything my co-worker comes up with. She

specializes in Public Benefits (Social Security and state welfare,

etc.) She told me that if there is a Medical Assessment Form for the

specific condition, there is usually a Social Security code for the

condition. So is CP accepted by Social Security now? I remember

reading how some of you were accepted, but for chronic pain and other

problems.

Aloha,

in Hawaii

[Guest guest]

I would be very interested in having a copy of this form. If you decide to mail

it out I will be glad to send postage ahead of time.

Sandy in Ca

-------------- Original message --------------

I just received a copy of " Chronic Pancreatitis Medical Assessment

Form " that I think many of you would be interested in seeing. This is

not a Social Security offical form - it is put out by the person who

writes manuals for legal professionals dealing with Social Security.

[Guest guest]

Hi

The SSA folks do have a list of " disabilities " that when diagnoised by an MD

they can automatically award SSDI. I didn't get a glance at the list but I'm

sure it is composed of recognised conditions that just are not treatable, and

totally dehabilatating. Like some mental illnesses, acute cancer not responding

to to inital treatment, blindness, etc. The second qualification is that the

condition would prevent employment in the individuals specific field. Like a

surgeon that has Parkinsons, a crane operator who has lost depth perception,

etc. Then there is a third hurdle in that how effective would the individual be

if trained in another line of employment.

One might get SSDI while being retrained but then the case would be checked

to see when, and/or SSDI would be withheld. I think several things also affect

the judgement of the SSA like the age of the person (one that is 61 years old

might get SSDI but one that is 28 years old might be encouraged to try other

employment), effectiveness of treatment, progression of the condition, two or

more existing medical conditions, etc.

My opinion, and that of others on this board, is that SSDI is not easy to

obtain.

In 2002, Chronic Panc. was not on the SSA list, but I'm sure the list gets

updated perodically.

Hope my comments help,

Best Wishes, Poncho - GA

[Guest guest]

Hi

I too would be interested in seeing it. I hope that it is something

that Karyn can post publically so we can all see what the

government uses as an aid to evaluating claims.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention!

Laurie