Applying for Social Security Disability (SSI/SSDI)

[Billt]

The RFC is the residual functional capacity form. A dr fills it out showing that you that your poor daily functioning won't allow you to work. I downloaded a copy from on line and gave it to my dr. I filled it out with the help of his nurse and then the dr signed.

A CE is a consulting/consultant exam done by a dr that Disability chooses. I was made to go get a mental exam by psychologist and now I'm being sent to an md who will examine me and say if I'm able to work.

Anot RFC is important to get from your dr. Hope this helps.

Thank you, This does help a lot !! I will find and download a form before we go to the dr for our next visit.
Maybe this will help with his disability

 

[KitCat]

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfcdownloadhome.html

I agree with what clerner wrote.

Do not worry about getting turned down the first time. This happens with most cases. Your chances will be better at a hearing.

Do you know if your son's doctor supports his decision to apply for disability and believes he is unable to work?

I think it's really important to know if your doctor is supportive before giving them any forms to fill out.

If you'd like tips for talking to a doc, just let me know.

 

[KitCat]

Reading this thread, I have started thinking it would be helpful to writes something up called "ten steps to winning a cfs claim for social security"

I will go ahead and take a shot at the first few:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

One: Make sure you have the right kind of doctor

• Social Security is happiest if you see an MD (not a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant)
• A cfs specialist is great! But not required. Any kind of MD that is supportive can help your case.
• If you also have fibro, it is super helpful if you also have a diagnosis from a rheumatologist
• If you also have serious mental health issues, it is super helpful if you have a supportive psychologist or psychiatrist (a counselor or therapist is not the same)
• If you also have lyme, that is fine, but it I don't think you can win a claim based on lyme. It may help to focus your case on other conditions such as cfs, fibro, or depression.

Two: Make sure your doctor supports your application

• Here's a list I wrote of Best ways to talk to your doc about your disability ap
• Here's some ideas for What to do if your doc is not totally supportive
• It helps if you can figure out Why your doctor might not be supportive

Three: Get a great RFC Form

• Physical RFC
• Mental RFC (optional)
• The ideal RFC is signed by your treating physician (regular visits for 3+ months)
• The ideal RFC is signed by an MD (for physical)
• The ideal RFC is signed by a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist (for mental)
• Before asking your doctor, it's helpful if you put together info on your limitations

 

[KitCat]

Ok. That is the first three! I will come back another day and add some more.

A few of the links above are lists I have put together based on information from disability lawyers, social security policies, and experiences from other people who are on disability. The RFC articles come from sites by disability lawyers.

Input/suggestions/ideas/corrections are welcome!

 

[Billt]

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com/rfcdownloadhome.html

I agree with what clerner wrote.

Do not worry about getting turned down the first time. This happens with most cases. Your chances will be better at a hearing.

Do you know if your son's doctor supports his decision to apply for disability and believes he is unable to work?

I think it's really important to know if your doctor is supportive before giving them any forms to fill out.

If you'd like tips for talking to a doc, just let me know.

KitCat
I know most do get turned down. Just seems like such a daunting task to prove his illness. The attorney has not been all that helpful so we are looking for someone who is familiar with CFS.

We went out to see a specialist in Ca. and were shocked when we got his report. He said he could help with the claim but it seems it was too much work for him.

We are now with local dr who said they will help but I know we need to be seen a few times and keep going so there is a paper trail.

I will PM you if you don't mind and try to get some tips. Thank you again , Billt

 

[KitCat]

Hi bill,

it is a long process. you will get there in time.

you are doing the right thing helping and supporting your son. he is lucky to have your support.

I hope you are able to find an atty you love.... but you may wish to talk to your original attorney and see if they are willing to release their pay... otherwise it may be difficult to find someone new.

regardless of who your lawyer is, very often, there is much more that you can do to help yourself than an attorney can do anyway. It sounds to me like you are moving in the right direction.

what were you shocked about in the specialists report?

 

[Billt]

Hi bill,

it is a long process. you will get there in time.

you are doing the right thing helping and supporting your son. he is lucky to have your support.

I hope you are able to find an atty you love.... but you may wish to talk to your original attorney and see if they are willing to release their pay... otherwise it may be difficult to find someone new.

regardless of who your lawyer is, very often, there is much more that you can do to help yourself than an attorney can do anyway. It sounds to me like you are moving in the right direction.

what were you shocked about in the specialists report?

Not giving up. He has no other way for any income or insurance. Thanks

 

[KitCat]

I'm adding to this list.

Thoughts, suggestions and corrections are very welcome....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ten Steps To Winning a Social Security Claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Step One: Make sure you have the right kind of doctor

• Social Security is happiest if you see an MD or DO (not a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant)
• A cfs specialist is great! But not required. Any kind of MD that is supportive can help your case.
• If you also have fibro, it is super helpful if you also have a diagnosis from a rheumatologist
• If you also have serious mental health issues, it is super helpful if you have a supportive psychologist or psychiatrist (a counselor or therapist is not the same)
• If you also have lyme, it may more difficult to get on for lyme. Some people focuses their cases on on other conditions such as cfs, fibro, or depression. More about lyme.
• Social security loves it when you see your doctor "frequently and ongoingly." A doctor you only see once or twice is helpful but will not count as much.

Step Two: Make sure your doctor supports your application

• Here's a list I wrote of Best ways to talk to your doc about your disability ap
• Here's some ideas for What to do if your doc is not totally supportive
• It helps if you can figure out Why your doctor might not be supportive
• If your doctor still does not support your claim, please consider changing doctors. Finding a supportive doctor can make a huge difference.

Step Three: Start having great doctor visits that create great records

• Here's a list I wrote of How to have great visits that create great records that win your claim
• This is super important! Please try to do these things if you can.
• If anyone reading here is already on disability, please read this too. Basically, do these things forever.

Step Four: Get a great RFC Form

• Physical RFC
• Mental RFC (optional)
• The ideal RFC is signed by your treating physician (regular visits for 3+ months)
• The ideal Physical RFC is signed by an MD
• The ideal Mental RFC is signed by a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist
• Before asking your doctor, it's helpful if you put together info on your limitations
• Try to set up a special appointment just for this form. Request an extended appointment if possible.
• Don't skip step two. Be certain your doctor is supportive before asking them to complete an RFC.
• Collect the completed form, make a copy, give it to your lawyer or send it to Social Security, call and confirm that Social Security both received it and properly placed it in your file.

 

[Billt]

I'm adding to this list.

Thoughts, suggestions and corrections are very welcome....

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ten Steps To Winning a Social Security Claim for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Step One: Make sure you have the right kind of doctor

• Social Security is happiest if you see an MD or DO (not a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant)
• A cfs specialist is great! But not required. Any kind of MD that is supportive can help your case.
• If you also have fibro, it is super helpful if you also have a diagnosis from a rheumatologist
• If you also have serious mental health issues, it is super helpful if you have a supportive psychologist or psychiatrist (a counselor or therapist is not the same)
• If you also have lyme, that is fine, but it I don't think you can win a claim based on lyme. It may help to focus your case on other conditions such as cfs, fibro, or depression.
• Social security loves it when you see your doctor "frequently and ongoingly." A doctor you only see once or twice is helpful but will not count as much.

Step Two: Make sure your doctor supports your application

• Here's a list I wrote of Best ways to talk to your doc about your disability ap
• Here's some ideas for What to do if your doc is not totally supportive
• It helps if you can figure out Why your doctor might not be supportive

Step Three: Start having great doctor visits that create great records

• Here's a list I wrote of How to have great visits that create great records that win your claim
• This is super important! Please try to do these things if you can.
• If anyone reading here is already on disability, please read this too. Basically, do these things forever.

Step Four: Get a great RFC Form

• Physical RFC
• Mental RFC (optional)
• The ideal RFC is signed by your treating physician (regular visits for 3+ months)
• The ideal Physical RFC is signed by an MD
• The ideal Mental RFC is signed by a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist
• Before asking your doctor, it's helpful if you put together info on your limitations
• Try to set up a special appointment just for this form. Request an extended appointment if possible.
• Don't skip step two. Be certain your doctor is supportive before asking them to complete an RFC.
• Collect the completed form, make a copy, give it to your lawyer or send it to Social Security, call and confirm that Social Security both received it and properly placed it in your file.

This is an awesome list !!! Thank You

 

[KitCat]

thank you bill!! I am working on some more steps

 

[Clerner]

If you also have serious mental health issues, it is super helpful if you have a supportive psychologist or psychiatrist (a counselor or therapist is not the same

Should I have Mt psychologist fill out a mental functional capacity in addition to evidence she has already sent. I see her for anxiety and depression. She filled out an " evidence request" for disability already.

So nervous to see the disability dr!! How on earth do you prove fatigue and pain? Ugh!

 

[KitCat]

hi clermer,

what is an "evidence request" for disability? Is this something your lawyer requested?

I understand about being nervous. These exams are often brief and often do not have a big affect on your decision. if you have an ongoing relationship with your own docs, social security should pay a lot more attention to what your own docs write.

 

[Clerner]

I hope your right! They try everything to prove you are not disabled. I'm only 45 years old, so I am expecting a denial.
When I applied for disability I wrote down I was seeing a psychologist. This is what disability sends the doctors requesting information about your condition. They sent it( of course) to a different address than I gave them. She was never able to fill anything out showing my depression/anxiety. This is why disability sent me to their own psychologist for a mental exam. Called to tell them the address was wrong, and then found out later they sent it to the wrong address a second time!!!! Just recently my own psychologist was able to give her opinion! Frustrating! And the mental exam results have not been sent to my primary Doctor as I requested! Exam was done May 24. Had to call and ask why it wasn't sent!

 

[KitCat]

Thanks, Clemer.

Usually social security just asks doctors to send their medical records, they don't usually send something for the doctor to fill out.

Did they send your doctor a form to fill out? Or did she just decide on her own to write down her medical opinion and send it to them?

Do you have a copy of what she sent in?

Some people applying find it helpful to have a neurological assessment - I believe this is different than a psychological exam, but I am not sure it is always covered by insurance.

that is great that you are following up to get copies of your ce reports. very smart.

if she has not already done something like a mental rfc, then yes, I think that could be very helpful.

 

[Clerner]

Unfortunately, I don't know what kind of forms this "evidence request" was as they faxed it directly to my psychologist. She is very experienced in filling out stuff for disability so not sure if it was a set of questions or she just gave her opinion.

I think this disability doctor I am seeing on Tuesday will hopefully do some sort of neurological testing ( have lots of muscle spasms/twitching) and not just your basic physical.

I think next time I see my psychologist I will have her fill out a mental functional capacity form. It can't hurt to have that on file.

 

[Clerner]

Some people applying find it helpful to have a neurological assessment - I believe this is different than a psychological exam, but I am not sure it is always covered by insurance.

I just saw a rheumatologist that found a couple of tender points and tender cervical/spinal points. However, I have been on low dose naltrexone since January so it has helped bring down the pain. The rheumatologist did give dx of fibromyalgia and cfs unspecified. I have really high inflammation markers (C4a level) but as of now from medication the pain is mild to moderate. But, the fatigue is severe and that what you can prove in order to not be able to work.

 

[KitCat]

I would not count on the social security doc to provide any evidence to help your case. hope that he will be neutral and have no effect. that is usually the best to hope for.

that's great that you got the dx from a rheumatologist. perfect. have you confirmed that ssa has received the rheumologist records?

great idea to get a mental rfc if your pdoc is willing.

If you collect an rfc, it is super important that you submit it to social security and make sure they receive it and place it in your file. they will never see it if you don't do this.

If I were you I would definitely ask my psychologist for a copy of anything she sent to social security - if she is willing to release it to you. It is very hard to tell what is going on in your case until you read your records.

 

[taniaaust1]

• If you also have lyme, that is fine, but it I don't think you can win a claim based on lyme. It may help to focus your case on other conditions such as cfs, fibro, or depression.

It is possible for someone to successfully claim just based on how sick they are even if the illness itself is unknown. (my cousin wasnt diagnosed with any illness but still got onto disability as she was bedbound at the time).

It's a good idea to try not to leave anything out when applying, include everything you have been diagnosed with as it may all help to count towards getting approved.

In some places the person needs a dr who has been seeing them for SIX months to fill out the disability pension application form.

 

[taniaaust1]

If I were you I would definitely ask my psychologist for a copy of anything she sent to social security - if she is willing to release it to you. It is very hard to tell what is going on in your case until you read your records.

I second this but suggest not to just ask her but also get copies of what the social security itself has received (this can also be done throu legal means). I actually had two male workers in the social security office sabortage my case so I believe i was knocked back twice due to them.

These two had previously told me they didnt believe in ME/cfs and actually said they would make sure I didnt get benefits. Fortunately on remembering these comments after the 2 time I appealed was rejected and I couldnt figure out why as I had great backing info to my case and I was so sick that I couldnt even stay seated and had to lay for appointments

so on my third and final appeal just before it was just for assessment, I then wrote for a copy of everything in my files backing my case only to find that my supportive info wasnt in fact there and had been removed and vanished so had been missing from the assessments. (some of that had been previously posted in and other of it had been directly handed to them over the desk unfortunately going throu the two guys who didnt believe in ME/CFS).

i can only wonder just how many people with ME these two stopped from getting benefits.

So I highly advise everyone to check that the place where your assessment is being done has ALL your info. Dont only trust they have it.

The assessor (my case ended have having to be assessed in another state) told me had that info been there, I would been granted the first time and wouldnt had to go throu 3 appeals.

 

[Clerner]

I actually had two male workers in the social security office sabortage my case so I believe i was knocked back twice due to them.

Yes, disability has sent forms to wrong address twice! That is right after I calied my case worker to tell her the correct address, which I wrote in the initial application! I don't trust them at all!
My friend got disability for Lyme, but it took her almost 3 years.