bwitht
07-19-2009, 04:30 AM
Three months ago, I posted a thread that was a much needed vent. :mad: Several members :wave: urged me to file for SSDI, which I was in the process of doing for the third time (the first two times I never completed the application). I filed online which said the app. should take 30 minutes to complete. It took me approximately 30 hours to get all the information listed.:dizzy: A couple days after I completed the app., I received my telephone interview and about a week later I got my function report in the mail. I had a very hard time completing the function report because of the strike-outs and corrections that were necessary due to brain fog from my meds.:confused: I listed my husband and adult daughter as others that could fill out the reports but they never received any.
This past week, I had an IME for work comp. The doctor was one that my WC attorney said they have had good luck with. He was very personable and one of the first things he said was that he had never met anyone with so many levels fused. When his assistant took my blood pressure, it was 178/96.:eek: Right away he knew it was from pain. When he was checking my range of motion, he asked me to bend backward and before I even had a chance to do it he said, "Oh, I suppose you can't do that." He was pleasantly surprised that I could bend back about 5 degrees. My husband was in the exam room with me and although he had signed a list of rules (including that he was not to say anything), the Dr. asked his opinion and feelings on several items.:)
Anyway, I called SSA to give them the name and address of this doctor, as I believe his report is going to contain much more valid information about my current condition than my surgeon's file. When I spoke to the SSA rep., she asked for my SSN and after she entered it into the computer she said "Oh!" in a surprised voice. I wanted to fish for information to see if that was really what I heard. I asked if there was any missing information or anything they needed from me. She told me they had everything they needed and my file was out for medical determination. I was told if I didn't hear anything by early September to call back.
I am fairly (ok, greatly) curious, if it means anything that they have not had me see their doctor or psychiatrist. My primary physician and neurosurgeon do not know I have filed for SSDI, so they must not have had to fill out any additional paperwork. I told my therapist when I started seeing her and she didn't know, so there wasn't anything in my file or said by my PCP. I am grasping at straws, I know but I am trying to see something that may look promising.:bouncing: I am also not a fool and know that more than likely I will be denied.:blob_fire
One other thing, I am on an "in the line of duty" disability retirement which the state's doctor had to determine I could never return to my time of injury job or any other job within that department.
This past week, I had an IME for work comp. The doctor was one that my WC attorney said they have had good luck with. He was very personable and one of the first things he said was that he had never met anyone with so many levels fused. When his assistant took my blood pressure, it was 178/96.:eek: Right away he knew it was from pain. When he was checking my range of motion, he asked me to bend backward and before I even had a chance to do it he said, "Oh, I suppose you can't do that." He was pleasantly surprised that I could bend back about 5 degrees. My husband was in the exam room with me and although he had signed a list of rules (including that he was not to say anything), the Dr. asked his opinion and feelings on several items.:)
Anyway, I called SSA to give them the name and address of this doctor, as I believe his report is going to contain much more valid information about my current condition than my surgeon's file. When I spoke to the SSA rep., she asked for my SSN and after she entered it into the computer she said "Oh!" in a surprised voice. I wanted to fish for information to see if that was really what I heard. I asked if there was any missing information or anything they needed from me. She told me they had everything they needed and my file was out for medical determination. I was told if I didn't hear anything by early September to call back.
I am fairly (ok, greatly) curious, if it means anything that they have not had me see their doctor or psychiatrist. My primary physician and neurosurgeon do not know I have filed for SSDI, so they must not have had to fill out any additional paperwork. I told my therapist when I started seeing her and she didn't know, so there wasn't anything in my file or said by my PCP. I am grasping at straws, I know but I am trying to see something that may look promising.:bouncing: I am also not a fool and know that more than likely I will be denied.:blob_fire
One other thing, I am on an "in the line of duty" disability retirement which the state's doctor had to determine I could never return to my time of injury job or any other job within that department.
Sponsor
bwitht
07-21-2009, 03:30 PM
Ok, let me make my question very concise. For those individuals that were approved on first try, did you have to see one of SSA's doctors?
bwitht
07-28-2009, 12:18 AM
No words of encouragement? No advice? Anything would be appreciated.:wave:
BeHappy2
07-28-2009, 01:00 AM
Your w/c attorney should mail you a copy of the IME Report.
Not to confuse you any but has w/c sent you to one of their docs for IME report?
May i ask why you have not mentioned filing for SSD to your primary doctor?
It is very important that your primary doctor is 100 % behind you.
Be Well
BeHappy2
Not to confuse you any but has w/c sent you to one of their docs for IME report?
May i ask why you have not mentioned filing for SSD to your primary doctor?
It is very important that your primary doctor is 100 % behind you.
Be Well
BeHappy2
bwitht
07-28-2009, 01:47 AM
BeHappy2,
WC sent me to the IME I went to. My attorney was pleased because he was one they had had good outcomes with. The attorney has not gotten a copy of the report yet.
My surgeon absolutely does not believe in SSDI so I purposely have kept him out of the loop. I have not seen my PCP between when I applied and now. I am sure he would support my application but it does not appear that they have requested anything other than my records. I will be seeing my PCP in 6 weeks so I will know then.
I did call the disability determination service and talked with my case worker. I asked if there was anything missing, anything I could expedite and she said that they had everything they needed and my file was with the medical determination doctor. She also gave me their toll free fax number so my therapist could fax my therapy notes.
I just want this to be over. Some things I can wait on forever but I am such an impatient person when it comes to things like this. I wish I had a crystal ball.;)
WC sent me to the IME I went to. My attorney was pleased because he was one they had had good outcomes with. The attorney has not gotten a copy of the report yet.
My surgeon absolutely does not believe in SSDI so I purposely have kept him out of the loop. I have not seen my PCP between when I applied and now. I am sure he would support my application but it does not appear that they have requested anything other than my records. I will be seeing my PCP in 6 weeks so I will know then.
I did call the disability determination service and talked with my case worker. I asked if there was anything missing, anything I could expedite and she said that they had everything they needed and my file was with the medical determination doctor. She also gave me their toll free fax number so my therapist could fax my therapy notes.
I just want this to be over. Some things I can wait on forever but I am such an impatient person when it comes to things like this. I wish I had a crystal ball.;)
BlueAtlas
07-28-2009, 10:01 AM
I was not approved the first time around, nor the second. I went to the hearing stage. My hearing lasted all of three minutes, by the judge's documentation of the starting and ending times! I had two doctors fully backing me: my surgeon and my family doctor. SS never called me to see any of their doctors at any stage of my process. They clearly had all they needed to make a decision, and the judge saw that immediately and approved me without any questioning!
There's no way to tell what's good news and what's bad news here in my opinion. They seem to make approvals rather randomly up until the hearing stage. My surgeon just kept shaking his head saying "if they wouldn't approve you, I don't know who they would approve!" But he wasn't at all phased. He said they deny almost everyone at first, so just keep hanging in there. He is still continuing to see me regularly just to document for when they review me in three years. (He's a gem!)
Don't despair if you don't get approved right off. It's a long, cruel process, but if you deserve it, you'll get it in the end. Just keep seeing your doctors and do everything they tell you to try. It helps to be able to show what you tried that didn't help.
Just curious, how many levels do you have fused? I have 14. We probably share many of the same pain issues.
Emily :wave:
There's no way to tell what's good news and what's bad news here in my opinion. They seem to make approvals rather randomly up until the hearing stage. My surgeon just kept shaking his head saying "if they wouldn't approve you, I don't know who they would approve!" But he wasn't at all phased. He said they deny almost everyone at first, so just keep hanging in there. He is still continuing to see me regularly just to document for when they review me in three years. (He's a gem!)
Don't despair if you don't get approved right off. It's a long, cruel process, but if you deserve it, you'll get it in the end. Just keep seeing your doctors and do everything they tell you to try. It helps to be able to show what you tried that didn't help.
Just curious, how many levels do you have fused? I have 14. We probably share many of the same pain issues.
Emily :wave:
gayle4102
07-28-2009, 11:38 AM
I was also not approved the first time around, nor the second. My hearing was last month, and doubt I will know the hearing results for several months.
I have never seen a SSDI doctor, and no one ever suggested that I do. Since I was already seeing a back doctor on a regular basis, they must have figured that was enough.
Like Emily said, it is a long cruel process, and you can't give up.
Hang in there!
Gayle
I have never seen a SSDI doctor, and no one ever suggested that I do. Since I was already seeing a back doctor on a regular basis, they must have figured that was enough.
Like Emily said, it is a long cruel process, and you can't give up.
Hang in there!
Gayle
bwitht
07-28-2009, 02:11 PM
Thanks Gayle :wave:
Blue, I only have 5 levels fused. It started with a 3 level, L3-S1, but a year later I was in excruciating pain. WC thought I was malingering and set their nurse case manager on me. Come to find out I had no bone growth and the pedicle screws were "halo-ing" the bone. So a couple months later a different surgeon explanted the hardware, increased the lami, and put in new hardware. Because of the halo-ing and positioning of the original pedicle screws, he was only able to place 1 screw in L3 and none in L4. My fusion is now L2-S1 and SI joints. I am a long way from your 14 levels.
At my last appointment with the neurosurgeon, he said he could see a little bone growth so he is sure I am fully fused. WHAT??? After the first surgery with no bone growth, seeing a "little" growth combined with the pain I am in, I would think he would order further testing to make sure I was fusing. No, he has put me at MMI and I am not scheduled for any further appointments. He wouldn't even refer me to pain management.
Blue, I only have 5 levels fused. It started with a 3 level, L3-S1, but a year later I was in excruciating pain. WC thought I was malingering and set their nurse case manager on me. Come to find out I had no bone growth and the pedicle screws were "halo-ing" the bone. So a couple months later a different surgeon explanted the hardware, increased the lami, and put in new hardware. Because of the halo-ing and positioning of the original pedicle screws, he was only able to place 1 screw in L3 and none in L4. My fusion is now L2-S1 and SI joints. I am a long way from your 14 levels.
At my last appointment with the neurosurgeon, he said he could see a little bone growth so he is sure I am fully fused. WHAT??? After the first surgery with no bone growth, seeing a "little" growth combined with the pain I am in, I would think he would order further testing to make sure I was fusing. No, he has put me at MMI and I am not scheduled for any further appointments. He wouldn't even refer me to pain management.
goldyfm
07-28-2009, 02:52 PM
I noted the statement that you preferred to keep the surgeon out of the disability process. I had a cervical fusion on 5-7, two were fused from birth and ruptured below that level. I now have bulging above and below that level with symptoms, but the surgeon says surgery is not implicated. I think the fact that I am not a candidate for further surgery is a plus when it came to my disability. I also have other health issues that contributed to my approval but I feel that continuing pain and numbness, tingling from the former surgery and not being able to alleviate surgically was in my favor. Just my 2 cents.
bwitht
07-28-2009, 03:24 PM
Goldy, When I was applying for my in the line of duty disability retirement, I told my surgeon's nurse that he would be getting paperwork to fill out. She told me that he MAY support my retirement but he absolutely DOES NOT support SSDI for anyone. He believes that no matter how bad a person is, there is something they can do for work.
Five months after my second surgery, he cleared me for work including lifting 50 lbs. WHAT :eek: I can't stand, walk, sit for more than 30 minutes. I can not lift my grandson more than twice in a couple days and he weighs quite a bit less than 50 lbs. Work comp has not pushed me to get a job since then. My NCM knows I am not capable of the type work he cleared me for. I worked in a very heavy class job before my injury and now I can't find anything that could accommodate what my body would allow me to do. (Not to mention the bowel and bladder control problem.)
Five months after my second surgery, he cleared me for work including lifting 50 lbs. WHAT :eek: I can't stand, walk, sit for more than 30 minutes. I can not lift my grandson more than twice in a couple days and he weighs quite a bit less than 50 lbs. Work comp has not pushed me to get a job since then. My NCM knows I am not capable of the type work he cleared me for. I worked in a very heavy class job before my injury and now I can't find anything that could accommodate what my body would allow me to do. (Not to mention the bowel and bladder control problem.)
goldyfm
07-28-2009, 04:16 PM
In that case, I would ask for a second opinion from another surgical group. I know I went through a multitude of doctors, some were supportive, others not, before I finally got a favorable consensus. Some just shook their heads and others passed me off to another when I became a challenge to treat. I am sure alot of us can identify.
All the while, I was amassing additional health problems along the way, some of which could contribute to my overall pain level and others that caused fatigue and loss of strength. I initially started my disability process in 2004 and was finally approved at hearing stage in 2008. I have lupus, FMS, post cervical fusion and plating, multiple heart valve disorder, IBS (with incontinence at times), and depression. (I wonder why one might be depressed)
But my main argument was I could no longer sit at a typewriter for 8 hours a day in excrutiating pain. My testimony that I had to lie down several times a day was what I think clinched my decision at hearing. I know that I do not have one day without pain. I have a multitude of medication sensitivities and allergies that limit a lot of traditional medication therapy for me. I also have adverse reaction to steroids so after a couple of successful blocks and almost dying after the third one, that was no option. I know that getting your doctors to believe you and support you is a hurdle we all face. I do hope you can get a supportive doctor to help you out.
All the while, I was amassing additional health problems along the way, some of which could contribute to my overall pain level and others that caused fatigue and loss of strength. I initially started my disability process in 2004 and was finally approved at hearing stage in 2008. I have lupus, FMS, post cervical fusion and plating, multiple heart valve disorder, IBS (with incontinence at times), and depression. (I wonder why one might be depressed)
But my main argument was I could no longer sit at a typewriter for 8 hours a day in excrutiating pain. My testimony that I had to lie down several times a day was what I think clinched my decision at hearing. I know that I do not have one day without pain. I have a multitude of medication sensitivities and allergies that limit a lot of traditional medication therapy for me. I also have adverse reaction to steroids so after a couple of successful blocks and almost dying after the third one, that was no option. I know that getting your doctors to believe you and support you is a hurdle we all face. I do hope you can get a supportive doctor to help you out.
BeHappy2
07-28-2009, 04:51 PM
Did w/c referr you to this surgeon ?
Work comp can be a very touchy situation. States much vary by their own rules. i am not a believer to the W/C system, they cheat and lie to say the least. I'll end it at that, been there done that situation.
Has your attorney brought up the vocational rehabilitation evaluation ?
This is when w/c will have their hired person find work that you can do.
So if you have a surgeon that objects to you being disabled, this is why i'm asking did w/c referr you to this surgeon.
Try to educate yourself with your states rules of work comp. i'm absolutely sure if you find a work comp discussion board of your state you will be shocked at what others that are in the same process are saying .
i'm just putting this all out straight forward, insurance companies are not going to pay out for what they can get by with not paying in the long run.
Wish you well
BeHappy2
Work comp can be a very touchy situation. States much vary by their own rules. i am not a believer to the W/C system, they cheat and lie to say the least. I'll end it at that, been there done that situation.
Has your attorney brought up the vocational rehabilitation evaluation ?
This is when w/c will have their hired person find work that you can do.
So if you have a surgeon that objects to you being disabled, this is why i'm asking did w/c referr you to this surgeon.
Try to educate yourself with your states rules of work comp. i'm absolutely sure if you find a work comp discussion board of your state you will be shocked at what others that are in the same process are saying .
i'm just putting this all out straight forward, insurance companies are not going to pay out for what they can get by with not paying in the long run.
Wish you well
BeHappy2
bwitht
07-28-2009, 07:33 PM
Goldy - I have asked that same question a thousand times...Gee, I wonder why I am depressed?!? :dizzy: Get more illnesses and disabling conditions, loose your career, friends and your family do not understand. Then someone can think you are honky dory.
I just had my daughter drive me to the grocery store. I had to buy buns, onions & tomatoes for my husband to make hamburgers tonight. That quick trip has but me in bed for the rest of the day. Thirty total minutes from home and back again and I am shot. It is worse if I have to drive myself.
BeHappy2 - This surgeon was my choice. He is the best in the state and did a fantastic job on my father-in-law. He has the bedside manner of a bull. I know the surgery he did on my back was well done and the hardware well placed. My problem is I do not believe I have fused and like most specialists, he isn't about to admit there is anything wrong. I will be sent for a second opinion, my attorney is waiting for the notes from my last visit and my IME.
Montana is a worker friendly state. Many of the laws are supportive of the worker although the IC can get around them if they really try. So far the IC has approved everything that has been requested and I have always received my TTD. I only recently hired an attorney to help me through any settlement, second opinions, etc. When I checked through the WC court cases, this IC has only had one case go before the ALJ. I am hoping they continue in good faith.
The voc. rehab. evaluation was done before WC knew that my first surgery failed. The only thing he did was assess my previous job and check for any other positions available with that employer (none). Then he put my case on hold until I had recovered from my second surgery. IC has never had him continue with job analysis.
I just had my daughter drive me to the grocery store. I had to buy buns, onions & tomatoes for my husband to make hamburgers tonight. That quick trip has but me in bed for the rest of the day. Thirty total minutes from home and back again and I am shot. It is worse if I have to drive myself.
BeHappy2 - This surgeon was my choice. He is the best in the state and did a fantastic job on my father-in-law. He has the bedside manner of a bull. I know the surgery he did on my back was well done and the hardware well placed. My problem is I do not believe I have fused and like most specialists, he isn't about to admit there is anything wrong. I will be sent for a second opinion, my attorney is waiting for the notes from my last visit and my IME.
Montana is a worker friendly state. Many of the laws are supportive of the worker although the IC can get around them if they really try. So far the IC has approved everything that has been requested and I have always received my TTD. I only recently hired an attorney to help me through any settlement, second opinions, etc. When I checked through the WC court cases, this IC has only had one case go before the ALJ. I am hoping they continue in good faith.
The voc. rehab. evaluation was done before WC knew that my first surgery failed. The only thing he did was assess my previous job and check for any other positions available with that employer (none). Then he put my case on hold until I had recovered from my second surgery. IC has never had him continue with job analysis.
goldyfm
07-29-2009, 10:17 PM
Bwitht, I certainly understand as I had to ask for help among family and friends and it was challenging, for sure. Family does not understand that there are days on end that I literally can not get out of bed but other days can semi-function in the real world. Driving is not a problem for me, most days. But as a passenger, it is horrible. At least driving, I am not sitting with my arms dependent, and I am doing something that takes my mind off my misery.
I know how tough it is to fight the establishment, I had a 8 week delay in even having an MRI when I ruptured the disc in my neck as I had two insurances but the primary (who was less than 1 yr on the job) refused to let me have the MRI because of the time frame and wanted me to see a chiropractor or physical therapist, when I had proof that I had a congenital deformity in my neck. Had I been allowed to have the surgery sooner, my outcome could have been different.
Just hang in there and maybe your day will come soon.
I know how tough it is to fight the establishment, I had a 8 week delay in even having an MRI when I ruptured the disc in my neck as I had two insurances but the primary (who was less than 1 yr on the job) refused to let me have the MRI because of the time frame and wanted me to see a chiropractor or physical therapist, when I had proof that I had a congenital deformity in my neck. Had I been allowed to have the surgery sooner, my outcome could have been different.
Just hang in there and maybe your day will come soon.