Needing some feedback on the latest from SSD on my claim

Writer4762 · 10-24-2009, 02:36 AM

Hello all,

Let me give some background on myself first. I'm a 47 year old female with several diseases to my credit. They are: Young Onset Parkinson's disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Vasculitis. (In fact, was hospitalized with RA/Vasculitis in Dec 08). Due to the pain, fainting spells with PD and balance issues, joint pain and swelling and vasculitis issues, I just can't work anymore.

So, I applied for SSDI in July 2009. I completed the application online and shortly after I was sent a barrage of forms which include: funcionality: Pain, Fatigue, Depression.

I just received a letter from SSD stating that they want me to see a doctor that they would pay for with regard to Depression. My therapist that I used in 2008 is a ditz and the one I'm going to now hasn't seen me long enough to determine much in the way of depression levels and work.

Is this good news, bad news or neither? I have to go to the SSD doctor on Nov 19. What do you make of it? I AM GOING NUTS! Thanks to all in advance.

Writer4762 · 10-24-2009, 03:11 AM

I forgot to say that they also want me to bring my pill bottles with me to the depression appt. ????

Executor · 10-24-2009, 10:31 AM

First, I wanted to say welcome to Healthboards!

Many here have a wide variety of experiences, thus, they can offer lots of support and guidance. This is a great site and I hope you find it very useful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Writer4762

Is this good news, bad news or neither? I have to go to the SSD doctor on Nov 19. What do you make of it? I AM GOING NUTS! Thanks to all in advance.

I don't think I would necessarily classify this as "good news." It's not "bad news" either. It's probably SS gathering more information in order to properly assess your claim. Just so you know, mental disorders are much more likely to be approved than physical ones, according to the statistics published by SS. However, it does show that SS is taking your application seriously. This evaluation will be very important, as well as your other documentation. As a general rule, the more documentation you have the better. Do you have a Doc who is firmly in your corner who will say you are disabled? This is very important.

They probably want to see all your pill bottles so they can determine if maybe a combination of your condition and your meds could be causing something. For example, those on long term therapy of pain meds will quite often get depression. This is because the narcotics effect the natural production of endorphins and etc. However, if you have to have the pain meds, then so be it. Many pain clinics offices are littered with depression brochures and that's why.

Best of luck to you with this. Please be prepared for the possibility of a long fight....It's nothing against you, but just what SS does.

Regards,

Ex

sosickofthis · 10-24-2009, 11:18 AM

thats routine, you will also probably have to go to a medical dr at their expense. you will only be there a few minutes at each. they ask a bunch of questions like are you suicidal, like you're going to tell somebody if you are, how is your memory things like that. the only good news is they are still working on your case.

Writer4762 · 10-24-2009, 02:23 PM

Thanks so much for your thoughts on this. I'm trying not to worry about it and just be honest. The only meds that cause depression is prednisone that I'm currently taking for the vasculitis. I am on a slew of other meds too (a total of 9 different meds at different times of the day). None are pain killers. Well, I guess I will just have to wait and see.

Thanks again all.