Question on changing direction... will it affect ruling???

[monkeytoes]

I'm currently awaiting reconsideration stage for Fibromyalgia and Depression. I have an appt Dec 3rd with a Rheumologist for the Fibro and have heard I will need them for SSD to accept diagnoses. Right now however I am having more issues with the depression and am thinking of rescheduling that appt and seeing if my dr can refer me to a Psychotherapist. I am thinking/hoping if I could get a hold on my depression I would feel better overall about everything.

Is this a good idea or should I keep appts as scheduled? I don't want to mess up the ruling......I just want to get better!!!


Thanks as always!

[Executor]

I really can't give you any specific advice because I just don't know enough about your particular situation. However, what I will tell you is what I know about SS results. According to their own published data, the approval rates for SSDI are much higher and happen much quicker for mental type issues (which depression is one of) than physical issues, including serious aliments.

The reason for this is pretty simple actually....With physical aliments, accommodations can quite often be made for many people, and unless they are on a lot of meds and the meds cause other issues (like sleepiness, irritability, a drugged feeling & etc.), it's much tougher to prove that one can't do something that they are reasonably trained for. Also, the less education one has, the more they are "reasonably trained for", which means more possibilities.

However, with mental issues, finding stable employment is often much harder, if not impossible. People with serious mental problems often have many issues which prevent employment...Everything from cognitive impairment, to not getting along with others, to mania/depressive phases. I'm not saying everyone falls into these categories, but rather of the two, the mental side is much more approval friendly.

So, it sounds to me that you've possibly got a case on both sides, which would seem to me, to at least help your overall cause. I'm not sure I would delay anything only because that may put you that much further behind....It's a long process already. Additionally, those with multiple issues are approved more quickly and in higher %s, than those with one issue.

Hope this makes sense.

Regards,

Ex

[goldyfm]

I was referred by my former Rheumatologist to a psychologist and a psychiatrist after I initially filed. This Rheumatologist wanted me on AD's and he would not prescribe so he only sent to the psychiatrist to monitor AD's but I saw the psychologist for depression for over a year. It was depressing to me to have a doctor who would not prescribe, only send me elsewhere!!! I asked him once whay he did not prescribe and he said he just coordinated my care. Shoot I can do that myself. But anyway, I don't think it will hurt your case at all. I know that once I was referred to a competent Rheumatologist and added a lupus diagnosis and received proper treatment and an explanation for my not responding earlier, I felt much less agitated! So I no longer see them and am on no AD's. I was advised by my attorney to follow through with any recommendations from any of my doctors as the records can be added to your case file periodically to keep it current. I think the fact that one is continually following a treatment plan is a plus! Dual diagnoses cannot hurt one's case, only reinforce it.

[monkeytoes]

My appointment with the Rheumalogist is next Friday morning then in the afternoon I have my first appointment with a counselor. I chose her over a shrink for a few reasons but am now wondering if not seeing a shrink and picking a counselor will hurt my chances.
I had a very good appointment last week with my Dr and she & I had a very open conversation on everything that is going on...not just the fibro & depression but being in an abusive marriage without having anyway out. (not yet) I told her I have decided to file for SSD and she stated she would refer me to either I chose but she really liked the counselor.
Do you think DDS would rather see you on tons of meds or trying to get to the root to get better??? I know they want to know WHY you can't work, but its not always about the meds, right? I mean, I think I have a phobia to people now. I hate being around anyone, except my daughter.

Any input would be appreciated.

[SpineAZ]

It's not just about the medications - but about what actually prevents you from working. In some cases medications themselves can inhibit one's ability to work (such as high levels of pain medications). Be sure to pursue both the rheum and counselor - if SS sees a picture of multiple problems which result in multiple limitations - they get a more complete picture. Just as someone with kidney disease should also show how their spine problem also disables them. That being said, it's also important to show you are pursuing appropriate treatments. Even if no medications result, SS would probably like to see a rheum involvement in cases in which that's the customary course of treatment.

Think of it this way, someone could have the worst arm pain and lack of functionality in that arm...but if the person has not pursued seeing the right kind of physicians and treatments SS will never see the person as disabled. Same with Depression. SS needs to see formal diagnosis and treatment by appropriate practitioners (counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist) and not just a general practitioner.