Strange Disability Evaluation

[Patty]

So I had my evaluation for disability, which turned out to be for depression. That puzzles me since I never claimed to have depression. Though I know my rheum thinks I have some depression. Anyway, the guy was very unprofessional and asked about things like what my husband does, where I live and other questions that would reveal economic status. When I was reluctant to answer he pressed for the info.  Then he said he thought I was "bright". Well ya, that's because I just had steroid injections in my head that will allow me to function for 3 weeks and then when they wear off I won't even know my phone number again. I have to call my contact for disability and am wondering if I should ask her about it. He said he was going to say I had some depression from the illness.

Any thoughts? I felt intimidated and probably gave him more info than I should have.

[eyeamdry]

Patty, we've been through some strange evaluations around this board.  I had an evaluation by a psychiatrist interview me, although my disability was because of eye problems and declining eyesight.  That was who they picked for "their sidel."  I think they get a deal on the cheapest dr/psychiatrist/chiropractor they can get to do this and it's all for one. 

It's normal to feel intimidated and that probably was part of his performance.  I never bothered to call anyone during my disability process and it doesn't sound like you need to either.  Somehow, I believe the more nervous we may be, it gives them a little boost and more crap to write in our file.  They aren't really going to tell you anything of importance as they never do and this is a highly  confidential process and usually the first thing we hear or get is a denial or affirmation.  Good Lu k Lucy

[Joe S.]

It is normal be presented with a paid, adverse doctor. I dealt with something similar with the VA. I waited in the office for over an hour and went to the desk to ask when they would get to me. They said they thought I had left. I was sitting in front of them the whole time. I had a 5 minute interview.

I went into see another shrink once and I asked to get my reading glasses before the test. He said during the interview portion that he though that I was extremely mad. He thought I was a danger to myself and others. I sat quietly and listen to his trash talk. When he was through he told me to get out of his office and his sight in a very loud voice. I quietly stood up and walked out to my car. When I got home I wrote a letter of complaint to the manager of his office. If I had the address of the state board I would have sent a copy to them.

I did get a letter of appology from the manager but that was as far as it went. I did no more business with that pain clinic.

[Irmaladoo]

I had to meet with their "doctor" in a room with just his desk and chair and my chair! LOL They can ask some of the craziest questions, but I just answered them the best I knew how. Turns out, when I got approved for my disability, the reason wasn't for Sjogrens, it was for none other than DEPRESSION!!!   Its like they don't want to admit the Sjogrens even exist!! Oh its just dry eyes and dry mouth, you'll be fine  Yeah whatever! That right there is enough to depress somebody! Ppl just dismissing your illness like its nothing, like you don't suffer everyday. I was turned down the first time, of course, and just got an attorney and all I had to do after that was go see their doctor and go to the hearing and that was it, my attorney did everything else that had to be done. GOOD LUCK with yours!!! 

[bsnook]

I had two Dr's.  that they picked to do my evaluation.  One for psychiatric and one for physical.  The shrink went through the testing--a whole hour and said I would be pleased with the outcome.  The physical guy spent 5 minutes and acted like it was an imposition to evaluate me.  Before I left he told me "you're just getting old."

I was denied and am still fighting.

[really?]

They dont care,, they get paid and thats that,,