Exam for Disability benefits..what should I expect?

[Billydude]

I'm still in the middle of my disability benefits claim.  I have to go to an outside doctor for a mental exam due to depression.  Has anyone gone through this here in the US?  I'm just wondering what to expect.
Steve

[eyeamdry]

Hi Steve.  I'm on disability now for 3 years.  Mine is as a result of dry eye problems with declining vision.  I had a 5 year solid history seeking medical help for this "condition."

You probably don't know what to expect because the SSA is a bit weird..  I was sent to a psychiatrist for eye problems.  He did not do a thing to check my vision or anything to do with my eyes.  His office was in his small home and it was very creepy.  He was very creepy and had a grand piano in his "exam" room.  He did ask me questions:  who is the current president,  name a former president, spell crowd and then spell it backwards.  Count backwards from 100 b 7's. 
As you can see, none of it had anything to do with my eyes.  I went along with the program and wasn't in his office more than 20 minutes.  I didn't ask him many questions and I was a bit wondering what the heck had just happened. 

I did not have my Sjogrens diagnosis yet when I got the disability.   They send you to any "doctor" who is the cheapest they can find to take a bulk of cases.  One person on here was sent to a chiropractor for her Sjogrens and other AI problems.  Maybe more people will post their experiences.  Lucy

[Billydude]

Thanks Lucy,   I'm just afraid that some unqualified medical person will send back a report that is unfavorable to my claim.     I'm over-obsessing so forgive me.....just my nature!
Steve

[eyeamdry]

Perhaps you'll be sent to a Podiatrist (foot doctor) for psychiatric problems.  Kidding...........  I'd be surprised if you weren't smarter than the "doctor."  I understand you being reluctant and afraid.  Lucy

[irish]

Lucy, You were having your cognitive ability assessed when they did those questions. I doubt if I could count backwards by 7's when my brain is in high gear. Math and I never got along.

Steve, I think it is good that you are having an exam to check you for depression. You may find that your depression will hold more water than you thought it would. Many people have gotten disability because of depression over the years. I think that many of them probably had chronic disease and the "system" is so darn slow that they haven't figured out what chronic illness is yet and that it does affect us mentally. Good luck and don't panic about it. Just "wing it". Irish

[Billydude]

I finally had the exam.  It was at a chiroprators office but I think the examiner was from another location.   I think it went well.   Lots of dumb questions...the kind of questions they ask you if you had a concussion or something.   Like whats the date and who's the president.  Also,  to count back from 100 in 7's.   I got as far as 93 but that is no surprise as i still count on my fingers.   I asked my partner who doesn't have SjS and he couldn't even get 93.   It seemed the one thing that I think helped is that they seemed interested in that I had to have someone drive me there.    Since I've given up the keys that was the truth.   I think overall it will go in my favor.  My little meltdown and suicide attempt a couple of months ago will most likely go in my favor too.  Now I have to have a intern exam (at the same location) next month.
Steve

[eyeamdry]

Lucy, You were having your cognitive ability assessed when they did those questions. I doubt if I could count backwards by 7's when my brain is in high gear. Math and I never got along.

We have this established by several of us here, they do this test mentioned above.  Name the president, a former president, spell "crowd" and then do it backwards.  Count from 100 backwards by 7's.  I got disability for the condition of my eyes and Steve said his is stress/psychogical.  Same test, hmmmmm.  I had no trouble doing my "cognitive test" although the backwards by 7's was a trip. 

I think by reporting our individual experiences here, we can sort of predict for future people applying what they may expect.  I don't know why I got the cognitive test for eye problems, but I think it's a one-size-fits-all test.  And the cheapest "drs" they can get.  Good luck, Steve.  Lucy

[Joojie]

I finally had the exam.  It was at a chiroprators office but I think the examiner was from another location.   I think it went well.   Lots of dumb questions...the kind of questions they ask you if you had a concussion or something.   Like whats the date and who's the president.  Also,  to count back from 100 in 7's.   I got as far as 93 but that is no surprise as i still count on my fingers.   I asked my partner who doesn't have SjS and he couldn't even get 93.   It seemed the one thing that I think helped is that they seemed interested in that I had to have someone drive me there.    Since I've given up the keys that was the truth.   I think overall it will go in my favor.  My little meltdown and suicide attempt a couple of months ago will most likely go in my favor too.  Now I have to have a intern exam (at the same location) next month.
Steve

Good for you Steve - I am keeping you in my thoughts - I am so glad I got SSDI without any added physician's to see - and without having to even go to court.

NOW - if I can just get the Soggie's diagnosis - I will be satisfied. Negative bloodwork lastweek - but my internist said he will not give up. He is sure there is something like SS going on.  It's NOT that I want to be ill - none of us does !!!  But to know what is going on - and finding things that MAY help a bit ....... quality of life is an important thing.

You also, I believe, have ReArthritis   That should also work in your favor   Am I correct with that ? Or am I in a complete fog - and have the wrong person    Sorry - today is totally OFF for me - I don't know what I am doing - the fatigue and pain is overwhelming.

Good wishes for the internist exam ...... keep us current .............

peace ............. Nancy

[Billydude]

Thanks Nancy.   My rhumy did say I had reactive arthritis at one time but since then changed her mind.  ?    I do have heavy arthritis bone spurs and spondylosis in my neck and spine but she has since decided its not reactive arthritis.
Steve

[pudmott]

Steve the test they put you through today is what we in AUstralia at least call the standardised mini mental state examination. I think it is called that universally in all ccountries. Its a test we use for assessing cognitive abilities. We use it in my hospital on a daily basis. And like you i have trouble with the counting backwards from 7 bit. THe specific questions test your orientation, short terms memory, mathematical, comprehension, ability to follow command and spacial awareness. It basically is assessing which areas of your brain may or may not be affected by disablity

Im glad the appt went well and i hope the next one does too. keep us posted on how you're going

Pud

[Mark54]

Steve,
     I hate to be a pessimist, but expect the worst and hope for the best. My wife felt confident that the person giving her her evaluation understood the major problems she was having with her mental abilities. The report came back stating she was mentally fit to work. I pray that your state is more lenient than mine and doesn't go by the quota system. I'm not trying to upset you, I'm just trying to make you to beware of the system and how it really wants to defeat you. It may take awhile but keep plugging away! I hope you won't have to go through the crap like my wife has.

God's blessings,

Mark....

[Billydude]

I hope so too Mark.  I understand how you can be pessimistic.   Its funny how different it can be from person to person.   There have been many people that have sent me messages saying that they were approved easily as the depression and anxiety part is taken seriously by social security.   I wonder if its very different from state to state even though its a federal program.   I don't know how it works for those of you in other countries.
I was at my brother in laws ranch yesterday and they have a women that lives there with scleroderma and receives disability.  She works around the ranch for her board and she takes care of all the horses mows the fields and is contantly working.    I'll be pissed if I get denied when I can barely get to the mailbox without becoming exhausted!
Steve

[Seeker]

G,day Billydude.  These exam's for disability's are sometimes a rough go.  The main thing is don't give up.  Keep pushing.  The exam's are partially designed to get you angry and frustrated so that you will give up.  You would be surprised on how well it works.  If you do get denied go through the appeals process.  Add more information.  Sometimes what you will need to do is get another opinion from a doctor that is rated higher in the AMA than the doctor who wrote the negative report on you.  The main thing is persistence.  It may take awhile, but persistence will pay off.

Seeker

[pudmott]

Lovin that accent seeker. That g'day is so Aussie


Pud

[Billydude]

Does it work the same way down under?    I have a law firm handling my case from the start so I'm sure they'll push to the end.
Steve