Hi there just wanted to put my two cents in. The CE exam doctors that social security sends you to are GTPs they are not rheumatologists. They rarely have much knowledge of the disease. I would advise also going into your doctor and asking him or her to write a letter for you supporting you and explaining the nature of the disease. I am now working on a case for a woman with aggressive RA and the CE examiner stated she would be better within a year as he felt her swelling was minimal and did not restrict her using her hands. No xrays no labs etc. By law the SSA cannot discount your physicians findings. You physician should include a discript
ion of the permanent progressive nature of RA. When you go to the appointment discuss the fatigue, medications and side effects, chronic pain and depression. Stay in contact with your analyst and forward all information to the analyst. All the work is on you as they cannot make a good decision without all the facts. be hoonset and straight forward let the doctor know what your worst days are like.