So sad that you have to laugh!

I was approved back in 2011 for Social Security Disability after a 3 month wait. I got a letter last week asking for a medical update for re-approval.

One of the questions asks how many times I've been inpatient since Jan 2013 and gives 3 spaces for information.

Ummmm-I've been inpatient 26 times since Jan 2013.

Can't wait to answer the question about seeing a Dr in the same time period. Once again-3 blanks.

I'm going to have to attach a LOT of extra papers.

Lol sweety I just got one of those as well a few months back and laughed and I my numbers were not anywhere near yours. I filled the 3 lines and then put plus this many more after and sent it back,got a letter almost immediately that said " we have determined NO review necessary at this time" haha I guess someone didn't want to ask anymore dumb questions?

Not to worry you will likely get the same thing since the next step is to set you up an appointment with a SS approved Dr and where they would find one you haven't already seen between inpatient and consults would be difficult since your already under the care of the best.

Don't you just hate the 'renewal' letters? Each time I have had to attach the most recent x-rays or mri's etc. Get the same response! My not seeing a gov't doc was a big topic during my deposition last week. The lawyer kept repeating "so, you haven't been seen recently?" questions...however, he didn't ask if I had gotten the 'renewal' letters, didn't ask about my responses to them, so I sorta can't wait for it to come up again possibly in court. Hoping for a settlement before then.

SSA disability has Continuing Disability Reviews. They are usually scheduled at 3 yrs, 5 yrs-7 yrs. The schedule is based on the level of medical that SSA expents based on the medical evidence. Some CDR's come on time, some come late and som come early, but they do come. When someone receives disability it is their responsibility to continue with their medical treatment. They must also follow prescribed treatment. If they don't do this, SSA may find that they are no longer disabled and stop their benefits. There are two types of CDR's, the short form and the long form. Sometimes a short form can lead to a long form, especially if someone hasn't continue to receive medical treatment. With the long form, SSA gets copies of your medical records and you have to fill out the forms like you did when you first applied.

There are new procedures, meds, surgeries, therapies, etc so there is always hope for being able to return to work.

Yea, I remember when I was approved the letter said I can expect a review in 7 years. I would think though that anybody approved for disability would had to have gone for treatment at some point, at least I would think! I have regular visits so that is not something I would be worried about.
The paperwork is atrocious.........didn't know about a long or short though.

Happy Turtle, that is by far the way that I would have wanted to get approved for SSDI. WOW, I am impressed...
For those of you that have had to endure that many surgeries/hospitalizations, all I can say is "Bless You"! I feel for you.

Pam

I just can't imagine not seeing a Dr for a number of years. I can understand why the hospital/surgery question only has a few blanks, but I would think everyone would see a Dr.


I'm going to do what I did when I applied the first time. I'm going to turn it in at my local office. I'm going to have so much paperwork just listing dates. Even little things like PT. Since 2010, I've been in PT a minimum of 2X a week. Shoot-I see my eye Dr monthly.

Maybe I'll call and ask what info they really need. I would hope the novel of hospital stay dates would be enough.

Happy Turtle...I didn't know you were an Aussie (waves)

We do get reviews here too...and so stupid how they do them - I got called in late last year for review, which was conducted by a psychologist (a fair bit younger than me - so couldn't have been long out of uni, seeing as though I'm only 30...) who'd never heard of any of my conditions, was so overwhelmed by all the paperwork that I'd brought in (my pain dr's PA is a real gem...and photocopied about 5 years of his notes, letters and other reports for me), never mind scans, x-Rays, etc. (they said bring any pertinent medical info...so I did ;-o ) that she spent 5-10 mins talking to me, 15 mins photocopying for her file and told me to go on my way. Stupid system.

Here at least (and can't imagine it's much different in the US...if anything think you guys probably have it much harder than we do?) our current govt is trying to cut welfare and medical spending to make its budget look better - and forever carries on about how young people (in particular) on disability should be looking to get back into the workforce. So they review us in the hopes of finding some loophole or other way to force us off - but at the same time refuse to put any effort or funding into helping would-be employers make workplace changes that would help people who might be able to work with some supports doing so. Gives me the irrits no end .. I'd be working in an instant if I could...but they want to label us all as lazy dole bludgers, the commercial medial jumps on board because of a rotten few and us doing the right thing get punished.

If you're found permanently disabled by SSA/ALJ you should be reviewed at 5yrs-7 yrs.