What I learned was that ALL your doctors need to support you and write letters of support, fill out forms correctly. You want to know when they get a form, when they submit it to SSD and you want a copy of it. The best advice is to check in with your doctor routinely and make an appt when you know they have a form and go over it with them when they fill it out. Don't rely on them to remember what you talked about later on in the day when trying to fill in the form.
Always write down dates you speak to SSD people, send in information, etc. Keep a log of everything you do, also make sure you have a copy of everything you sent in, things get lost easily. Cooperate, don't cop an attitude.
If denied you will go to their doctors when you file an appeal. Take information with you (the docs may not read it) and make sure you cooperate but also make sure the doctor knows you have limitations. If you can't do something asked, tell the doctor you cannot and why you cannot do it.
You may not need a lawyer for an appeal, but it is a smart choice to have one. Your lawyer can compliment your case by thinking of things you may not think of due to nervousness. Look for a lawyer that will take you on consignment, if you win, they get paid.
When going to the Judge for your appeal, this is your chance to tell your story and life, make sure you get in everything! An example for me was:
Judge: "You have high blood pressure and are on what meds?"
Me: "I take tenormin for my blood pressure, and at my last appt my pressure was 190/120, at that time we also discussed my blood tests and I test high for sugar as well"
ALWAYS elaborate and get in every single condition and problem you have! |
