Consultative Exam for SS

I'm really starting to freak out because I have this CE in a couple days for Social Security Disability. I've been treated for over 10 years for Depression, Anxiety, and ADD. Started with a GP where I was sent because of suicidal expressions at work. Prescribed a variety of meds. Also saw social worker for talk therapy. Then had problems with Anxiety, went to GP, changed, adjusted meds. Saw a Psychiatrist adjusted meds. Gradually kept working at it until I got a job, then at the job the boss started harassing me, and co-workers turned on me, until I ended up getting fired. After this I started seeing the Psychiatrist I have currently seen for the last 3 years and also saw a psychologist during this time. At times I totally shut down, I'm afraid to go outside, don't want to see any people. I've lost 7 jobs that I've tried in the last 10 years due to shutting down, co-workers, and each time I get fired I'm getting more and more angry at the thought of the next boss doing this to me. I don't know what to do for this consultative exam. Why would they schedule one when I have this documented history? Any suggestions?

It's a "medical" exam by an independent doctor. They need recent medical history. If you do not go to the doctor's very often/haven't been "recently" (physical and mental), they're evaluating this. That you "have" a doctor is not enough, if you are ill, you are being treated with the hope you will get well. Your work history is not all that important to them at this stage.

You don't have to "do" anything for the exam, it's just a 10-15 minute talk/look-see; probably only some of your record has been sent to this doctor (who is not a Social Security doctor, there's no such thing; think of it like when your car is damaged and your insurance company gives you a list of places to get it fixed; they work with those places but those places don't answer to them) and he may/may not have read it.

http://www.ssdanswers.com/2010/02/25...ative-exam-ce/

Thanks. I just saw my Psychiatrist the end of November, 2011 and go every 2 months. Also, my repeated firings have no relevance? I thought work history would be part of the consideration when they determine if I can work. This is all confusing.

CE is done when they have not decided your case and need more evidence.
Work history is considered relevant from their point of view as you were capable of getting employment. People with no work history due to being too sick to even get a job, or who are fired for not being able to do the job because of a mental illness are usually approved. If they view you as being capable of working, you may not get approved, and expected to manage your anger or whatever your issues are. People with schizophrenia, bipolar, that hallucinate, and are severe will be approved, but those with Depression, ADD, anxiety, etc may not as it is not seen as preventing you from getting a job(I am not saying this is not serious to you, it's just the way they rate the MI's). If you've had hospitalizations, suicide attempts with depression that will help your case.
But just being on meds and seeing a Psychiatrist may not be enough, unless your P
Doc clearly stated you are unable to work in any job and this will last more than 12 months.
So you can be hopeful, but have a plan B.

Yes, your work history is part of your files but this is just a medical test, since disability is about medical issues. With mental illnesses it gets difficult, and probably why you will need a lawyer to pursue, since "plays-well-with-others" is technically not a medical issue and getting along with your psychiatrist, therapist, and others in your life but not any/all work people might look inconsistent? They may decide something like you are trying the wrong line of work (bird trying to swim) or probably could work with fewer coworkers or a different sort of boss, etc. They won't necessarily tell you that though if you get rejected, just that there isn't enough evidence to support that you cannot work. Your files show that you do not work, not that you cannot work. Lad explains it better but it's not quite so cut and dried; most people get denied at first because if you have worked and/or do have structure (like work) in your life (i.e., go to school, appointments, etc. on your own regularly) then it doesn't immediately make sense that you could not do the same at some job.

Sounds pretty hopeless to me then. If this is the case then i may as well just die. I see nothing else to do, if this is so pointless. I only filed for this as the last resort. Looks like I am wrong for seeking treatment and would have been also so wrong for NOT receiving treatment. I thought this program was for when a person is unable to work. THIS is WHY I filed and now you say this is NOT the case. I give UP.

It's not automatic that you will be rejected, just likely the first time because of lack of the right kind of information. Attending this appointment is mandatory (or they will instantly send you a note rejecting you) because they want more information. If you do get a rejection later later, consult a lawyer specializing in disability. It won't cost you anything up front, they'll take a percentage of your payment, if they win. But they'll know more about how it works and how to get SS the information so they will approve it or counsel you what to do next. This doctor isn't going to know "anything" about you, won't be able to tell you anything/much as his job is very specific. He just asks you some questions, nothing hard, etc.

Did your psychiatrist fill out part of the forms? Your therapist help you with them?

Remember, it is not about working or not, but about your illness! Self proclaimed "can't work" won't wash. You'd do better to wish you could work but my psychiatrist/therapist thinks I should take time off to get my illness under control (you are being evaluated for both Supplemental Income and/or Social Security; two different programs)

I have consistently tried to work, adjusted meds, different types of counseling. Apparently it's wrong to try and get better and it's wrong to not try and get better.

Mental Exam went okay, took about 20 minutes or so. Completed a week ago. Now the Disability Services is trying to call me on the phone, but did not leave a message. Have no idea what they could want at this point.

Keep us informed!

Hey? do me a favor? Answer de phone? May well be good news? Or at least you'll know sumpthin?

I went for it thrice...turned down twice (rhyming again..don't mind me) I got it the third time...findings were for "Major Depression"!

No lawyer...I got all the retroactive money.....keep goin? and pm me if you need to!

know this stuff very well................jus answer de phone, let us know? pm me? theo

Disability folks called and now want to interview spouse for 3rd party information. Told me all my medical sources had cooperated and furnished requested medical records. Said the mental CE also went well and those conclusions were done. Said all they need now is a 3rd party interview. Don't know if this is a good or bad sign. At least I know they are actively working my claim.

Disability examiner called and interviewed my spouse in what they termed a 3rd party interview to evaluate my medical conditions. Earlier, the examiner told me that Disability Services had all the medical records they needed in order to make a decision and only needed to conduct a 3rd party interview with my spouse. The conversation with my spouse lasted approx 10 minutes. Asked about daily activities. Did I shop? No. Did I drive? No. Could I complete projects? No. Did I read? No. Did I watch movies? No. Did I do crossword puzzles? No. Could I cook? Some simple, like microwave. Could I do hobbies like in past? No. That's about the extent of the questions. Any ideas of whether or not this is a good sign?

Hi--sounds like "major depression" to me!!! You have no interest in just about anything, a surefire indication that you are not able to work...on the continuum of Mental Health; you are officially "Not Functioning in the Daily activities of life" neither the enjoyable ones "reading" "hobbies" etc. or in the ADL's (Activities of Daily Living)--needed ones.

Sounds like you may get it...but I will not jinx it...I gots my fingers, elbows, ankles crossed for ya!!~~~~~~~hoping you feel better soon too!!! best to you and your wife!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Theo

Unfortunately, those with mental disabilities do get harrassed alot at work. Others can sort of "sense" that there is something wrong, and they get rubbed the wrong way by that person, and impatien with them, so they bully them alot until they quit or get themselves fired. That has happened to me a lot.

I don't know if your question is really the right one to be asking....

I will say that everything you described is standard practice. Usually, and rightfully so, people get worked up over CE's etc and they go and it lasts 10 minutes. EVERYTHING you described is normal procedure, and nothing sounds out of the norm. The fact that you have a LONG paper trail of medical history is a great thing in this situation. The CE, and 3rd party interviews are common. Your treating doctors medical records will carry the most weight. The person that conducts the CE acts on behalf of SS and basically agree/disagree with your doctor's findings, 3rd party interview just backs up what you say from another point of view. It's all common.

good luck to you!