Good day all,
I am writing with a plight regarding my SSDI claim. I have been suffering for about 16 months now with severe major depressive disorder, panic disorder w/ Agoraphobia, with two psychiatrists overseeing my care and a therapist whom I see twice per week. Due to my agoraphobia and its severity, I see all providers via video conference/Telemedicine only, which is noted in detail in my records. I am on many medications to treat my conditions -- including ketamine for severe treatment resistant depression, though these meds offer little refuge from my pain. Panic attacks are so bad that most days, I can not get past my apartment gates to leave for any reason. My life has suffered, my relationship has suffered and my job of course in now no more (was a working nurse for 7 years).
My claim began 2/5/18, and I have a lawyer who has a good name here in L.A. Today I receive a letter from SSDI requesting, even in lieu of my massive and extensive records, to do a CE w/ their physician in person, 30 miles away! I am stunned, especially given that my records clearly state by all providers that due to my agoraphobia / panic disorder, all appointments are and must be held in-home or via video. My lawyer is appealing this request and my doctor is writhing a letter of support to verify once again that all of my appointments are to be held in home, or via video chat. I have heard the many horror stories of how ludicrous they can be with their requests, now I see it first hand and am very upset.
It is mind blowing that they try to circumvent MY two physicians - whom have provided extensive records and letters regarding the severity of my issues - to send to me one of theirs, to look for a reason to deny my claim (I am assuming here). Has anyone gone through this before with a mental disorder claim? Is telling them I can not attend an in person CE an automatic denial? My lawyer says absolutely not, but I want to hear it from others who have gone through this arduous process.
Any insight here would be much appreciated. These forums are so helpful, and I thank you in advance for any assistance.
- Joey
I am writing with a plight regarding my SSDI claim. I have been suffering for about 16 months now with severe major depressive disorder, panic disorder w/ Agoraphobia, with two psychiatrists overseeing my care and a therapist whom I see twice per week. Due to my agoraphobia and its severity, I see all providers via video conference/Telemedicine only, which is noted in detail in my records. I am on many medications to treat my conditions -- including ketamine for severe treatment resistant depression, though these meds offer little refuge from my pain. Panic attacks are so bad that most days, I can not get past my apartment gates to leave for any reason. My life has suffered, my relationship has suffered and my job of course in now no more (was a working nurse for 7 years).
My claim began 2/5/18, and I have a lawyer who has a good name here in L.A. Today I receive a letter from SSDI requesting, even in lieu of my massive and extensive records, to do a CE w/ their physician in person, 30 miles away! I am stunned, especially given that my records clearly state by all providers that due to my agoraphobia / panic disorder, all appointments are and must be held in-home or via video. My lawyer is appealing this request and my doctor is writhing a letter of support to verify once again that all of my appointments are to be held in home, or via video chat. I have heard the many horror stories of how ludicrous they can be with their requests, now I see it first hand and am very upset.
It is mind blowing that they try to circumvent MY two physicians - whom have provided extensive records and letters regarding the severity of my issues - to send to me one of theirs, to look for a reason to deny my claim (I am assuming here). Has anyone gone through this before with a mental disorder claim? Is telling them I can not attend an in person CE an automatic denial? My lawyer says absolutely not, but I want to hear it from others who have gone through this arduous process.
Any insight here would be much appreciated. These forums are so helpful, and I thank you in advance for any assistance.
- Joey
