Why all the CE's?

[krashleen]

I applied at the end of Oct 06, and I went for a psych CE, two weeks ago. Now I have a physical CE on Saturday. I want my own doctor/nsg to do the CE vs a doctor that has NO CLUE about chiari and my other issues.

I don't have the typical disorders, they are rare and listed in the NORD. If I have my own NSG; which I understand is my right with SS, then at least I will have a fighting chance for approval first time around.

Which btw, why am I going for all these CE's? I have a ton of medical records, and everything I read says that CE's are required if you haven't had medical treatment, which I have had for over six years. Are the doctors not getting the info in?

One of my friends on SS says its a good sign that they are working the case, and that its possible they are leaning towards approval, but dotting all the i's and crossing the t's.

Thoughts on the above questions...Thanks so much.

[BrokenBladder]

It's really hard to say what SSA is thinking. It sounds like you have good medical records, but perhaps your doctors aren't replying quick enough for them. Also SSA has the right to making you have a CE, granted you're entitled to your own doctor, but maybe they just want something that is completely up to date. It does sound like they're working on it which is always a good thing. It dosen't mean you'll get approved, but it does mean that theuy have seen enough to make them think that it's a real possiblility.
I will pray for you and await your final decision.....praying it's a good one.

[Georg]

You must remember the purpose of any evaluation is denial. Look at the modestly incompetent physician that do physical and mental evaluations. Do not expect much and do not expect your own doctor, that is to logical and likely to have him sya what he believe's, 'you cannot work'.

[winchester]

I also was sent for an orthopedic CE when I had tons of medical evidence, much of which I had gathered and submitted myself, so I know it was in my file. The Dr. barely looked at me or my file nor was he the least bit interested in the huge pile of MRI's I had. I did get approval at the ALJ hearing, but the judge gave all the weight of his decision based on the report written up by the Dr. I went to for the CE. It didn't appear anywhere in my file that he even considered what my own doctors had to say. Yes, I did get approved, but I've said it more than one time here, it's scarey to think that Dr who did the CE had my future in his hands.

[kaybee]

The same thing happened to my husband that happened to winchester. SSDI had plenty of reports and MRI's from dh's doctors. There was even a report that we weren't aware of in which the neuro indicated that he was going to try to provide some type of relief for dh, but in essence, it wasn't likely. So, SSDI had enough - MRI's don't lie even if they think the doctors do. They sent him for a CE, but the 'powers that be' refuted their own dr. report. Now how silly is that? Of course they didn't know dh was in bed for a week after that exam.

So, anyway, the judge's wording in his 'on the record decision' sounded like the dr who did the CE held the most weight in his decision.

I believe too, that the ultimate goal is a denial. In this case with SSDI, you are always guilty until proven innocent. That in itself takes some careful hard work - as it should. We all know there are plenty of people out there stiffing the system!

[krashleen]

Well I had an interesting thing happen...I went to my own psychiatrist..and he did another psych exam and he says that I have cognitive issues and I cannot return to the work force, and the same problems that I had with their psychologist I had with my own psychiatrist. My psychiatrist said that my responses with their psychologist were probably good for SS. My last appt was yesterday.
He also is going to recommend a neuro psych exam as well. I have my physical exam on Saturday. Sigh.

My atty said that it would hold things up to ask for my own doctor and to make the appt on Saturday. So I go.

[winchester]

As long as the SSA Doc who does the CE see's things mostly the same as your own doctor. I think you have a leg to stand on. During my exam, without trying to put down the doctor, I more or less kept reminding him of my diagnosis from my NS who is with a big very reputable University hospital. One of those SSA doctors would be hard pressed to be contrary to what a highly regarded learning institute doctor had down for recommendations regarding my ability to work. I don't mean to sound snooty, but I had to do plenty of name dropping to be sure the SSA Dr. knew I was being treated by one of the best Neurosurgery doctors in the world.

[krashleen]

Thats going to be easy. The Chiari Institute is world renowned. I also have had second opinions.

I am also going to print out the information on chiari, Ehlers-danlos, and the other things that cause pain and hopefully with my cognitive issues, and my RFC I won't have to worry any longer. My husband is getting impatient. He thinks I should be a slam-dunk.

[krashleen]

I just got back from my CE. My examiner went to school with my nsg. Small world. He knew my nsg, my nsg's father who evidentally had some MS connections when he was a doctor.

I think it went well. I am fused from the skull (occipt) to c4 and still cannot move my head. He did however say that he didn't review my records. "too much information" is what he said.

He did however ask very pertinent questions regarding Chiari and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, so he either had patients, or did his homework.

Now the praying part.

[suede]

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts for a speedy and favorable decision.
Linda