Social Security Disability process information from Mary Perry Accredited Disability Representative. Dealing with FM

1. http://www.disabilityrep.com/

2. Search carefully
Social Security Administration is
http://WWW.SSA.GOV
Phone: 1-800-772-1213

3. Who is disabled?
1- Christopher Reeves after his accident that left him a
paraplegic?
2 – A child who is mentally retarded and needs leg
braces to walk?
3 -Your 62 year old neighbor worked construction his
entire life, but after hurting his back on the job can
only do a desk job?
4- Dr. Jones who after 15 years of being a highly
regarded surgeon, was in an MVA that caused so
much brain damage he wouldn’t be able to pass a
GED test.

4. 5 steps:
• Are you earning “SGA”?
• Do you have a severe
impairment?
• Do you meet a medical
listing?
• Are you able to return
to your prior work?
• Are you able to do any
work?
SGA
Yes. Don’t apply No. Go to step 2 Not sure?

5. Process:
• File your application
• Appeal for Hearing
• Appeal to Appeals Council
• Appeal to Federal Court
• Appeal to Circuit Court

6. Be prepared
• Provide complete
medical information-----
• List of medications------
• 15-year work history---
Names, addresses, dates,
phone numbers
Dosage, reason, script
provide
As much as you can
remember

7. Follow doctor’s orders
Keep tract of symptoms
Communicate with your medical providers
Now is the time to help your case.

8. Follow doctors’ advice
• Keep your appointments.
• Take your medications.
• Diet, rest, exercise as directed.
• IMPORTANT: If you are unable to do any thing
the doctor requests due to symptoms let
him/her know ASAP.

9. Keep Track of Symptoms
• Use a journal
• Use a calendar
• Use a camera if appropriate.

10. Communicate with your medical providers.
• Including your OB/GYN, eye doctors, even DDS.
(Don’t say “good” or “fine” if you feel awful!)
• If your doctor isn’t aware of your symptoms how can
he tell SS your limitations? … again, every symptom
every time.
• Let your doctor know if you can’t follow through for
any reason: costs, distance, pain, memory, IBS
issues, etc.

11. Social Security Rulings
• SSR 12-2p
• SSR 14-1p for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has
some reference to FM.

12. What does SS need
• A true diagnosis, preferably from a
Rheumatologist and with trigger points
identified.
• Clinic notes that reflect symptoms with
frequency, duration, etc.
• Medical opinion of restrictions and limitations.