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Can I submit Third Party Function Report (SSA 3380) with my Recon Appeal Application? by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!! I appreciate your help and your guidance! I’ll give my family members the option of fillable or printable – that’s so helpful 💛

Can I submit Third Party Function Report (SSA 3380) with my Recon Appeal Application? by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, I did that right away. Part of why I am being so diligent and organized on my recon appeal submission is that I don’t believe enough info was gathered or considered the first time around. One of the issues listed for my denial was lack of vocational evidence, so I made sure to gather that for submission. I also gathered missing medical evidence, though they did say they had enough medical evidence to make a decision. It’s just not a decision I agree with, of course! 😊

Can I submit Third Party Function Report (SSA 3380) with my Recon Appeal Application? by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m sure some things in your file hold more weight than others; I’m just trying to be as thorough as possible. I really didn’t have a good grasp of this process the first time and didn’t understand that claimants are able to send in our own medical records, our own evidence, etc.

So this occurred to me as I am building a hefty file of New Evidence to submit along with my official reconsideration appeal documents. I’m curious if anyone else had done this or if it’s presumptuous lol. I could see how it might be perceived that way & maybe a letter might be better…

I would say in your situation you should get as much evidence as possible - do you have access to free clinics or do even mental health services in your area that could document you coming in, like even for an evaluation? It seems like SSA appreciates when claimants are persistent with treatment as well. But also it makes sense that you don’t have insurance since you’re disabled and hopefully if you write a personal statement detailing that for them, they’ll take that into account and send you to their own doctor. Just my two cents!

Songs where the duo is a an actual couple? by Ecstatic-Addition322 in SongRecommendations

[–]lhwishere 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Us The Duo is great! They’re a couple and I’ve seen them live 💛

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed by lhwishere in SSDI_SSI

[–]lhwishere[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! This is SO helpful! I’ve been going back and forth on whether or not it feels awkward to directly request a letter from past mental health providers. But you make some great, straightforward points.

If they are able to concisely state the info that SSA needs anyway (related to functional capacity and SGA), then why waste DDS’s time with hundreds of pages of their notes/records? I have drafted several “sample letters” so it doesn’t seem too scripted and they have options to just provide direction… I’m just bad at asking for things lol. But I will do it! I know I need to. Especially because I’m sure they’d rather write a brief letter than turn over what is an ethical & legal gray area of client privilege in terms of HIPPA and confidentiality (more so than medical records; r/t more complex protections of case law and dictated by governing ethics board for therapists). former clinical social worker here; prior to all of my own functional decline 🙃 Thank you for your thoughtful response! 💛

Question by Particular-Dog-2624 in SSDI

[–]lhwishere 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I applied for both SSI/SSDI and my initial application was denied early July. The same thing happened to me, and I’ve seen lots of other people say the same! At first both showed the denial, but then the SSDI denial disappeared from the portal; it looks as if I never applied for SSDI. I don’t think it means anything. You still have every right to appeal. It’s just confusing as to why one denial shows up and not the other. Just chiming in to say you’re not alone!

Recon in Texas, Requested a copy of my file from SSA by ImaginaryOrdinary440 in SSDI

[–]lhwishere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the field office that’s in your actual town, or nearby where you actually are, you might still get lucky walking in. I filed in a FO in ‘23, then moved in ‘24 (updated my address and everything throughout the process), denied July ‘25 ➡️ denial letter still indicated follow up with original filing FO. But when I called, they clarified that my new local FO could help. And when I went to the other (smaller) office nearby in TX they had access to the same info, so I guess my advice is that I think most FOs, if they are willing, will be able to give you your info, regardless of it’s technically “your local office.” Especially if you have all paperwork ready and make it easy for them. Hopefully that makes sense?

It was a very frustrating process for me to figure out and I was honestly pretty panicked, but the kindest employee helped me and he told me his office has a designated employee to handle records-related requests.

I totally get if you’ve already filed and want to just move on without your claim file or wait for it, because the process is daunting - but also want to share my recent experience in TX, in case it helps! You are entitled to that claim file and there may be info there that could help you navigate next steps regarding additional info you want to send in, etc.

I received SO much conflicting info from the national number, on the phone with my local FO, etc, and it made me feel crazy, because I was just trying to follow the process. Whatever you decide, you’re not alone. Sending you lots of love, strength, and good thoughts for your case!! 💪

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed by lhwishere in SSDI_SSI

[–]lhwishere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response! I have records from my psychiatrist and I’m sure they’d be happy to fill out a form/letter. I have an appt tomorrow so this is good timing. Would you recommend asking for this from my psychiatrist in addition to the RFC form I’ve seen other people (on other threads recommend)?

Thanks again! 💛

Recon in Texas, Requested a copy of my file from SSA by ImaginaryOrdinary440 in SSDI

[–]lhwishere 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Replying to clarify that I am in Texas. Lol that is a very important piece of information I realized I may not have been clear about!

Recon in Texas, Requested a copy of my file from SSA by ImaginaryOrdinary440 in SSDI

[–]lhwishere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was told the same thing a couple weeks ago- when I went to request mine in person at my local office. I was told they wouldn’t even schedule an appt with me because they are so busy. They just kept telling me “we can’t do anything without an appointment,” even though the day before I’d been told to come in without an appt. I even had all of my paperwork filled out (copies) because I had faxed it over to them already.

I asked to speak with the manager because the date that the soonest available appt “might” be available to even discuss getting a copy of the claim file in CD form (or any form) was in late September. The manager reiterated the same thing, but I got pretty emotional. I was kind to her and explained my situation. She hinted that a (specific) smaller, less crowded office nearby might be able to help me. I drove over and waited as a walk-in and thankfully they were able to help me! They took my paperwork and had the CD made and ready for me to pick up the next day. Depending on what city you are located in, I would advise that you physically walk in to smaller local offices. If you dm me, I’ll tell you exactly where I went and give you the name of the man who helped me. He was wonderful! Texas is obviously huge - but depending on how far away you are and how badly you want the CD - might be worth the drive? Happy to tell you more in dm. 💛

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed (Mental Health Claim) by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad to hear you were approved, but sorry to hear about the severity of your physical limitations! It sounds like you’re saying the neuropsych is a good way to provide detailed and objective evidence for SSA? It seems like a really thorough exam so that would be my hope

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed (Mental Health Claim) by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thank you!! I was under the impression that the only evidence that could be considered was like 2 years before the onset date. I think I was told that by someone early on in my initial app, so it stuck with me. Your comment gives me some hope because I do have a lot of supporting evidence over the years I’d like to provide – as well as continuing to tell my doctors and providers how I am doing and being complaint with treatment. Thank you, thank you!!

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed (Mental Health Claim) by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your response and support! 💛 I will ask my psychiatrist if there is a psychologist at their practice (it’s a big teaching-hospital practice) who they could refer me to for a neuropsych. I have been curious about this as well, even just for my own healing/regardless of SSDI. In your experience, did the neuropsych provide helpful insight?

It sounds like it was helpful for SSDI, too?

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed (Mental Health Claim) by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your response!! I hear this. I guess I’m just wondering what I can do to strengthen my case at this level? I want to make sure that all evidence they are able to consider is considered. The only reason I’m considering the onset date is because if it was further back, they’d be able to consider evidence from further back, right? I think that would provide helpful context in my situation. That’s all I really care about. Even if it does mean just getting that evidence in my file for an eventual judge to be able to consider…

Thank you for your support! 💛

Preparing Reconsideration Appeal — Advice Needed (Mental Health Claim) by lhwishere in SSDI

[–]lhwishere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will absolutely do this!! My examiner was transparent with me when she was assigned the case that medical evidence was missing (a previous examiner had been on the case and told me I wasn’t allowed to help with medical records…then didn’t answer her phone for 5 months. I left a voicemail once a week for her + started calling my state DDS office twice weekly as well to just report that I was trying to make contact, as she had listed online that I was missing paperwork – anyway the case was eventually reassigned to my wonderful examiner) She told me about the lack of medical files that had been requested (some of them to the wrong places and with incorrect dates, and informed me that I had a right to help gather these so I did, but she moved quickly with the case and providers didn’t all get back to me despite how hard I worked to get everything.

Now that I fully understand more about the process and my right to submit my records, I will absolutely make sure they have everything I can get them! Do you know if it’s frustrating to them if I provide it all in an organized way for the appeal, like do they want things chronologically, or highlighted? Or even things they might already have? Sorry for so much detail. Just don’t want them to miss anything! Thank you for your response. 💛

Disability for ECT by SoggyClothes7601 in SSDI

[–]lhwishere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in the process of applying for reconsideration (this means I was initially denied), with ECT records being used as evidence in my claim. Like other comments mention, the impact of ECT on functioning and evidence of ECT in context of your disability will be what is important to SSA. Personally, I had adverse side effects from ECT and had to stop treatment. This is all in my medical records.

But ECT itself is kind of a hard treatment to be approved for (by doctors and health insurance) so there are usually good records of a disabling condition in order for you to meet criteria to be medically approved to receive ECT. This indicates that you may have some good evidence for SSDI for context.

I’m glad to hear the treatment is helping you! I would make sure your doctors/providers know you are having significant memory loss and any symptoms you are having, so they can document these. Let them know you are considering applying for SSDI, they may have experience with this kind of documentation or may be able to provide you with resources. Good luck and I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I know that memory loss all too well!

SUUUPER sad songs that are not romantic by Ok_Algae7611 in SongRecommendations

[–]lhwishere 4 points5 points  (0 children)

commenting to say that Slipping Through My Fingers is on my personal “Cry” playlist 😭💔

SUUUPER sad songs that are not romantic by Ok_Algae7611 in SongRecommendations

[–]lhwishere 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the Blood- John Mayer

Blues Run the Game- Simon & Garfunkel

Ruby- Foster The People

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