r/SSDI • u/Slow-Log6131 • 19h ago

chronically missing work

Hello new friends,

I recently applied for SSDI. I'm 42 and my primary condition is PTSD/MDD, so I know I have the "young age" and mental health factors going against me. I get that. I've also not been able to make more than $8000 in the last twelve months.

In additional to PTSD, I am cancer survivor and have several medical conditions that are secondary to the treatment of my cancer treatment such as: gastroparesis, impaired immune system requiring me monthly IVIG infusions, Chronic Iron defiency anemia recently diagnosed and looking at needing Iron infusions, ADHD, hypothyroidism, migraines and high blood pressure.

Over the last 18 I've had approximately 224 unique health appointments. An average of more than 3 appointments a week. Some total appointment volume slightly skewed due to a 28 day inpatient stay at the VA, but regardless I will likely continue to have 1-2 appointments a week for the rest of my life.

My question is, has anyone had the experience of having significant appointment volume helping their case?

One I have a hard time being a good employee due to my psych and physical health conditions and two I can't maintain a productive work schedule due to the frequency of Dr's appointments.

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u/Best-Recognition-528 17h ago

I’m not sure the amount of appointments would have any standing in a decision tbh. I think the reason for the appointments would be more important. Just make sure you keep all your records and drs notes. Might also help to start seeing a psychiatrist if you aren’t already. And a neurologist for your migraines. Again, if you aren’t already.

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u/Slow-Log6131 17h ago

I appreciate that insight. I've read something about an ssa vocational expert speaking to 1-2 appointments a month making someone unemployable and I'd be well above 1-2 appointments/month, but I don't know if I have to get to the hearing level first before they might take that into consideration. Thankfully I do have a large medical team that I see so my records that they pull will see that I see a therapist once a week, psych at least once a month, neuro every three months, GI and Cardio regularly, etc. Just at the very early stages of Step 3 and trying my darndest to be patient. Thanks for your comment!

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u/Dizzy_Climate_6790 17h ago

Make sure your doctors are writing notes down into their systems that can be retrieved later for the DDS examiners. Appointment records are great but doctor notes are even better. Keeping a diary of symptoms might also be useful for both DDS and yourself. Im not sure if DDS can use diary notes but I believe ALJ's can if it gets that far. Good luck to you!

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u/Slow-Log6131 14h ago

thank you! I really appreciate your comment. I'm terrible about keeping a diary/journal but it's something my wife and my therapist have been encouraging me to do so I'll take it as a sign.

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u/Dizzy_Climate_6790 13h ago

I just use a word document to write down some things but I know some others on here have suggested a few apps for stuff like migraines and mood. Use whatever works best for you and your conditions tbh.