Psychological Exam

[Latrell]

Hello. I live in California and was denied disability. I’ve appealed and completed additional paperwork. I’ve now received a request to attend an appointment for a psychological exam from the department of social services. Does anyone have experience with this? Thank you.

[Nitro53]

No, but if you are truthful in your exam you should do fine

[laglag]

I'm in Indiana. I took a test 8 yrs ago. The test takes most of the day, at least 1/2 day. It's very tiring. They ask you a lot of questions concerning memory, concentration, executive functioning, etc. They will read a list of items to see if you can repeat them after a few minutes, they read a story & see if you can repeat it after they've talked to you about something else........I assume you filled out all the paperwork when you applied? If you didn't, they may not approve you.

I just found this website that may answer some of your questions. The whole process is very stressful and time consuming. I had a social worker that gave me a lot of good advice. One thing.... When you complete the paperwork, don't lie, but think of your worst day and describe it. He also told me that some of the people approving the paperwork may not know much about PD, so be really specific. I added that PD is progressive so I will only get worse.

Website:

disability-benefits-help.or...

Good luck. If you have any questions, let me know.

[Latrell in reply to laglag]

Thank you for this information. 🤗

[Redginger in reply to laglag]

Thank you laglag for sharing this. My husband recently was denied disability benefits and everyone who know him says, WHAT?! We are now starting with a law firm to get a better chance at the appeal process.

[tropical999]

Same thing happened to me back in 2018 and my claim was subsequently denied. According to the attorney I hired (a disability specialist) this is common practice. We filed an appeal and prevailed. As I recall the whole process took about 6 months.

[Jebbie12]

Definitely hire a lawyer. I was turned down for disability andI was shocked because the Doctor Who examined me for the disability claim agreed that I should be on disability. You need to hire a lawyer that is fluent in disability law

[janers]

Having a psychological exam I think it’s common practice at least here in New Jersey where I am. The psychologist explained afterwards it’s to rule out depression, not to confirm PD . I guess if they think you are depressed, they recommend medication. Also, it was explained to me it’s common practice to be initially denied, then you must appeal. I won the appeal without any contact with a judge or a further study, and without a lawyer.

[MarionP]

I think Janers is more on the mark here at the present stage of things. And you should avail yourself of any appeal process on through, including requesting a neuropsychologist if someone less specialized turns you down.

[Kwinholt]

Latrell, I am in California too. I was denied my first time around and appealed and also hired an attorney. I too had to do the psych evaluation and they ask a lot of questions also have you do math problems, history questions ect. And basically you are a number score. I left there feeling defeated and “stupid”. My husband said they have no idea what they just did.....in the end I was approved for SSDI but was a process. Good luck. Karen

[justhavefun2 in reply to Kwinholt]

I am so sad that is what had to happen for you to be approved. I was denied too, but it was because I am/was working. I guess I have to be off work for a year before they’ll approve me. Crazy rules! 😢🙄🤬

[Kwinholt in reply to justhavefun2]

Yes I was off work for about a year too which started with a surgery but my PD took over. I understand they have to have rules but they shouldn’t group everyone and all illnesses as one. Good luck. Don’t give up and hire an attorney. Karen

[justhavefun2 in reply to Kwinholt]

I am from Washington state (USA), for those reading from other countries.

The conversation with the local attorneys I called all went like this, “Have you worked in the last year? Oh, you have? Call us back after you haven’t worked for a year. Until then, there’s nothing we can help you with.”

I am blessed that I have my own business and I can work from my house only because my husband does all the leg work for me. I am praying my body/brain can hold on until I qualify for standard SSI. Six more years....

I have an acquaintance who also has an autoimmune disease and has been off work for two years. Her elderly parents have been supporting her and, still, she hasn’t received her disability insurance.

The system is severely broken! We shouldn’t have to hire attorneys in order to get the assistance we have worked for and need. Social security should be able to look at our medical/employment (to see that we have contributed) records, do a physical/psych exam, if they need to, and make a reasonable determination on what needs to happen. Then, hire an attorney, if absolutely necessary.

In writing this, I think instead of complaining about it, I may look into writing to our lawmakers so, possibly, someone can fix this for those that come behind us. I don’t think folks from other countries have these issues?

[Kwinholt]

Latrell, Also one more thing..... I asked the Dr doing the psych evaluation if she was educated in Parkinson’s and she said no. I asked , then how can you evaluate me? Karen