Psychological Exam : Hello. I live in... - Cure Parkinson's

Cure Parkinson's

25,341 members26,642 posts

Psychological Exam

Latrell profile image
13 Replies

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.

Written by
Latrell profile image
Latrell
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies
Nitro53 profile image
Nitro53

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

laglag profile image
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 profile image
Latrell in reply to laglag

Thank you for this information. 🤗

Redginger profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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 profile image
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

You may also like...

Neurological exam - Eye movement meaning

wouldn't say. It worries me... Does anyone have a clue what it means? Thanks all

Does SSA always require psychiatric exams?

first application my husband was denied benefits. Now we are in the appeal process. They have...

Madopar not working without food

a snack after I’ve I’ve taken it! Boy then I’m really on for a 2-21/2 hrs. has anyone else...

Natural high potency MAO-B inhibitors

recovery. Does anyone know of, better yet, successfully used, a naturally sourced one? I’ve read...

Cold Showers and Wim Hof

stiffness in my lower back. I’ve read it might get worse before it gets better? I’ve read 3 weeks...