Social Security Disability Advice Group

I have a question about the speed of the SS office. I applied for benefits last August. I had my first psych exam in March of this year. Was denied in April and am now being sent for a medical exam one year later from the time I originally applied.

A friend of mine also applied for benefits for a completely different condition. She just applied about 6-8 weeks ago. She has TONS more medical evidence than I do. She sees several doctors weekly and has no gaps in treatment at all. They never requested that she fill out a function report and are sending her for a medical exam on Sept 8th- only about 3 months after initial application. My question is, do you think that the speediness that her case seems to be heading is a good sign or a bad sign. I also wonder why they are sending her for a med exam anyway? I thought they only did that when they needed more information? Like I said, she has TONS of medical info, many doctors and very consistent treatment.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, we live in the same city if that makes any difference.

There has to be something in her file that they are questioning or want to know more about. Its neither good or bad news, and theres noway of knowing the outcome of the case by being sent for one.

Social security handles each case differently. From what you are saying, both of you did have to for exams. whenever someone applies for mental health disabilties, it is a more subjective diagnosis The exams are SS way of getting an independent/objective reivew of your case. The critical criteria for disability is can the applicant in any way perform any type of SGA - substantial gainful employment. Even with significant, well-documented physical disabilites the main criteria is SGA. You practically can't do anything. I just got approved, after 3 years, in the decision, my first psych review acknowled I had severe anxiety, BUTs :too intelligent !!. therefore-denied. Three years later my brain had become so frazzled by stress, I honestly could not concentrate during the exam,. even simple questions were a blurr. Fortunately, all my reports did concurr the same disabilities and lack of ability to work, and limited self-care activities. Every case is reviewed differently. I know several people who had severe life-long physical traumatic injuries that were intially denied !!! Its a loooong complicated process and there is no rhyme or reason to some of the denials. You just have to think positive. That's why we have this site. To share our good news, bad news, and anything on your mind while going thru the process. We've been there, are there and know exactly how you feel.

Thank you both for the advice.