My dysautonomia specialist finally agreed to fill out a RFC form for SSDI hearing.Thoughts?

[Derek1987]

Shes only a NP but shes a specialist in dysautonomia. Apparently lots of schooling involved. She practices at a neurology clinic. 

What do you guys think? Im just nervous for the phone hearing. Trying to prep myself. I keep reading to keep your answers short but i want to say enough to where the judge understands my struggles. 

Like if he asks me a typical day, its going to be really boring. I havent been able to do much in over 2 years now. I dont want it to seem like i am faking or something. I am hoping this form holds weight. I know i made another thread 2 or 3 weeks ago. Sorry. Getting into final prep and all advice is appreciated. 

 

[Pistol]

@Derek1987 I think this form is filled out well and honestly reflects your disability. It actually is very close to what my PCP put down on the same form, and I was approved upon the hearing. 

4 hours ago, Derek1987 said:

Like if he asks me a typical day, its going to be really boring. I havent been able to do much in over 2 years now.

As always - my advice is to be simply honest. You CAN'T do anything, either because it makes you sick or because it might make you sick, so there's no embellishing that fact. If the judge uses common sense and has any experience in his field it should be a no-brainer. And you might find the hearing a lot more straight-forward than you expect. My judge initially was a little accusatory in tone but as soon as he realized that I am answering his questions honestly and had ample examples of how work was impossible for me he changed his tune and became actually curious and compassionate. Remember - it is his JOB to be intimidating and to find out if you really are disabled - therefore he will push that fact. But you have nothing to hide and don't need to seek for trick questions - tell it simply how it is. 

[p8d]

I think it should definitely help. It’s an independent, medical assessment of what you are capable of doing. I am 100% certain my form was similar and I was approved first try. From what I know the judges put a lot of credence in the medical records and assessment. I assume that you saw this? https://vimeo.com/434576980

 

[Guest KiminOrlando]

Read the fine print. I don't think Nurse Practitioners count as qualified medical professionals. Mine didn't but maybe they changed the rule.

I really hope they changed that rule.

[Delta]

46 minutes ago, KiminOrlando said:

Read the fine print. I don't think Nurse Practitioners count as qualified medical professionals. Mine didn't but maybe they changed the rule.

I really hope they changed that rule.

@Derek1987

Is she an NP or a CNP? It may make a difference. I found this on line . . . 

NP (Nurse Practitioner)
An NP is an RN who has completed either a master’s or doctoral degree program, plus clinical training. NPs provide a full range of primary, acute, and specialty care services with an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the whole person. NPs can practice autonomously in many states, but some still require the oversight of a physician.

CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner)
A CNP is an RN who has additional education and training in a specialty area, such as family practice or pediatrics. CNPs have a master's degree in nursing and board certification in their specialty. For example, a pediatric CNP has advanced education, skills, and training in caring for infants, children, and teens. *CNPs are authorized to diagnose illnesses, treat conditions, and provide evidence-based health education to their patients.*
 

 

 

[Derek1987]

24 minutes ago, Delta said:

@Derek1987

Is she an NP or a CNP? It may make a difference. I found this on line . . . 

NP (Nurse Practitioner)
An NP is an RN who has completed either a master’s or doctoral degree program, plus clinical training. NPs provide a full range of primary, acute, and specialty care services with an emphasis on the health and wellbeing of the whole person. NPs can practice autonomously in many states, but some still require the oversight of a physician.

CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner)
A CNP is an RN who has additional education and training in a specialty area, such as family practice or pediatrics. CNPs have a master's degree in nursing and board certification in their specialty. For example, a pediatric CNP has advanced education, skills, and training in caring for infants, children, and teens. *CNPs are authorized to diagnose illnesses, treat conditions, and provide evidence-based health education to their patients.*
 

 

 

Next to her signature she wrote "DNP, FNP-C"

[Derek1987]

7 hours ago, Pistol said:

@Derek1987 I think this form is filled out well and honestly reflects your disability. It actually is very close to what my PCP put down on the same form, and I was approved upon the hearing. 

As always - my advice is to be simply honest. You CAN'T do anything, either because it makes you sick or because it might make you sick, so there's no embellishing that fact. If the judge uses common sense and has any experience in his field it should be a no-brainer. And you might find the hearing a lot more straight-forward than you expect. My judge initially was a little accusatory in tone but as soon as he realized that I am answering his questions honestly and had ample examples of how work was impossible for me he changed his tune and became actually curious and compassionate. Remember - it is his JOB to be intimidating and to find out if you really are disabled - therefore he will push that fact. But you have nothing to hide and don't need to seek for trick questions - tell it simply how it is. 

My daily routine is wake up and use the restroom/brush teeth. Fix something to quick to eat in the microwave. Take medication. Eat in bed. Stay in bed. I take the trash out once a day. I dont watch much tv. Im usually just browsing on the phone. I get up for bathroom needs. 

I take the litter out once a week which is like taking a trash bag out. But its heavier and leaves me breathing as if a normal person just did 75 jumping jacks. I hate doing that task. But on a typical day i really do nothing. Sometimes i might play video games for about 45 mins. But thats not every single day. 

If i add something extra in like going to the doctors, i crash with fatigue when i get home. One time i zip tied a power strip to the side of the kids bunk bed. 10 minute task. I was holding my arms up laying down doing this. It shouldnt have taken that long but once i was done i couldnt hold my eyes open. Idk i dont want to sound unbelievable even though its true. My typical days are doing nothing lol. So im hoping this RFC forms gives me credibility because i am only 33.

My lawyer told me dont say you cant do anything. I mean i can try to do things but i always pay for it. I mean i havent even been able to go to the movies. As soon as i sit or stand, the adrenaline kicks in and it hurts. I just deal with it until i can lay down again. 

[Delta]

17 minutes ago, Derek1987 said:

Next to her signature she wrote "DNP, FNP-C"

The "D" in front of the "NP" means she has her doctorate in nursing, and the "C" after "FNP" means she is a *certified* family nurse practitioner. The "C" is the same credential as in "CNP" - certified. I've never been through this process but, honestly, I can't imagine that either an NP or an CNP would not be considered a qualified medical professional, as they are  permitted to not only diagnose conditions, but also to write prescriptions, including for controlled substances. I also can't imagine that you would be the first person to have asked your practitioner to fill out such a form, and I'd guess she would have told you if only an MD/DO could fill it out. Unless she was very, very new to practicing and simply had not had the experience.

[Derek1987]

19 minutes ago, Delta said:

The "D" in front of the "NP" means she has her doctorate in nursing, and the "C" after "FNP" means she is a *certified* family nurse practitioner. The "C" is the same credential as in "CNP" - certified. I've never been through this process but, honestly, I can't imagine that either an NP or an CNP would not be considered a qualified medical professional, as they are  permitted to not only diagnose conditions, but also to write prescriptions, including for controlled substances. I also can't imagine that you would be the first person to have asked your practitioner to fill out such a form, and I'd guess she would have told you if only an MD/DO could fill it out. Unless she was very, very new to practicing and simply had not had the experience.

I asked my PCP to fill out paperwork for me months ago and they said they dont do that yet they did it for my wife. They didnt believe i was sick as i said i was basically. I ended up leaving because the the whole clinic was not good. Never callling in prescriptions, rude staff etc and it was far away plus they didnt support me. I didnt bother asking my new PCP to fill it out because he has no clue what i go through really. The cardiologist who referred me to my dysautonomia specialist half way understood my condition. He filled out only half of the RFC form.

 

So i asked my dysautonomia specialist to fill it out months ago and she said no because my records should be good enough. I asked her one more time a couple of weeks ago and she actually said yes. And here is where i am. I have a strong RFC form from my psychiatrist though. I saw him first before being diagnosed with pots and seeing the autonomic dr. After my 3rd fainting spell, my anxiety crippled me. This is when my body completely broke down on me. He prescribed me xanax. It helps. I hate im on it though.