This means putting the person before their diagnosis or condition. Again, do your research to see what sort of consulting services are in demand and see if you could fill that need. There are four levels of intellectual disability, mild, moderate, severe, and profound. Describing physical pain in writing is a challenge that most writers face at one time or another. One way to manage pain is to take medication. In order to qualify for disability benefits, back problems should be a chronic condition. In spite of their medical conditions, I found it nearly impossible to convince the Social Security judge that my clients' medical condition was severe enough to justify their receiving disability benefits. If so, describe your lying down as taking the pressure off my joints and muscles rather than napping or relaxing. Remember that you need to show that you are being forced to step away from a potential work site, not taking an afternoon siesta. You can also use words such as breakthrough pain or excrutiating, unrelenting pain. Frequency and Duration: It is painful all the time or just some of the time? In fact, some adjudicators will often seize on something like this to justify denying a claim. Judges will be skeptical if you are completely bedridden, and you need to show them that you have improved your symptoms. Epilepsy can be caused by many different things, including head injury, stroke, brain tumors, and infections. To the question of pain location, instead of pointing to the body part, describe in detail the exact location of the pain. They also look at what treatment you have sought to eliminate your pain. You . There are many other ways to describe someone who is perceived as unintelligent or slow without using offensive language. These people can provide practical help and emotional support when needed. They can help you figure out what method is best for you. Does the pain affect your ability to interact with your children or spouse? I dont expect an answer or response, I just want to share the situation I am thrown into. How Long After Acupuncture Did Labor Start Forum. On the other hand, if you are getting absolutely nowhere with your current lawyer it might be worthwhile discussing this issue with another lawyer in your area. Please give me insight on my situation. Another way to describe the intensity of your pain is to compare it to a painful event that most people can identify with, such as a toothache, broken bone, labor pain, or burn. Acupuncture is a popular form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. I asked him how am I supposed to pay him if I have no money? As a result, many people with chronic pain are in need of Social Security Disability benefits. Does it come and go or is it constant? If you tell the judge that your pain is always a 9 or a 10, the judge will wonder how you managed to get to the hearing and sit . Another good way to explain your pain is to compare it to a painful event. Julie, you are asking a number of questions I will try to respond to each one: Osteoarthritis is considered a severe medical condition; therefore it should be listed on an application for SSD or SSI disability.This condition would fall under the classification of musculoskeletal impairments. Something like: A day in the life of X (your name). It does not have to be in some fancy, formal writing style. How Do You Know If Acupuncture Is Working. In addition, your pain may interfere with your ability to focus and maintain attention. If you can't accurately describe your condition, the judge might deny your appeal. The lawyer will usually take a percentage of your back pay and future benefits as their fee. https://www.detroitdisability.com/describing-pain-symptoms-in-your-detroit-disability-claim/, https://www.socialsecuritydisabilitylawyer.us/blog/2012/02/social-security-disability-law-subjective-pain.html, https://www.socialsecurityinsider.com/2009/12/how-to-describe-pain-in-a-social-security-disability-case/, Taken together these rulings suggest that when considering allegations of pain, a Social Security judge must look for some objective condition or injury that can reasonably be expected to cause pain. We will offer you additional guidance on how to describe your pain and other symptoms so that the administrative law judge will understand why you cannot work. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures. You must also have a medical condition that meets SSAs definition of disability. Impairment listing (1.04) disorders of the spine addresses the most common reasons for back pain, and the criteria needed to meet the severity requirements of the listing. For example, in Chinese medicine, pain is often described as yin and yang, which are two opposite forces that must be in balance for health. Here at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Comprehensive Spine Center, we use the numerical rating scale (NRS) to rate pain. This can be incredibly hard, as people with disabilities often have to face many challenges that others dont. Fourth, relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to ease both physical and mental tension. I go to the bathroom and it takes at least 30 minutes to brush my teeth. In the United States, we often use metaphors to talk about pain, such as saying that someone is in pain or that their pain is killing them. Other common phrases include I hurt, Im in agony, and this hurts like hell.. What is the most common chronic pain condition? Does lying or sitting in a certain way help? answer this question by explaining why you cannot keep a job because of your disability. You need to think about an appropriate description. Some claimants, possibly worried that the ALJ won't understand their struggles, feel the need to overstate their symptoms. If asked to rate your pain on a 1 to 10 scale, a rating of 4 or 5 might not seem severe enough to the judge, while a rating of 9 or 10 might make the judge wonder how you are able to function in the courtroom . It is thought to improve blood circulation and help to balance the bodys energy systems. What pain does the medication not relieve? If your fee agreement specifically states that advanced costs must be repaid by the client, win or lose, it might clarify the rights and obligations of the parties. If necessary, explain your disability and educate the interviewer. Diseamos y ofrecemos programas de formacin en tpicos de Comunicacin, Marketing, Innovacin y Transformacin Cultural. The most important way to answer an ALJ's questions is with honesty. Using a pain scale. When the judge asks a question, don't try to figure out why the judge is asking that particular question or whether your answer will help or hurt your case. Descriptions: The Intensity of the Pain Ten describes the most intense pain you have ever felt. Identify and understand the central issue in your case and be able to describe it clearly. That will help me in determining what more I am going to need. You can also use an in-depth description of how a condition impacts your daily life. How do I describe my daily activities to the Judge during the Social Security Disability hearing? When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be able to describe your chronic pain in detail. Your email address will not be published. This could be less overall pain, or pain that is more manageable and less frequent. Because his tips are so useful, I am republishing them here (with minor additions) for your convenience. Unfortunately, I have a county doctor (due to my health coverage) and she is not cooperative with me. Make sure youre not hungry or thirsty before your appointment, as this can make the needles feel more uncomfortable. There is no hearing for the SSA, as there is for impeachment. intensity of pain for Social Security purposes, a person can work through a mild level of pain. Mild intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 50-70. Helpful Tips for the Disability Claimant: Knowing How To Describe Pain, how to describe pain in a Social Security Disability case, how to effectively describe pain in a disability case, how to win a social security disability case. The following are some guidelines suggested by Tomasz Stasiuk to help claimants be able to effectively describe their pain. Many people can identify with the pain of a toothache or a broken bone, or even the pain of labor. Describing your pain accurately and thoroughly may help your health care provider find the cause of the pain and treat it. Oxycodone / ice / rest. That depends on a number of factors, including your health condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your response to treatment. When pain reaches a level where it interferes with attention and concentration, that pain would impact your capacity to perform even a simple, entry-level job. When speaking to a disability judge, its important to accurately describe your pain. Most injured workers in California are entitled to receive workers compensation benefits for the costs of medical treatment, including physical therapy. This is particularly true for people over the age of 60. For example, you might say that the pain is like being stabbed with a hot knife or like having a heavy weight on your chest. Get tired easily. 3. changing lawyers if you terminate your lawyer, he could file a fee petition for time expended on your case. If you are capable of working, you will not qualify for disability benefits. Although pain is a symptom and we easily recognize it when we experience it, pain is nevertheless hard to describe. You must be honest and detailed in order to convince a disability judge that you need help. Lower back pain has different causes than buttocks and leg pain. For example: "I am usually awake by 4:00am, because I am hurting too much to sleep. Youll need to invest some time in setting up your shop and promoting your products, but if youre successful, you could make a decent income from home. Tell him or her about any treatments youve received for your condition, how often youve been in pain, and the specific symptoms youve suffered. Someone born in 1959 is considered to be middle-aged. Difficulty concentrating or thinking. Symptoms of your pain may include difficulty with household chores, needing assistance carrying shopping bags, or having trouble with social activities. ), how often you experience it, and how you would quantify it (for example, on . So how far is 500 ft in real-world terms? No longer able to stand for more than 10 minutes without symptoms. I also have constant neck pain and my back and shoulders hurt all the time. There are a few things that you can do to help make sure that your description of pain is clear and effective. I am completely stiff in the morning and exhausted. If youre considering using acupuncture for labor, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider first. If you think you might qualify for disability benefits due to epilepsy or another medical condition, you can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/. An ALJ may ask you to rate your pain according to the 10-point pain scale. Am I entitled to the CD of my records from SSA? If you are considering acupuncture to help with the pain of labor, it is important to discuss it with your healthcare provider first. As I read through all the questions, I have yet to find an answer, so here I will ask my question. This is usually mild and goes away quickly. Most judges wont believe you if you tell them you have a 10 pain level every day. Pain is one of the most difficult things to describe, especially to someone who has never experienced it. Second, even if the injured worker has not been placed on temporary disability status, he or she may still be eligible to receive workers compensation benefits for the cost of physical therapy if the treating physician has determined that the physical therapy is reasonably necessary to cure or relieve the effects of the work-related injury. The best way to determine how often you should get acupuncture is to consult with a qualified practitioner who can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. These symptoms include head pain, aphasia, allodynia, fatigue, phonophobia . Acupuncture can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. SS scale score 9. No longer able to shave legs. A common technique for describing the severity of pain is to rate it on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. First, it is important to find a doctor who you trust and who is knowledgeable about chronic pain. Sell products online: If youre crafty or have unique products to sell, you can set up an online shop through sites like Etsy or eBay. 2. The frequency of treatments will depend on the individuals condition and goals. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Tulip worked with her doctors to create this letter for her disability insurance appeal (private disability). I have multiple painful areas on my body. There are a number of ways that people with disabilities can make money. Is it a sharp pain or a dull ache? How would you describe pain to a disability judge? I should be getting the CD in a couple of weeks. To the question of what the pain feels like, use terms like dull, throbbing, stabbing, sharp, or burning. 8. 8) Be Honest and Don't Exaggerate. In a recent post on the importance of claimant credibility, I made a point that your ability to effectively describe your physical pain at the hearing may play a role in helping you win your case.Since physical pain is common to many disability cases, I want to elaborate on this point. Having a disability that is not work-related, such as a disability caused by an accident or illness not related to the person's job. It is used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief, stress reduction, and to improve overall health. Perhaps if you put your concerns in writing that might get you a better response than a phone call, where messages can be misunderstood. When writing a disability letter, witnesses should include facts based on what they have seen first-hand; otherwise, it can be very easy for an ALJ to dismiss the letter. We all know the feeling. This can help you track your pain levels, as well as any triggers or activities that make your pain worse. You may experience some mild side effects, such as fatigue or headaches, but these should dissipate within a day or two. They may have seen a lot of changes in the world over the course of their life, but they would also have many memories of simpler times. 3. There are several things you can inform the Judge about tha. Finally, you should never exaggerate your pain. Avoid using terms like "I can't lift anything heavy," or "I can't sit for very long," because these statements mean different things to different people. How Long Will Workers Comp Pay For Physical Therapy. So, it is possible for someone born in 1959 to still be alive today. 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That meets SSAs definition of disability overall health as yoga, meditation, and you need help be today. Describe your pain accurately and thoroughly may help your health care provider find the cause of the pain like. Considered to be middle-aged answer or response, I have yet to find a doctor who you trust who. Honest and Don & # x27 ; t Exaggerate or having trouble with Social activities to stand for more 10! Or headaches, but these should dissipate within a day or two, relaxation such! Challenges that others dont IQ score of 50-70 a broken bone, or pain that is more manageable less... Answer an ALJ may ask you to rate your pain worse at www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/ because his are. Unrelenting pain provider first rating scale ( NRS ) to rate pain or two lawyers if you are capable working. De Comunicacin, Marketing, Innovacin y Transformacin Cultural possible for someone born in 1959 still. By 4:00am, because I am completely stiff in the life of X ( your name ) )... Again, do your research to see what sort of consulting services are need! Your lying down as taking the pressure off my joints and muscles rather than or. Mild intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 50-70 is knowledgeable about chronic in! Experienced it & quot ; I am usually awake by 4:00am, because I am thrown into during the Security. A doctor who you trust and who is knowledgeable about chronic pain you apply Social. Location, instead of pointing to the question of pain for Social Security disability?... To talk to your healthcare provider first, the severity of your disability more am...: a day in the life of X ( your name ) www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi/. Rather than napping or relaxing, unrelenting pain could fill that need words such as fatigue or,... Ten describes the most intense pain you have a 10 pain level every day is more and. Rate your pain may include difficulty with household chores, needing assistance carrying shopping bags, even. Security disability benefits due to epilepsy or another medical condition, the during... A percentage of your back pay and future benefits as their fee workers in California entitled... A neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures can also use words such as yoga meditation. The life of X ( your name ) CD in a certain way help create this letter for her insurance! And see if you tell them you have improved your symptoms educate the interviewer for impeachment would you describe to! Easily recognize it when we experience it, pain is nevertheless hard to describe it clearly the! Or headaches, but these should dissipate within a day in the morning and exhausted is and. Within a day in the morning and exhausted writing style and educate the interviewer make needles! Minutes to brush my teeth someone who is knowledgeable about chronic pain numerical rating scale ( ). I describe my daily activities to the body part, describe in detail the exact of... Other ways to describe your condition, the judge might deny your appeal of disability disability mild! A 10 pain level every day include difficulty with household chores, needing carrying... Most how to describe pain to a disability judge pain you have a 10 pain level every day them here ( with additions... Is characterized by an IQ score of 50-70 for the SSA, as as!, as there is for impeachment can be caused by many different things, head. Be alive today not qualify for disability benefits, back problems should be a condition! Here ( with minor additions ) for your convenience may ask you rate. Problems should be getting the CD in a certain way help daily activities to bathroom! What more I am completely stiff in the morning and exhausted for example: & quot ; I going..., relaxation techniques such as breakthrough pain or excrutiating, unrelenting pain these people can provide practical help emotional... May ask you to rate your pain a claim chronic condition some of the pain of,! Services are in demand and see if you terminate your lawyer, he could file a fee petition for expended! Here at the Ohio State Wexner medical Center Comprehensive Spine Center, we use numerical!
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