Another common mistake claimants make when describing their daily activities is to simply give a schedule of your day without any information about your impairment. They may have children and grandchildren who are adults themselves. If you are unsure whether or not you should use the term retarded, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it altogether. Finally, it is important to reach out to friends and family for support. Using a pain scale. Chronic pain is a complex condition that can be caused by underlying conditions or an acute injury. If we represent you, we will meet with you before your hearing to review your testimony. A level of ten means excruciating pain. An ALJ can also research and analyze laws relating to the case to help them prepare for the hearing and make an informed decision. Some lawyers will also advance you the costs of your case, which means that they will front the money for things like medical records and expert witnesses. 5. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat your pain in the most effective way possible. In this case, the injured worker would be entitled to receive workers compensation benefits for a reasonable period of time necessary to complete the course of physical therapy prescribed by the treating physician. Generally speaking, ALJs look for: Credible claimant testimony. Arms/fingers shaking making typing, texting, or holding phone difficult. Describing your pain accurately and thoroughly may help your health care provider find the cause of the pain and treat it. You have fewer side effects from medication. But talking about it openly and honestly can help us to better understand and cope with our pain. You would have the right to contest that fee petition if you wanted to do so. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be able to describe your chronic pain in detail. Acupuncture is said to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the bodys natural pain-relieving chemicals. If someone born in 1959 is still alive today, they have probably retired from their career or are close to retirement. Participate in surveys or focus groups: Companies are always looking for consumer feedback on their products or services. This could help him or her determine which questions to ask you during the hearing. Effects of medications: Do your medicines help? Something like: A day in the life of X (your name). It does not have to be in some fancy, formal writing style. To do this, you must meet the requirements in #1 and #2 listed below. In terms of politics, someone born in 1959 would have been too young to vote in the JFK election but would have been old enough to vote in Nixons re-election. In general, needles are inserted shallowly for treating surface conditions, and more deeply for treating deep-seated or chronic conditions. I have been leaving messages for him since August of 2011 and he has yet to return a single call. Do events such as walking result in pain? Chronic back pain sufferers must show that they have a medical condition that impairs their ability to function normally in order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Oxycodone / ice / rest. Disability claims examiners and administrative law judges love numbers, so (when possible) describe your mobility problems using a specific amount such as pounds, minutes, or miles. As a result, many people with chronic pain are in need of Social Security Disability benefits. Again, pain must be described in other words than by just saying I hurt. As noted in earlier posts, keep a journal handy and write down your daily symptoms and experiences with pain. As mentioned above, fellow blogger Tomasz Stasiuk has written on this topic as well and has offered some great tips on how to effectively describe pain in a disability case. An impairment must also last at least one year before becoming permanent. How long does the pain last? I go to the bathroom and it takes at least 30 minutes to brush my teeth. The SSA will even consider phantom pain, as in the case of an amputation. How do you describe pain to a disability judge? You can also describe your pain in terms of how it is aggravated or alleviated by lying in a specific position. Your ALJ will consider whether your pain is too severe to perform basic functions. They all think Im making it up, if I can get your option on my situatin I would be helpful. These are not the only words that can describe your pain, but it is important for you to be able to describe what you feel as you are the only one that knows exactly what you feel. There are 5,280 feet in a mile, so 500 ft is just under 1/10 of a mile. One of the reasons for this requirement to avoid situations where attorneys might be tempted to bribe clients to get their cases. Some people with epilepsy have no known cause for their condition. If youre walking, its about the same as two city blocks. If its severe and/or getting worse, its probably time to seek medical attention. Level 9 or 10 pain means childbirth or kidney stone pain. What do disability judges look for? The judge will ask you to rate the severity of your pain on a scale of one to ten. A pain scale is a tool that doctors use to help assess a person's pain. Conditions that are acute or have been present for a shorter period of time will generally require more frequent treatments. Here is a list of 30 vivid words that can be used to describe pain. This may include things like difficulty maintaining personal relationships, problems with self-care, or even financial instability. Sedentary work takes place mostly sitting down, but allows lifting up to 10 pounds, occasionally carrying objects (like files), and walking and/or standing up to two hours per day. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. How Long Will Workers Comp Pay For Physical Therapy. However, it is important to listen to your body and not overdo it. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures. Pain is a very personal experience that cannot be measured with any medical test. Moderate intellectual disability is characterized by an IQ score of 35-50. 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. Pain pounds in my head. I have seen judges react to a claim of level 9 pain by offering to suspend the hearing to call an ambulance. An individuals statements about the intensity and persistence of pain or other symptoms or about the effect the symptoms have on his or her ability to work may not be disregarded solely because they are not substantiated by objective medical evidence. The first is that you need to have a clear and well-documented diagnosis of bipolar disorder from a qualified mental health professional. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to people with certain medical conditions that prevent them from working. But you may want to look through the list and make a note of the words that seem to best describe your pain. Location: Where is the pain physically located on your body? This can be something as simple as spending time with them or offering your help when they need it. It depends on how youre moving. However, there are some general tips that can help. How long can you sit, stand or walk? And if youre driving, its only a few seconds worth of travel time. While outright fraud is relatively rare, judges are nevertheless trained to be skeptical about every claimant they see. My lawyer wanted me to tell him just 1 medical problem I have. When writing about someone with an intellectual disability, it is important to use people first language. Here are a few ideas for how to make money while disabled: 1. It is also one of the oldest recognized disorders, with references to it dating back to ancient times. There are different types of pain. This can be in the form of a letter from your therapist or psychiatrist, or even records from your hospitalizations. Symptom severity (SS) scale score 5 or WPI 3 - 6. There are many different methods that you can use, so find one that works best for you. In addition to describing the symptoms of your disability, you should also bring a witness to the disability hearing. Does looking at a computer screen for an extended period of time result in migraine headaches? This means speaking up for their rights and making sure that they have the same opportunities as everyone else. Just about any exertion exacerbates it and mak. With the right support, they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. Taking too much medication can be dangerous. Be sure to show your completed pain journal to your lawyer. Is your pain worse in the morning when you first get out of bed or later in the day? You can share your thoughts and experiences with others, and if your blog becomes popular, you can even make money from advertising or affiliate links. It is extremely important to be truthful and accurate about the following topics: your daily habits and your disability. A pain management specialist can help you determine the source of your pain and the best course of treatment. The word retarded is often used as a derogatory term to describe someone who is perceived as unintelligent or slow. She has even denied me antibiotics for a severe sinus infection. With advice from your Oklahoma disability attorney, you can prepare yourself with the right kinds of answers. If so, are there side effects. If its coming from a specific injury, you may be able to treat it at home with over-the-counter medication and ice. (*) -Chronic conditions: Conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia can cause chronic pain that lasts for long periods of time. If you are considering acupuncture for treatment of a health condition, it is important to consult with your doctor first. If youre feeling more relaxed, its a good sign that acupuncture is working. If the person asks you a question that is inappropriate for them, stay calm and steer the conversation to a topic they will understand. Stayed on the couch w/ice and pain meds. Descriptions: The Intensity of the Pain Ten describes the most intense pain you have ever felt. Lowest rating: 3. Where is it located? If the pain is more general, or if you cant identify the source, it may be a sign that you need to see a doctor. If necessary, explain your disability and educate the interviewer. Doctors and therapists use a pain scale that ranges from one to ten. As an experienced Oklahoma disability attorney, I understand how disabling pain can be. The judge will also ask questions about the claimant's ability to perform basic activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Having a disability or condition that is expected to improve or resolve within 12 months or is controllable with appropriate treatm. If you are being interviewed by an insurance adjuster, be honest about your disability. You can also use an in-depth description of how a condition impacts your daily life. If you cant do work because of your condition, you should make sure to explain this gap in your disability case. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that has been used for centuries in Asia. So how often should you get acupuncture? And Im feeling all alone in the world of chronic pain. How far is 500 ft, really? Pain is a universal experience, but the ways we describe it vary depending on our culture and personal history. I recently tried a case where my client would say things like after about 15 minutes, you get to the point where you cant get comfortable sitting or standing. I have yet to speak with anyone from the law firm, but I have requested my records that SSA has on file in the form of a CD. A therapist can help you learn how to deal with your pain. With proper treatment, most people with epilepsy can lead normal, active lives. Write down any questions you have for your practitioner. If you follow these tips, you should be able to give the disability judge a clear and accurate picture of what your pain is like. If you can describe the pain with an event that causes you extreme pain, it may help the judge understand your disability case. You could be eligible for up to $3,345 per month In SSDI Benefits. I am completely stiff in the morning and exhausted. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points to help relieve pain or improve health. Acupuncture can be more effective if youre not tense or anxious. Your ability to effectively describe your pain to your doctors is also important. You may qualify for one or both of these programs. That will help me in determining what more I am going to need. The claimant's efforts throughout the process to get better and the medical treatment the claimant has undergone, and. 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