In my opinion, you need to express how your daily routine is affected by the MS. Don't be too shy to be utterly honest about the difficulties, and the struggles you encounter.

I know that sometimes we "don't want to mention" everything. But, mentioning everything is what the "office people" need to hear.
Think about everything...from when you get up in the morning, if it is difficult to shower or bathe...if you ever struggle with getting dressed...things like that.

Not sure if this helps, but, I do know that every detail is important. Be sure to mention if you are having Cognitive issues. Everything from "remembering how to use a remote" to remembering which key locks or unlocks a car or house."...things like this.
I know that I have trouble when shopping for things. The distractions of remembering why I am there cause me difficulties. These are things you need to tell them about! That sort of thing.

When I am in a crowd of people, I know my mind gets "lost" sort of...trouble following conversations, that sort of thing.
I don't know what you have already told them about, but, be brutally honest with your health situations.

Best of luck to you!

I agree with Sherizi, to make sure you tell them absolutely everything. I had my hearing here in Salt Lake City last June. The judge assigned was in Denver so it was done via satellite. I'm so sorry you have to travel so far :(

I was very nervous beforehand, but the best advice I got was to remember I was my own preparation. My life and how MS effects me. I had a very kind judge. She walked me through the whole hearing with patience. I answered her questions thoroughly, but didn't give more than was necessary. My husband had to drive me that day and she asked about that. She noticed I walked in with my cane and asked about that. If I didn't give enough information after she asked a question, she asked further. For example, when she asked if I had trouble with self care, showering, washing my hair, etc, I said that I couldn't do what I used to, but I could shower and wash on my own. She asked if I could shower everyday and if I ever needed help at anytime, which of course I can't shower everyday and I do need help at times. That showed me that I needed to answer the questions in more detail. She also asked if I could still drive. I said yes. She then asked if I could just get in my car and drive wherever I wanted... No limits. No, I can't. I keep it to a small radius around my home. I feel like she led me through the questions and was so helpful. I do know she read through everything I submitted. She referred to many things in my paperwork. It went very well.

Also answer every question as if it's your worst day. Fatigue should be referred to as MS fatigue too.

I wish you well for your hearing! I hope you have as kind and understanding judge as I did.

damn that sux..the system thinks we dont need ssdi cuz its an invisible disease... u need everything documented the more evidence the better..if family or friends can speak up or noterized a paper stating ur condition on a daily basis.. dont give unneccessary info cuz they wind up twisting it around against u..good luck

I live in MI and my judge was in IL and I was lucky to have that judge, I had an attorney but soc sec had a doctor there and the doctor they had ended up being my biggest advocate, seems like they want to know if and how often you shower if you need help with daily living and no they will not let anyone in the room with you, they would not let my wife in the room with us, he had me stand and do some different things and while the their doc was talking the judge cut him short and said he was making a bench decision came back and ruled in my favor. If your depressed make sure they know that and what meds you take for them as that is also very important. Good luck I wish you well
Take Care
Dave

fatique will get you awarded

What did it for me was going blind. I'd been denied and that decision was overturned. I had a lawyer. I hope you do too!

When I am queried by SSDI I always say pain and fatigue, pain and fatigue, not better, worse worse worse worse worse worse.

You get my drift and don't forget your cane btw.

Best of luck! :)

no did it myself approved

I had an attorney with me after being denied twice. He flew in from the Mid-West ( I live in Colorado). My husband was not allowed to come in the hearing room either, just the attorney.

I also went in my wheelchair. The judge then asked questions of the attorney, not so much to me.

The attorney was paid by SSDI form my back pay. I had nothing out of pocket. Best of luck to you in your endeavor. I also agree with the other posts. Fatigue should be mentioned a lot.

I should add that I had an attorney from the beginning... Denied twice before going to a hearing. They were paid out of my back pay too, so no out of pocket.

The judge spoke to me though, asking me all the questions, not my attorney. She asked him a few things that were official business stuff, but the rest of the questioning was between me and the judge.

Just be very real and open and really do answer everything as if it's your worst day. For me, the hour I was in the hearing was so draining. It was emotionally draining because all of my losses were out on the table all at once being focused on, one by one. But it was a good experience at the same time because I was getting validation from the judge after the previous denials made me feel as if I was trying to get something I didn't deserve.

Good luck on your hearing! I don't have any experience with the hearing process, but know the MS Society says not to hold back and to have someone else jot things down they have noticed about your decline that you may not noice. That way, you can review the list from the other person as well as your own before you go in for your interview.

I have the SSDI packet from the MS Society to fill out, but haven't even started because the whole process seems so very daunting and confusing. Good for you for being an advocate for yourself!!

Good luck

Thanks for your responses everyone. It's nice to have a better idea what will go on.

I wonder why I need to make such a long trip to talk a judge on a web cam? You'd think SSI would have one in in Missoula or some place closer for me. But if that is what it takes to get some sort of steady income coming in I'll be there with bells on.

Sorry to hear you are having such a tough time with SSDI. My thought is that it is really unreasonable to ask you to travel 400 miles. Is this website of any help?:

http://www.ssa.gov/appeals/r8/denver.html

When I applied 10 yrs ago, my doctors office did an interview by phone and that was it. I received benefits in 2001-5 months after I had applied.

Good luck to you. A lawyer is a really hepful resource when you are running into such difficulties. You must be certain why they denied you and make sure they have all the facts.

All the best,

Melanie

Thanks Melanie,

I will call the attorney's office today and see if I can go to Boise.
It is much closer and I have family near there.

Hopefully it wouldn't postpone the process......

That's a great idea from Melanie. If you do end up having to go to Salt Lake City, you may not get a judge via satelite... it was just how it was for my case that day. Other people have met with a judge in person at the same court house for SSDI. But it seems crazy they are trying to send you to Salt Lake regardless of who the judge is :(

I really hope you can go to Boise since that's closer to you! Keep us posted :)