Question I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was also put on a aggressive treatment plan taking 5 different medications. With those medications, I am feeling better. My social security application is in the works, what should I do about that? Also, what happens if my pain returns or gets worse and I need to file an application again?
Answer Mariseta,
It is good to hear you are feeling better. What you should do really depends on how long you were unable to work prior to filing your application and if you have returned to work.
You could contact your medical examiner at the Disability Determination Service and let them know you think your condition has improved due to the medication. If they deny your claim, you would have 60 days to appeal. If your condition changes for worst more than 60 days out, you would simply file a new application.
If you have gone back to work, you should contact your Claims Representative in the Social Security office and report you have returned to work.
If you return to work after being disabled to work for at least 12 months, your claim could still be approved for the period you could not work.
If you return to work after the first 5-months and after the date a final decision is made on your claim, then it depends on whether they consider your condition to have medical improvement expected or not. If medical improvement is expected, then the claim if approved would be reversed to a denial.
If complete medical improvement is not expected, then your return to work could be considered a trial work period.
It all becomes very complicated. If you would like for me to call you and discuss your situation on the telephone, you can provide me a telephone number and the best time to reach you.
Hope this helps,
Darlene
Visit my website at www.socialsecurityadviceonline.com
