Husband got SSDI Continuing Disability Review while I'm applying for benefits - need mental health documentation ASAP?

Yes, absolutely schedule that appointment ASAP! When completing a CDR for mental health conditions, recent medical evidence is critical. The SSA needs to see that he's still receiving treatment and that his condition continues to prevent work. Make sure to schedule it within the next 2-3 weeks if possible so you'll have documentation before you need to return the CDR paperwork. Also, have him write down all his symptoms and how they affect daily activities before the appointment so nothing gets forgotten.

my husband got one of those last year and we panicked too!! but it ended up being the short form review not the full medical one. check if it says "full medical review" or just asks basic questions about his condition. the short form is WAYYY easier they just rubber stamp it if nothing major changed

GET THE APPOINTMENT NOW!!! My brother lost his benefits after a review because he hadn't seen his psych doctor in over a year and they said he wasn't following prescribed treatment!!! They don't care if he's been stable - they want to see ONGOING medical evidence from a doctor who actually SAW him recently!!! This is how they cut people off!!!! And they'll say if he's stable enough to not need regular appointments then maybe he's stable enough to work!!!!

You should definitely schedule an appointment, but don't panic. Here's what you need to know about the CDR process: 1. The SSA follows a "Medical Improvement Review Standard" (MIRS), which means they need to prove his condition has improved enough to allow work, not the other way around. 2. Make sure to document ALL functional limitations in the CDR paperwork - focus on what he CANNOT do consistently, not what he occasionally manages. 3. Get statements from family members (including you) about his limitations they observe. 4. If his psychiatrist has changed, get records transferred from previous doctors. 5. The fact that he consistently takes medication works in your favor - note this on the forms. For bipolar disorder, emphasize periods of decompensation, inability to interact appropriately with others, and difficulty adapting to changes or handling workplace stressors.

have u tried calling the SSA to ask about the review? i had to do that for my dad once but it took FOREVER to get thru to anyone. kept getting busy signals for days

btw dont forget about your own application too while dealing with his!! when did u apply? brain surgeries should qualify u pretty easily i would think

To address your specific questions: 1. Yes, schedule a psychiatrist appointment as soon as possible. Even if there's been a gap in treatment, what matters most is current documentation of his ongoing condition. 2. Make sure the psychiatrist documents specifically how his bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety continue to prevent substantial gainful activity. 3. Gaps in treatment aren't ideal but aren't automatically disqualifying if he's continued medication compliance. The key is proving his condition still prevents work. 4. Ask the psychiatrist to complete a Mental Residual Functional Capacity (MRFC) form specifically addressing his limitations in workplace settings. 5. For the CDR form itself, be thorough but never exaggerate. List all treatments, medications, side effects, and limitations consistently. 6. If denied (which is unlikely with proper documentation), immediately request reconsideration and consider getting representation.

This whole system is DESIGNED to kick people off benefits!!! They KNOW most disabled people struggle to maintain perfect treatment records!! My cousin's husband has schizophrenia and they tried to terminate his benefits during a review even though he's OBVIOUSLY still disabled!!! It took them hiring a lawyer and waiting MONTHS with NO INCOME before they reinstated his benefits!!! The stress made his condition 10x worse!!!

does he take his meds regularly? make sure to mention that on the forms. my aunt says thats super important for mental health reviews

One more important tip: when completing the function report portion of the CDR, be very specific about bad days versus good days. Many people with bipolar disorder have some good days where they can function better, but what matters is consistency. Make sure to explain how many bad days he has per week/month and what those look like. SSA needs to understand that even if he can do something occasionally, he can't do it reliably enough to maintain employment. Focus on specifics like: - How often he has episodes of severe depression or mania - How long these episodes typically last - What triggers worsen his symptoms (especially work-related stressors) - How his condition affects sleep, concentration, and ability to complete tasks - Specific examples of difficulties with social interactions This level of detail helps paint an accurate picture of why he remains unable to work despite medication compliance.