Social Security CDR after judge noted 'medical improvement expected' - what to expect for my SSDI review?

congrats on getting approved! dont worry too much, CDRs usually arent as bad as the initial application. just keep seeing ur doctors and get copies of ALL your medical records before the review.

The judge has classified you as "Medical Improvement Expected" (MIE), which is one of three categories SSA uses. This simply determines when they'll review your case, not necessarily the outcome. For MIE cases, they typically review within 6-18 months. During the CDR, they're looking for substantial medical improvement related to your ability to work. For your CDR preparation: 1. Maintain all treatment as prescribed 2. Ensure your doctors document your limitations in detail 3. Keep a personal journal of symptoms and limitations 4. Get copies of all medical records before the review begins 5. If your condition hasn't improved or has worsened, make sure this is clearly documented The good news is that the standard for removing benefits is actually quite high. They must show significant medical improvement related to your ability to work. It's not enough to show minor improvements if you still can't sustain full-time employment.

My mom had the exact same situation with her SSDI for MS. Judge wrote similar language, but when the review came around she just filled out the short form they sent (I think it was like 6 pages asking about doctors, meds, daily activities). She sent in the form with her recent medical records and got a letter 3 months later saying the review was complete and benefits would continue. I think as long as you're still seeing doctors and your condition isn't dramatically better, you'll be fine.

When I had my CDR last year, I was SO frustrated trying to get through to Social Security by phone to ask questions about the paperwork. I would wait on hold for HOURS only to get disconnected, or the offices were closed due to COVID. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU if you're interested. Made the whole process much less stressful since I could actually get answers about what documentation they needed for my CDR.

I've been through two CDRs since getting SSDI for a spinal condition. Here's what happens: You'll get a form called the CDR Report (SSA-454-BK), which asks about your medical treatment, medications, daily activities, and whether your condition has improved. Be thorough and honest, but make sure to emphasize your ongoing limitations. There are actually two types of CDRs - a mailer (short form) and a full medical review. Since the judge specified a 12-month review and categorized you as MIE, you'll likely get the full medical review. My practical advice: - Get a copy of your entire SSDI file through a Freedom of Information Act request NOW, so you understand exactly why they approved you - Contact all your doctors BEFORE the review to ensure they have proper documentation of your continued limitations - Keep a symptom journal with dates, severity, and how symptoms limit your activities - If you've tried to work at all, even part-time, be ready to document how your condition affected your ability to sustain work The CDR isn't the same as having to prove disability from scratch. They must show actual medical improvement related to your ability to work. The standard for terminating benefits is higher than the standard for initially denying them.

The whole system is designed to kick people off! I went through a CDR last year and they terminated my benefits even though I was still disabled! They just decided I was "improved enough" to do some made-up job sitting at a desk 8 hours a day - completely ignoring my doctor's statements about pain and fatigue. I had to get a lawyer to appeal and it took 7 MONTHS to get my benefits back. During that time I almost became homeless!! Make sure you have EVERY SINGLE medical record and get your doctors to specifically write that your condition has NOT improved enough to sustain full-time work!

i forgot to mention but keep taking ur prescribed meds even if they dont help much. my cousin stopped taking some of her meds cuz of side effects and SSA used that against her saying she wasnt following treatment so she must be better!

I just did my continuing disability review last spring. I have lupus and they had me as medical improvement expected too. The form they sent me was actually pretty simple. I just had to list all my doctors, treatments, and how my condition affects me day to day. My advice is don't exaggerate but don't minimize either. If you have bad days and good days, make sure they understand that. They approved my continued benefits with no issues.

I'm new to this community but going through something similar - just got approved for SSDI after a long fight and now facing the reality of CDRs. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful, especially the practical advice about keeping symptom diaries and getting medical records organized. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've been through CDRs, how important is it to have your doctors specifically address work capacity in their notes? My rheumatologist focuses mostly on symptom management during appointments, but I'm wondering if I should ask him to document more about how my condition affects my ability to work full-time. I don't want to seem like I'm coaching him, but I also want to make sure the CDR reviewers understand the real impact of my condition. Also, has anyone had experience with CDRs during times when you might be having a "better" period with your condition? I'm worried that if my review happens to fall during a stretch when I'm managing slightly better, they might think I'm improved enough to work.

I went through a CDR about 3 years ago for my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and I understand your anxiety completely. The "medical improvement expected" notation had me panicking too, but it turned out to be more routine than I feared. A few things that helped me get through it successfully: 1. **Be specific about limitations**: Don't just say "I have pain" - describe exactly how it affects you. For example, "I can only stand for 10-15 minutes before needing to sit, and after basic activities like showering, I need to rest for 2-3 hours." 2. **Document your worst days**: The reviewers need to understand that even if you have some better days, your condition is unpredictable. I kept a monthly calendar marking my pain/fatigue levels and what I could accomplish each day. 3. **Get your doctors on board**: I had a frank conversation with my rheumatologist about the CDR and asked if she could include more detail about functional limitations in her notes. She was very understanding and started documenting things like "patient reports severe morning stiffness lasting 3-4 hours daily" and "unable to maintain concentration for extended periods due to pain medication side effects." 4. **Don't rush the paperwork**: Take your time filling out the CDR forms. I actually drafted my answers first, then had a friend review them to make sure I was being clear about my limitations without sounding like I was exaggerating. The review took about 4 months from start to finish, and my benefits were continued without any issues. The key is showing that despite treatment, you still cannot sustain full-time work. Hang in there - you've got this!

I've been through this exact situation - got approved after a long fight and then saw that same "medical improvement expected" language in my decision letter. I know how terrifying it feels, but I want to offer some reassurance based on my experience. I had my CDR about 18 months after approval for multiple autoimmune conditions. Here's what actually happened: I received the CDR packet about 14 months after my approval (they sent it a bit later than the judge's 12-month recommendation). The forms were extensive but manageable - mainly asking about current treatments, medications, daily activities, and any changes since approval. The most important thing I learned was that "medical improvement expected" doesn't mean they expect you to be cured or fully functional. It just means they want to check sooner rather than waiting 3-7 years. They're looking for substantial improvement that would affect your ability to work full-time, not just any improvement at all. My advice based on what worked for me: - Start documenting everything NOW. I wish I had started a symptom log earlier - Ask your rheumatologist to note specific functional limitations in your records (like "unable to grip objects for extended periods" or "requires frequent position changes due to joint stiffness") - Keep copies of all your medical records and test results - When you fill out the forms, focus on your worst days and average days, not your best days My benefits were continued without any additional exams or appeals. The whole process took about 3 months from when I submitted the paperwork to when I got the continuation letter. You're not alone in this, and the fact that a judge already found you disabled works in your favor. Stay consistent with your treatment and be thorough with your documentation. You've got this!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was approved for SSDI about 8 months ago for severe depression and anxiety disorders, and my decision letter also has that same "medical improvement expected" language with a 12-month CDR recommendation. Reading everyone's experiences here has really helped calm my nerves. I was spiraling thinking that the judge somehow made a mistake or that they're already planning to cut me off, but it sounds like this is just standard procedure for certain types of conditions. I'm definitely going to start implementing the advice shared here - especially keeping a detailed symptom diary and having a conversation with my psychiatrist about documenting functional limitations more specifically. My mental health symptoms fluctuate a lot day to day, so I think tracking those patterns will be really important for showing that I still can't maintain consistent employment. One question I have - for those with mental health conditions who've been through CDRs, do they handle psychiatric disabilities differently than physical ones? I'm worried they might think that since I'm on medication and doing therapy, I should be "better" by now, even though I still have severe symptoms that make working impossible. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly. This community has been a lifeline during such a scary and uncertain time!

I've been through two CDRs for my mental health conditions (bipolar disorder and PTSD), and I wanted to address your specific concern about psychiatric disabilities. The good news is that Social Security does recognize that mental health conditions can be just as disabling as physical ones, and they don't automatically assume you're "cured" just because you're in treatment. For mental health CDRs, they look at what's called your "residual functional capacity" - basically, can you handle the mental demands of work like concentration, social interaction, handling stress, following instructions, and maintaining attendance? Even if your symptoms have improved somewhat with treatment, if you still can't consistently perform these work-related mental functions, your benefits should continue. A few things that helped me with my mental health CDR: - My psychiatrist documented specific functional limitations like "patient can only concentrate for 15-20 minutes before becoming overwhelmed" and "experiences panic attacks 3-4 times per week that require 2-3 hours recovery time" - I kept a mood tracking diary that showed the unpredictable nature of my symptoms - I emphasized how medication side effects (drowsiness, brain fog, etc.) also impact my ability to work - I was honest about any improvements while clearly explaining that I'm still far from being able to handle full-time employment The fact that you're actively engaged in treatment actually demonstrates that you're doing everything possible to manage your condition, which works in your favor. Don't worry about them thinking you should be "better by now" - recovery timelines for mental health conditions vary greatly, and many people need ongoing treatment indefinitely. Stay strong and document everything!

I've been following this discussion as someone who went through a very similar experience - approved after a long fight with the judge noting "medical improvement expected" for my chronic pain condition. I wanted to add a few practical tips that really helped me during my CDR process: **Documentation timing is crucial**: Start your symptom diary NOW, not when you get the CDR paperwork. I began tracking 6 months before my review and it painted a clear picture of my ongoing limitations despite treatment. **Work with your medical team proactively**: About 3 months before my expected CDR date, I scheduled appointments specifically to discuss my functional capacity with each of my doctors. I asked them to document not just my symptoms, but how those symptoms specifically prevent me from working 8-hour days, 5 days a week consistently. **Understand what they're really looking for**: The CDR isn't asking "Are you still in pain?" They want to know "Can you sustain competitive employment?" Those are very different questions. Even if some symptoms have improved with treatment, if you still can't work reliably, that's what matters. **Save everything**: I kept copies of every medical record, prescription change, therapy note, and even parking receipts from medical appointments. The more you can show ongoing, active treatment for persistent symptoms, the stronger your case. My CDR was ultimately successful - benefits continued with no issues. The "medical improvement expected" notation ended up being much less scary than it initially seemed. You've already proven your disability to a judge, which puts you in a much stronger position than initial applicants. Stay consistent with treatment, document thoroughly, and don't panic!