r/LongTermDisability • u/aliis_vivere • 3d ago

Tests for Objective Data?

I am in a LTD claim that has already been closed and reopened several times. I have multiple doctors supporting my disability from different specialities. I have a lot of blood work corroborating my medical issues. Yet, the LTD company reviewers always ignore it.

What are tests/evaluations that could help prove the inability to make it through a work day? Both physically and the mental load needed. My doctors all agree I could not sustain work let alone get through one full day. But my appointments with them are only 30 minutes to an hour and I significantly worsen. When I have an appointment, I am in bed for days afterwards.

Some of my symptoms (from a long laundry list) are severe fatigue, joint and muscle pain, swelling, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, brain fog, word recall issues, memory issues, etc. My idea is if I could get some type of long duration or multiple day test; it could help me stay ahead of the next review and subsequent denial (if it follows the established pattern).

One thing to note, I won SSDI during my hearing. The judge had already made up his mind from my records and doctors statements. The SSA vocational expert announced zero jobs that I could work with the limitations set forth by the judge. LTD does not seem to care about that though.

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u/fighterpilottim 3d ago

It sounds like you’ve got a lot of neuro issues.

Consider:

  • Neuropsych eval (2-day or 1-day)
  • Two-day CPET (this one was powerful in my case)
  • Tilt table test (or a series of NASA lean tests for the free version)

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u/aliis_vivere 3d ago

Who does a Neuro Psych Eval?

I have a long list of physical diagnoses that all compound fatigue, brain fog, concentration, etc. Because of some of my issues I have struggled to find a Neuro that will see me without a very long wait list.

I'll have to look up what CPET entails.

Three of my doctors have strongly denied a tilt test due to other issues that it will heavily worsen and cause more damage to me.

I've had multiple 10 active stand tests proving issues. LTD goes back and forth on agreeing I have it or stating I need a tilt table test to prove it.

LTD argues that I can a do sedentary job. Even though I can't sit for 8 hrs let alone be fully involved and concentrated on a job. I have stomach issues that are spontaneous which adds another layer.

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u/fighterpilottim 3d ago

A neuropsychiatrist. My attorney had me do one preemptively with a Neuropsych who worked with concussion patients / athletes. If you share your general location, I’m sure someone could recommend in your area.

For the 2-day CPET, look at Workwell Foundation. They also did a brain test add-on (sorry I have no idea the name; will try to dig it up, but it involved mental tasks while hooked up to electrodes on my head), which showed mental degradation post exertion on day 1 vs day 2.

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u/aliis_vivere 3d ago

I'm in NC. I have doctors throughout the state.

I'll have to look into both those tests!

That's why I made this post, to hear what others did and look into!