The doctor whom the SSA refered me to performed a pretty good
assessment -- free.

He came up with ROM limitations of my head and legs, x-rays that showed
fusing in my neck/shoulders, and a max weight I could lift and/or carry.

He established the max hours on my feet as a percentage of the work day
(25%, or 2 hours within an 8-hour day).  He then wrote that I would have to
be continuously up and down to avoid cramps and stiffness in all joints.

Also limited chest expansion - limited breathing - because of the fused
ribs.

you don't have to spend $800 for that.  your doctors' reports and ssd's
doctor's reports should cover all that for you.  put your wallet away,
someplace safe.<smile>

kate

Here is a post from the past on this subject.
On Thu, 23 Sep 2004 04:13:25 GMT, "Janet R" <ImDoubloony@hotmail.com>
wrote:

Have you visited the SSA disability web site and read up on the
various programs and their requirements?

Here is a link to the SSA disability web site.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/

Here is some general information.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10153.html

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about SSA disability.

http://www.nosscr.org/faqind.html

Here is a disability planner.

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/

Here is information on utilizing outside doctors/psychologists should
the data you submit not substantiate your claim of disability.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10087.html

Here is the "Red Book" that may answer many of your questions.

http://www.ssa.gov/work/ResourcesToolkit/redbook.html

Here is the "Blue Book" that will provide the criteria for determining
disability/eligibility. This is considered the "bible" of disability
determination for SSA/DDS.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/

Here is information on family benefits in case you have family living
with you.

http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dfamily.htm

If you also receive Workers Compensation, here is information on how
that affects SSA disability.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10018.html

Here is information specifically if you are blind.

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10052.html

Here is information on the representative payee program if you have
difficulty with managing your own money.

http://www.ssa.gov/payee/

Here is the Medicare web site if you would like to learn more about
that aspect of being on SSA disability.

http://www.medicare.gov/

Depending how in depth you care to research, here is the operations
manual that all SSA employees must operate under. It keeps your DDS
representative on their his/her toes when you start citing poms. <g>

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/poms?OpenView

You will find that most state benefit programs tend to be income based
intended for those in need. Depending on your own personal financial
situation, you may want to research your state agencies that handle
Title 19. Here is information on the federal Title 19 program.

http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title19/1900.htm

Or go to Yahoo and type in title XIX and your state name to find who
out more information for your local area.

If after reading all of the above and you feel overwhelmed, here is
information on having a representative assist you.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10075.html

This should keep you busy for a couple hours. <g>

--
Kiyoshi - The reverse side also has a reverse side.

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our
wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions,
they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."
- John Adams -

I've never heard of this.  I did not have to have it for SSD.

debbie m.
http://www.angelfire.com/ga2/angels1/