CASE DISCUSSION & POLICY ANALYSIS (INCLUDING SPECIFIC REFERENCES)
This 50-year-old claimant is filing a DIB only claim alleging disability due to degenerate disc disease, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia as of 01/01/2012.
The evidence in file shows the claimant has a history of anxiety and depression. He was seen 1/3/17 and noted he was in another emergency room due to a panic attack. He was resistance to trying new medications, as many had not worked in the past. On 7/12/17, he presented for an evaluation. He was positive for auditory hallucination and racing thoughts. On 9/17 he states he felt like the world was closing in, and his anxiety had worsened. At the consultative exam, the claimant reported being fired from jobs twice for "not getting along and walking off." He endorsed panic attacks, and thoughts of killing other people. On exam he was adequately groomed, attentive and cooperative. He was fully oriented, recalled 1 of 3 after delay, repeated 5 digits forward and 4 in reverse, and completed two operations of the Serial 7 task with one lengthy latency response and one error before he became too distracted to continue. He lacked insight …show more content…
However, the claimant presented on 1/3/17 and complained of worsened anxiety. His medication was adjusted and he was encouraged to follow up with his primary care physician. Bases on this exam it is clear the claimant had a severe impairment that quickly digressed. Thus the earliest possible medical onset date is 1/1/207. This date is inferred in accordance with DI 25501.450.A.1. This policy states we may infer the onset date of a disabling impairment(s) to a date sometime before the date of the first recorded medical examination or the earliest available medical