Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or appealing a decision is the possibility that you could be asked to participate in a “consultative exam”.
Do not let these exams discourage you from collecting benefits if you are truly disabled and can no longer work. These exams are often used by the Social Security Administration to help it make decisions. Sometimes, the exams are brief and may consist of a physical or mental examination, making sure that your impairments are in line with the documents you provided in your application or appeal.
It should be noted that the SSA might request a consultative exam for several reasons, including:
- If you did not provide the agency with adequate or timely medical information
- Your doctor did not respond to questions or requests for more information about your medical history from the agency
- Your medical records do not show evidence of follow-up visits to evaluate any progress or improvement in your condition.
- You have not been seen by a doctor who can verify your disability claim
Keep in mind, the SSA contracts these exams out to healthcare providers. This is why it is important to work with an attorney prior to filing an application or during the appeals process. An attorney can help gather all of the evidence you need for your case to achieve success before a potential exam request. This may help you avoid having to deal with this process.
Walking You Through the SSDI Process
For more information about the application and appeals process, you can visit our Social Security FAQ page. Keep in mind, the SSA and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can request medical evidence documenting your condition—in most cases, it is imperative that this evidence is concise. By working with an attorney, you could potentially speed up your claim process time, as he or she could help you with the documented medical records necessary for a successful application or appeal.
The process of applying for SSDI benefits can be puzzling. Failing to submit a thorough and detailed application or appeal can result in rejection. It may be in your best interest to do everything you can to speed up this process by seeking legal representation.
Troutman & Troutman, P.C. – Tulsa Social Security disability attorneys
