Social Security Benefits: Why You Might Be Asked to Participate in a Consultative Examination

Receiving SSDI benefits can be more difficult than you might think. The SSA wants to ensure that you are truly injured and wants to make sure that your medical records are up-to-date. If you are disabled but the medical evidence you submitted is considered to be limited or out-of-date, this might be used as a justification to request that you participate in

How the Consultative Examination Works

The consultative examination does not exist so you can receive medical treatments. Instead, the examination is there so you can obtain evidence that can then be used to find facts that can then be presented to the SSA.

The goal of the doctor will be to assess both your physical and mental health, and they will use a variety of tests to check. They might use a diagnostic tool and might perform a physical examination. The doctor's job is to give an opinion on your condition regardless of whether your condition aligns with what you claim or not. The doctor will determine what you can physically do.

Why You Need a Social Security Disability Attorney

In situations like this, a doctor will often not give you an in-depth examination. Therefore, you will need to work with a skilled Social Security Disability attorney who can help you build a strong case outside of this examination. Otherwise, you may be at a greater risk of having your claim denied. 

If your claim is denied, you will have an opportunity to appeal your claim denial at four different levels. You will be allowed to request a reconsideration of your original claim. Those who played a role in the decision regarding your original claim, including examiners, will not be involved in determining if your original claim is successfully reconsidered. 

Administrative Law Judge Hearings

If your request for reconsideration is denied, you will be able to apply for an administrative law judge hearing. The good news is that a large portion of these hearings lead to a claim being approved and claimants then begin receiving benefits.

The Appeals Council and the Federal Court Review

Fortunately, if you do not succeed with the administrative law judge, you may be able to succeed by turning to the appeals council.

Make sure to speak with an attorney first to understand why your claims are being denied. Then, you can fix any issues with your case and prevent more denials. To learn more, contact a social security lawyer near you.