For those applying for Social Security disability benefits, the need to prove how your medical condition affects your ability to work at your job is very important. Often, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will ask that applicants undergo a special type of medical exam before they make their final determination of eligibility. Needless to say, the result of this exam could greatly impact your ability to get SSA benefits, so read on and know what to expect.
Why do I need to have this exam?
Your medical records are your main method of showing the SSA how serious your medical condition is, but often your records are incomplete. The SSA wants to see that you have been treated for your medical condition in a fairly consistent manner for a period of time and that you are continuing to get treatment on an on-going basis. If there are any questions at all about the validity of your medical condition claims, the SSA will want you to be examined by another doctor. It's very important to understand that this request is not merely a formality or a suggestion but is instead a requirement for moving forward with your claim.
What will happen at the exam?
You have likely experienced many medical exams, but this one will be very different. You won't be receiving any treatment or prescriptions at this exam, and the doctor works (under contract) for the SSA. There will be no charge for this exam or any of the diagnostic tests you may need to undergo, such as x-rays and lab tests. You can expect the doctor to focus primarily on the exact medical condition that you claim is preventing you from working at your job.
What happens next?
The doctor will prepare a report showing the findings of the exam, which will be passed on to the SSA. You can expect to hear from the SSA soon after the exam, since this is often the final step in determining your ability to get benefits. The report looks at the level of work you may still be able to do, or not able to do, with levels ranging from sedentary to very heavy. The work you most recently performed in your job is used to form the evaluation.
If you are turned down.
Many people are unsuccessful at their first attempt applying for benefits. If you receive a letter denying you benefits, you should never simply give up in your quest for benefits. You are entitled to appeal the denial ruling, and you should strongly consider using the services of a Social Security attorney to help you through the appeals process.
