Sometimes, when you have applied for SSDI or SSI benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will send you to a doctor for a Consultative Examination. While there may be several reasons for SSA wanting you to visit one of their doctors, the most common reason tends to be that they need to see additional evidence of your conditions.
Unfortunately for those who apply for SSDI or SSI benefits, many doctors do not write their notes in such a way that is convincing to a disability examiner that a disability exists. Doctors typically write their notes for the patient and for their own records, so they can track certain milestones and other progresses. This can lead to SSA acknowledging that you do have a condition, but it may not be severe enough in the notes to warrant a finding of disability.
This is when SSA will send you to a doctor for a complete evaluation. This doctor will do either a physical or mental examination at the request of SSA. This exam and evaluation will include the relevant information that SSA may need in order to find you disabled.
Many clients want to know whether it is a good or bad thing that SSA is sending you to a doctor. It is often hard to answer this question, as your attendance at the exam can prove to SSA that you do have the limitations you allege in your application. However, there is the possibility that the doctor’s exam and evaluation of your conditions will minimize some of the impacts of your condition.
The best thing to do when SSA wants to send you to one of their doctors is to be honest with the doctor about your conditions and how they impact you day to day.
If you have applied for disability and have questions, or would like to file an appeal of your denied claim, contact an attorney today.