When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD), the Social Security Administration (SSA) will often request that an applicant undergo a consultative examination. It is a routine request, though it may make you nervous as you wonder what they’ll be looking for.

The goal is to understand your conditions, and the medical evaluation is issued to supplement your current medical evidence. In other words, this required doctor’s examination may help your case. Read on to learn what to expect in this evaluation and how you can prepare. 

The Purpose of a Medical Evaluation for SSD

As mentioned, it is fairly routine for the SSA to initiate these medical evaluations, particularly when they need more information beyond what your doctors have already provided. While you may have medical records, test results, and assessments, the SSA may want to learn more.

For example, they may want more specialized findings about your condition. You may also have conflicting medical opinions in your file, and for that, they will want clarity to know how to proceed. In some cases, they may want to see the full extent of your functionality and work limitations, while in others, they may need more medical evidence to document.

This examination is only a small part of what the SSA uses to make the determination that a person is disabled. The purpose is for full objectivity in reviewing eligibility. 

What the Disability Doctor Looks for During the Evaluation

Each exam will be different based on the disability claim being made, but the doctors will look at a few key areas during the medical examination.

Your Medical History and Your Reported Symptoms

Generally, the exam will start with the doctor asking you questions about your disability. They’ll likely ask when it first started, about your diagnosis, whether there are any fluctuations in your symptoms, and what your daily living experience is like in terms of pain, mobility, and other impairments. Additionally, they’ll want to know about all medical treatments received to date, any medications you need to take daily, or if you require assistive devices.

Your Physical Abilities and Limitations

The doctor will check your strength, reflexes, range of motion, and other capabilities. You’ll likely be asked to complete routine activities, such as standing, sitting, walking, lifting an object, or gripping something. 

Your Mental Status and Cognitive Abilities

If your disability claim involves a mental impairment, the doctor may administer psychological tests to analyze key areas, such as memory, concentration, and emotional tendencies. This is typically done through questionnaires and by observing behaviors to pinpoint any limitations in cognitive abilities. 

The Quality of Evidence and Your Credibility

It is the doctor’s job to assess your credibility and consistency in your disabilities. They will check your reported symptoms and limitations and see if these align with their own clinical findings as well as your medical records.

What an SSD Doctor Looks for in General

The doctor giving this examination is there to be objective and provide an impartial review of your condition and capacity. If you are truthful about your disability and limitations, their findings can create more evidence in your favor. 

In general, they will provide detailed notes of your symptoms and impairments while assessing your physical and mental capabilities through clinical testing. They will compare the information you’ve provided with the findings in their exams for consistency and determine how your conditions may impact your ability and capacity to fulfill work-related activities. With all this information, they will issue a comprehensive report and submit it to the office handling your disability claim. 

What You Can Do to Help Your Disability Claim

While it may be nerve-wracking to undergo another examination, the disability doctor can be helpful for your claim. However, they will only meet with you for this one-time medical exam to provide their expert medical opinion on the extent of your disabilities.

It is imperative that you are upfront, honest, and consistent when providing information. That means you should never exaggerate your symptoms or physical limitations beyond their usual severity. You should also be able to tell them how your conditions specifically impact your daily activities. 

Before going to this appointment, you should also understand the diagnosis you’ve been given or any treatments and medications you must follow regularly for your disability. Many applicants worry that if they tell the doctor that they sometimes have good days, they will be denied disability coverage. It is better to describe both your good days and bad days to give the doctor a better understanding of your daily life.

If you already use assistive devices such as a cane or walker, make sure you bring them to this appointment. You should also bring any key medical evidence that can support the claims you’re making about your condition. 

What to Do If You’re Denied Your Disability Claim After the Medical Exam

In the event that you are denied your disability benefits after this medical exam, you should file a request for reconsideration within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. Make sure that when you do this, you have updated medical records, test results, and a detailed letter from your doctor explaining the ways your condition hinders your ability to work. You’ll want to address the specific reasons the denial was issued and counter it with new evidence. 

Sometimes, the reconsideration is denied, though you may still request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. However, this request must be filed within 60 days of your second denial letter. You’ll attend the hearing where the judge will review your case, as well as allow you to present new evidence and witnesses. It can help to have a vocational expert testify about your ability to work.

Taking these steps after a denial is best done with the help of legal counsel. You’ll have an advocate who can guide you through the process, update your evidence, and bring in expert witnesses to improve your chances of getting an approval.