What should you expect at a Social Security Disability psychological exam?What should you expect at a Social Security Disability psychological exam? When you file a disability claim or an appeal, it is the duty of the Social Security Disability specialist to obtain medical evidence prior to making their medical disability determination. They will obtain medical records from your psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other mental health professional. Once they have this information they have to determine if it is current (ninety days old or less) and if your medical records provide enough information to make their disability determination. What to expect from the exam The psychologist/psychiatrist will identify you and will begin the examination. They will review your mental health treatment records with you. They will conduct any testing necessary for the disability determination. They may ask questions with regard to how long you have been in treatment, or how do you think your mental condition affects your ability to work, or perform routine daily activities. While they ask these questions, they will be observing things about you. For instance, they will observe your ability to communicate, remember things, your mood, eye contact, judgment or insight, etc. to complete in order to complete their mental evaluation. Once they have conducted their examination they must prepare a report that includes their assessment of the severity of your mental condition, their evaluation of the limitations imposed upon you by your condition, and their opinion as to your ability to perform substantial gainful work activity. Who will perform the mental exam? Social Security would prefer your mental health professional conduct the consultative examination, however they will use independent mental health professionals to conduct testing and mental health/status examinations when necessary. There are a variety of reasons why Social Security might use an independent source for a psychiatric evaluation or psychological examination. An independent source might be used in the following situations: Your treating psychiatrist or psychologist cannot perform or decides not to perform your consultative examination. You may prefer to have an independent mental health professional and you are able to provide the disability specialist with valid reasons for your request. Your medical records may contain irregularities that cannot be addressed by your treating mental health professional because they are the cause of the irregularities. Perhaps your treating mental health professional has not been a productive source for medical records or information, thus a consultative examination is required. Lastly, consultative psychological examinations may be requested to further clarify information contained in your medical records. Keep in mind, your treating medical health providers write their notes for themselves not for disability determinations. Whatever the reason, consultative examinations are fairly routine in the Social Security Disability determination process. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Is it possible to file for Temporary Disability Income through Social Security? Tips for SSD and SSI disability hearings How does social security decide your disability claim? Can you win disability without enough credits? When someone files for disability how many years of medical records do they need? Can I get SSDI and a company pension at the same time? Can you receive SSI and Social Security retirement at the same time? Can I work while appealing an unfavorable Social Security decision? Will my SSDI go down when I move? What should you expect at a Social Security Disability psychological exam? Will my disability back pay go back to the day I became disabled? Can Social Security deny you because of no mental evaluation? What if your doctor does not support your SSD or SSI claim? |
