What are the odds of being approved after they send me to a Social Security Disability medical exam?Actually, there is no real correlation between being sent to a CE (CE stands for consultative examination and this is generally what people are referring to when they use the term "social security medical exam") and being approved or denied on a disability application or disability appeal. These types of examinations are usually scheduled by disability examiners (the individuals who work at state agencies and make decisions on claims for the social security administration) and are also scheduled by administrative law judges, the individuals who conduct disability hearings. Why are they scheduled? Usually for two reasons. Either to investigate a claimant's functional capabilities (mental or physical) when no records exist to document this, or to provide recent medical record documentation if a disability claimant has not been seen by a medical provider in quite some time. By and large, social security medical exams have no bearing on the outcome of a disability case. And they are typically scheduled so the adjudicator can fulfill his or her duty to fully investigate a claimant's allegations (the reasons cited for being disabled) and to satisfy the requirements of "recency" (evaluating a claim on the basis of recent medical evidence). Having said that, though, a couple of things should be pointed out. 1. It is "generally" true that after a CE has been attended, a decision on a Social Security Disability case or SSI disability case should be forthcoming. The private doctor who conducts the CE is usually allowed ten days in which to submit his CE report to either the disability examiner or the judge. 2. Failing to go to a CE can have an adverse effect. This can be labeled as a failure to cooperate and a case can actually be denied on this basis. 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: You can be approved for disability without having to go to a hearing The chances of being approved for disability benefits How many people are approved for disability the first time they apply? What determines how long it takes to get approved for disability? How will you be notified of your disability approval? |
