How to answer questions at a Social Security Disability CE examinationSomeone asked this question about disability exams: "I have a CE exam for my SS disability claim which I am filing for bipolar. I am worried that I might say the wrong thing, or not say the right thing, or not be taken seriously." This begs the question. Can you say the wrong thing during a CE exam? My answer to that--and, mind you, this is just my own answer and opinion based on my subjective experience of having been a disability examiner--is no. You really can't say the wrong thing at a physical CE (consultative exam, otherwise known as a Social Security Disability medical exam). And to be honest, the examining physician isn't really that interested in talking to you, versus examining you so he can submit his or her CE report. On the other hand, if you feel discomfort or pain, or have difficulty with range of motion in a joint, or have trouble getting onto the examining table, you shouldn't minimize this either. Let me elaborate. The last thing you want to do at a physical consultative exam is exaggerate your condition by going on and on about it. Why? Some of the doctors who perform CEs for social security have a negative bias against disability claimants (which brings up the question, why the heck are they doing these exams anyway? Answer: easy money). And appearing as if you're trying to embellish the effects of your condition may only activate the examining physician's built-in bias. However, by the same token, you shouldn't try to hide your pain or discomfort or appear as if you don't have limitations. You may ask yourself, what individual who is filing for disability would try to minimize their problems when they are being seen at a medical exam? It happens all the time. And it seems to happen on the part of older individuals who, perhaps, are a little embarrassed to be applying for disability. However, the act of applying for disability is not something anyone should feel embarrassed about. The truth is, Social Security Disability benefits are not a handout. They are benefits provided by insurance, insurance that you pay for through your FICA deductions. So, back to the question, the answer is: 1. Don't embellish your condition when speaking to a doctor at an exam. 2. Don't hide your pain or discomfort or limitations either. 3. Just answer the doctor's questions honestly and fully. Now, in this post we've discussed physical social security exams. Question: can you say the wrong thing at a Social Security Disability mental exam? And the answer to that question is in a near-future post. 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: What if you Receive a Disability Denial from Social Security? What does a Disability Denial Letter from Social Security say? Does Social Security deny every disability case the first time? What is the process for approving a Social Security Disability claim? Denied for Disability, Should you File a new Application? What is the process for approving a Social Security Disability claim? When does a case go to the Social Security Disability review board? How long will an SSI or SSDI disability claim take? Using a lawyer to potentially speed up the disability appeal process Speeding up the Social Security Disability or SSI Claim Process Social Security Award Letter and being due a substantial back pay amount Reasons to get a representative who specializes in disability claims only When you apply for Social Security Disability should you send copies of your xrays? Getting approved for disability based on being blind How to answer questions at a Social Security Disability CE examination What disability claimants get angry about - Part II How does Social Security consider pain? These pages provide answers to basic questions about pursuing disability benefits Who is eligible for SSI disability? How to get disability in Florida |
