One of the most important aspects of any application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is proving that you, the applicant, are actually “disabled” based on the definition provided for that term by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition to including as much documentation from your treating physicians as possible with your initial application, the SSA may also require you to undergo an additional exam with a physician of its choosing.
The role of a medical exam in Las Vegas Social Security Disability claims is not to provide additional treatment for your disability or to make it better but solely to support—or potentially be used as evidence against—your application for benefits. If you have questions about what impact this particular requirement might have on your unique claim, our team of knowledgeable SSDI lawyers at Shook & Stone could provide the custom-tailored support you need.
When Might the SSA Request a “Consultative Exam”?
It is worth noting that not every person who applies for SSDI benefits in Las Vegas will have to complete a “consultative exam” as part of the application process. While the SSA always has the authority to schedule such an exam when reviewing an application packet, the Administration may not feel the need to do so if you provide exhaustive evidence in your original application showing that you are disabled enough to qualify for benefits—something which the seasoned legal professionals at Shook & Stone may be able to help with.
That said, if the SSA orders a consultative exam because it cannot access your medical records, has concerns about gaps or inconsistencies in your treatment, or needs some other specialized evidence or information, it is generally in your best interest to go through with the exam. Otherwise, the SSA will base their decision on whether to approve your benefits petition solely on the information they already have—which, to reiterate, was already insufficient to the point that they wanted you to go through an additional exam.
How a Medical Exam for Social Security Disability Works
Medical exams for Las Vegas Social Security Disability claims are often performed by independent physicians hired—but not employed in the long term—by the SSA. However, in some cases, you may be able to have your normal treating physician perform the exam instead. Either way, the SSA will typically schedule a date and time for you to attend your exam, and you must either attend that appointment or communicate proactively with the SSA to reschedule for a time that works for your schedule.
Depending on the type of condition the SSA wants to obtain additional information about, your medical exam may last at least 20 to 60 minutes, and exams may run longer than these minimum requirements if necessary. Once the exam concludes, the examining physician will write a report and submit it to the SSA, which will fold into your benefits application. The SSA should cover all costs associated with this exam regardless of other circumstances.
A Las Vegas Attorney Could Further Explain the Role of a Medical Exam in Social Security Disability Claims
The SSA scheduling a medical exam as part of your Las Vegas Social Security Disability claim is not necessarily bad, nor does it necessarily mean your claim is likely to be denied. However, it is still something you should be prepared for prior to applying for benefits, as well as something a knowledgeable legal professional could help you get through efficiently.
Our legal team at Shook & Stone could help you through the SSDI application process from start to finish. Call today to schedule your free consultation.
