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HOW TO PASS A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY EXAM

  So, Social Security is sending you to one of their doctors for an exam.  The first thing you may ask is, How do I pass this exam?

 First, I should say that Social Security exams are not "pass or fail."  The doctor or examiner cannot tell Social Security whether or not you are disabled or whether you should get a benefit.  The doctor is going to check certain facts.

For example, the doctor may check the range of motion in your joints and list the measurements. They may check your grip strength. (S)he may determine if you have difficulty walking, squatting, kneeling standing from a seated position.  The examiner may answer specific questions asked by Social Security:

  • Is the use of a cane or assistive device medically necessary?
  • Why is it necessary?
  • Can the claimant use his/her hands to grasp and hold objects?
  • Is the claimant able to understand and follow simple directions?

 Here is advice I give my clients for a Social Security examination:    

1.    Tell the truth.

2.    Don't exaggerate.  

3.    Don't understate or minimize symptoms, either.

4.    Try to be cooperative.

5.    Talk about symptoms or problems, not medical medical diagnoses. For example:  "I have a lot of back pain is better than "I have lumbar radiculopathy."

6.  Don't ask the doctor if you are disabled and don't try to pressure the doctor into stating that you are disabled.  Remember, doctors can't decide that.

7.  I recommend that you have a friend or family member drive you to the exam and go into the waiting room with you.

8.  Take a valid photo ID and take all your prescription medications in their original bottles (with labels).

9.  Arrive about 15 minutes late.  A late or last minute arrival sets you up for a bad interaction.

10.  Don't take any "props" or aides that you don't normally use.  For example, don't take a walking cane, walker, or neck brace if you don't need them for medical purposes.  Doctors are suspicious of these and always ask, "Who prescribed that?"  

Can You Depend on A Social Security Exam to Get You Approved?

Honestly, in my experience, no.  A consultative exam by a Social Security doctor does not usually result in approval.  I much prefer to use evidence from your treating physicians to build your case.  You are sent for a Social Security exam because there is not enough evidence in your file to make a decision.  This is a sign of a weak case, or a case in trouble. That's why I recommend that my clients get consistent medical care and followups with their own doctors as much as possible.

The medical evidence from your doctor(s) is always best.



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