Social Security Lawyer Questions for Social Security Claims
Q: I recently applied for social security disability benefits and was told I needed to undergo another medical exam. Is this common?
A: It is common for Social Security to request that applicants for disability undergo another medical exam. The exam is called a consultative exam, or CE. The representative assigned to your file asks for the consultative examination. The administrative judge for your appeal can also call for the CE. The consultative exam most often serves one of two purposes. If you have not had an exam recently, a CE will provide updated information. If the details on your medical records are old, the disability examiner assigned to your file will not be able to make a sound decision. The second reason would be because your medical files are not complete. For example, you may not have a recent test that might be necessary to determine the status of your injury. A request for a CE does not mean that your application is heading toward denial. It is an indication, however, that more details on your medical condition are required in order to rule on your application. If one is requested, you will have to participate in the CE. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular CE, you many wish to contact a social security lawyer.
Q: Do I need to hire a social security lawyer if my initial application for disability through Social Security was denied?
A: If your application for disability was denied, you should appeal and it is wise to hire a social security lawyer to help with the process. A large number of cases initially reviewed by the Social Security Administration are not approved. Just because a case is denied, does not mean it cannot win in appeal. Some applications are not approved because of incomplete data or missteps in the application process. A social security lawyer knows the hearing process well, will make sure your file has all the required information and that it is fairly reconsidered. Having a social security lawyer handle your appeal will not guarantee that you will win, but it will give you a better chance than if you handled the process on your own.
Q: After I apply for disability, do I need to check the status of my application?
A: You should check up on your case. Your social security lawyer (if applicable) can also check your application status. In some cases, paperwork can be misplaced. In other cases, notice of approval or denial of an application may never reach the applicant. Your case goes through a lot of steps in the review process. Without knowing it, your file may not be able to go to a next step because you were not aware of information that was needed. It is always wise to check the status of your file from time to time. To check on the status, it is best to contact the disability examiner assigned to your case. On average, a decision on a case will be rendered within a few months. If it has been longer than that for you, contact your disability examiner.