In the last post I wrote about the Social Security Disability Consultative exam. This is part 2 on a series of posts pertaining to these exams.

What Will the Exam Be Like?

The type examination conducted will depend on your diagnoses.  For example, if you have low back pain the doctor may ask you to bend at the waist, try to touch your toes, or raise your legs while you sit and lay down (that is the same test, so how high you can raise your legs and when you feel discomfort should be the same whether you are standing or sitting), and other similar tests. They should check your reflexes by tapping on your knees and ankles. They will check your strength by asking you to squeeze with your hands. They will check whether your nerves are healthy by checking to see if you have numbness, tingling or pain in your arms and legs (be sure tell the doctor if something they ask you to do hurts).

One of the most important things the doctor will determine is whether you are believable.  Be honest and accurate and don’t pretend to be better or worse than you are.  Be aware that the doctor will pay attention to how easily you take off your jacket or pull your shirt over your head, or how easily you get on and off the exam table.  In the report sent to Social Security the doctor or psychologist will state what your main complaints are (for example, “chronic pain from a back disease”), what the results are of the physical tests, and a diagnosis of your conditions.

Social Security will use the consultant examination report and your other medical reports to make a decision on whether you qualify for Social Security disability payments.  You should continue to see your own doctors to document your conditions.  Please be aware that the doctor should have your medical records to review, so they will know something about what you have told your own doctors and how your doctors have diagnosed and treated you.

Again, the consultative examination may help you be approved for Social Security payments, so you want to be sure to get to the examination early.