There’s no doubt that living with a disability is hard. And getting by can become even more difficult when you lack the resources that you need to find stability and obtain necessary medical care. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits may be helpful here, but recovering and maintaining them is oftentimes more difficult than many people realize.
The consultative examination
One reason why claims are denied or benefits are ceased is due to a lack of medical evidence. If your medical records are sparse, then the federal government may request that you undergo a consultative examination, which is conducted by a physician who is contracted with the government. These examinations seek to provide the Social Security Administration and your disability examiner with a snapshot of your current condition and limitations. Therefore, the testing you undergo should be specific to your claimed disability.
The risks associated with consultative examinations
A consultative examination probably isn’t in your best interests, though. After all, these doctors don’t know much about you, and they may not even read your medical records before seeing you. Additionally, these doctors are notorious for giving disability claimants very little time, which means that their examination may not be all that thorough. This, in turn, can give the Social Security Administration an incomplete picture of your condition, thereby leading to the denial or cessation of your benefits.
Building your case on the front end
This is why it’s important that you diligently work to build your case on the front end. Speak with your medical provider regularly and obtain any recommended treatment. Be proactive in asking what other testing and treatment is needed to develop a full record of your condition and the limitations that it poses on your life.
If you have questions about how to navigate your disability claim at any stage, even early on, then you may want to reach out to an attorney who is adept at handling these kinds of cases to ensure that you’re building the most robust claim possible. Perhaps then you can increase your chances of recovering the benefits that you need and deserve.
