When applying for social security benefits, all medical evidence from your treating doctors and other specialists must be gathered for review by your state’s disability office. This evidence will determine your chances for receiving benefits.
Sometimes, the state will ask for additional medical findings in your case if your doctor’s evidence is not sufficient to determine the extent of your disability. Often, they will ask you to attend a complete physical exam done by a CE(consultitive examination) which is paid for by the state. The exam will show how well you walk, use your arms and hands and generally test your muscle strength.
This examination is very critical and in many cases will determine your ability to receive benefits. The problem is that if the exam is not done properly and if the doctor does not adequately review all your medical records, there is a good chance you will be denied. Therefore, make sure that he has reviewed all your medical records as wll as inform him how pain affects your ability to stand, walk and perform other activities. Also, check that he will order any x-rays since they may be very pertinent to your problem. The CE exam should take at least 30 minutes; if it is done in only 5-10 minutes, this is not adequate time to perform a thorough exam.
Another important point to know is that in general Social Security gives preference to reports from your treating doctor. The CE exam is done by a physican who does not know your case as well as your own doctor. However, as stated in my opening statement, if the medical evidence is insufficient for the state to make a decision, then a CE exam is needed. Also, if you fail to attend the examination, you will be automatically denied.