I previously wrote about how long it takes to receive an initial decision after you apply for Social Security disability benefits and how long it takes to get a Social Security hearing.

Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules for how long it will take to get a decision after the consultative examination. But, you can make a pretty good guess. 

I usually see a decision four to six months after an application for either disability insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.  

So, if Social Security schedules a consultative examination 3 months after the application was filed, as an estimate, you can expect a decision in the next 30 to 90 days.

How long after the consultative examination did you get your decision? Let me know in the comments!

Here are some common questions I hear when Social Security schedules an evaluation or examination with one of their doctors:

Do I have to attend the consultative examination?

Since you are applying for Social Security benefits, you have a duty to assist Social Security in obtaining the information it needs to evaluate your case. This includes going to evaluations or examination that Social Security may schedule for you.

So, “yes,” you do have to go the examination.

Of course, Social Security cannot make you attend a consultative examination. But if you do not attend, your case may be denied, or even dismissed.

What if I cannot attend the consultative examination?

If you cannot attend, contact Social Security right away.

However, do not call just any Social Security office. The notice you received when Social Security scheduled the consultative examination should provide the name and telephone number of your case worker.

In Colorado, the consultative examination is usually scheduled through Disability Determination Services (so do not let that name throw you, it is the Colorado agency that performs the initial development, evaluation and determination of your Social Security case).  Even though the letter may say, “Disability Determination Services,” it is still part of the Social Security Administration.

Let the case worker know that you cannot attend the examination and the reasons why you cannot attend.

TIP: keep a log of any telephone calls between yourself and Social Security, including date, time, who you speak to, and a summary of the conversation.

WATCH OUT: I have seen several cases where an individual called Disability Determination Services and cancelled an evaluation only to receive a denial a short time later because they “did not keep the scheduled evaluation.”  Unfortunately, your only recourse is to appeal the denial.

Keep in mind that if Social Security denies you for missing an evaluation, it is a safe bet that the judge will ask you why you missed the consultative examination when your case goes to hearing. This is where your log showing your communication with Social Security can come in handy.

If you have kept a log of your communication with Social Security regarding the cancellation of your consultative examination and your attempts to reschedule, you have a better chance of convincing the judge that missing the consultation should not be held against you.

Has Social Security sent you to a doctor for an examination? Here are some things you should know when going to a consultative examination. 

The examination begins earlier than you think:

• You are observed from the moment you enter the office. 
• The observation continues in the waiting area and you may even be observed when you walk back to your car. 
• The examination may include how you walk from the waiting area to the examination room and your ability to climb on and off of the examination table.

Your behavior may then become part of the doctor’s report to Social Security.

In my experience, the chance of a Social Security consultative examination proving that you are disabled is quite low.  Normally, they mostly bolster Social Security’s denial of your claim.  However, you can take that statement with a grain of salt. Most consultative examinations take place BEFORE the initial decision and individuals usually contact an attorney AFTER they are denied. So, I do not see the case where the consultative examination was helpful, because it results in an approval.

photo credit: cesarastudillo

Your doctor’s opinion of your disability is critical evidence in your Social Security disability case. If your doctor does not believe in you, you and your lawyer are facing an uphill battle.

Chances are, Social Security either sent you to one of their doctors for a consultative examination, or had your medical records reviewed by a Social Security doctor. If Social Security denied your claim, their doctors probably did not think you were disabled.

So, here is the problem: if the Social Security doctor says you are not disabled and your doctor does not believe in your disability, you may not have the evidence you need to prove your case.

What can I do if my doctor does not support me?

Unless you can get your doctor to change his or her mind, you may need to get a new doctor as soon as possible. You may not be able to undo the damage done by your current doctor, but you can at least provide fresh evidence that supports your disability from the new doctor.

I do not advocate shopping for a more favorable medical opinion. However, if you and your lawyer think that your doctor is biased against you, or against anyone applying for disability benefits, don’t let them ruin your claim!