Five Things to Expect at Your DDS Examination

As part of any application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may need to be examined by Disability Determination Services (DDS). This office conducts medical examinations to determine if someone is indeed disabled to a degree that granting them disability benefits is appropriate. Here are five things you should expect to happen at your DDS examination:

1. You will be asked about your medical history
   • The most basic part of a DDS examination is an interview about your medical history. The examiner will discuss your medical conditions, and ask about the symptoms you have suffered from. These answers will help them to determine what conditions you may be suffering from, and help them to understand how severely your disability has impacted your life.
2. You will undergo a medical examination
   • The next part of the DDS examination is a medical examination, which is conducted by either a trained physician or a psychologist, depending on whether your condition is physical or psychological in nature. This is functionally the same as any other medical exam conducted by your own personal doctor. This is done to confirm any medical evidence you have submitted, and cover for any unexplained issues in your medical record.
3. You may be subjected to additional tests
   • In addition to the basic medical examination, you may be subjected to additional tests, depending on what medical evidence you submitted or what the medical examination found. These could include blood tests, scans, or anything else that might be needed to determine the nature and extent of your disability. Fortunately, the costs of these tests are covered by the DDS, so you do not bear the costs for performing them.
4. Your condition will be compared to the “Blue Book”
   • With all of that evidence in hand, the next step of the DDS examination involves comparing your condition to what is known as the “Blue Book.” This book contains up-to-date information on all medically recognized conditions, and your symptoms will be compared to these conditions. If your condition matches something in the Blue Book, it substantially increases your chances of getting SSDI or SSI benefits.
5. Your work eligibility will be determined
   • Finally, the medical examiner will determine whether or not you are still able to work. This is based not only on the nature of your illness, but also on the severity of your condition and your ability to continue to do work. For example, someone who lost their legs might be considered ineligible to work if they were a construction worker, but an accountant might not be eligible because their disability does not impact their ability to work.

If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.