If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) then there is a good chance that you will eventually need to get a medical examination to obtain your benefits. This examination is a potentially critical part of assessing your disability and determining whether you qualify for disability benefits. But why is it that you need to go through this kind of medical exam to get SSDI or SSI benefits?
Why Do You Need a Medical Exam?
A critical component of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits is proving that you have a medical condition that qualifies you for Social Security benefits. While you may have provided medical evidence as part of your application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not rely on that alone. Instead, they conduct their own independent examination, which should confirm what your records already show.
Who Conducts The Medical Exam?
The medical exam you need for SSDI or SSI is carried out by an agency known as Disability Determination Services, or DDS. Technically, DDS is not a part of the SSA, but is instead a state-run organization that answers to the SSA and provides medical examinations to SSDI and SSI applicants. They have their own physicians and psychologists, who conduct the examination and compare it to established medical evidence to determine the nature and severity of your condition.
Why Can’t Your Doctor Conduct the Exam?
Generally speaking, your doctor will not be able to perform this medical exam on your behalf. This is because the SSA does not trust doctors outside of the system to perform their own examinations, which may be biased towards their existing patients. Using independent medical professionals gives the process a level of objectivity, and makes it harder for doctors to play favorites or simply give a pass to their patients.
What Happens When You Go Through This Exam?
If you go through a DDS medical exam and they find you have a qualifying disability, you will be well on your way to getting SSDI or SSI benefits. On the other hand, if they deny your claim due to not meeting the correct qualifications, you may still have options available. That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling SSDI and SSI claims, who can help guide you through the process.
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.
