What Should I Do—and Not Do—at a Social Security Consultative Examination?

What Should I Do—and Not Do—at a Social Security Consultative Examination?

If you have applied for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits, you may be scheduled for a Consultative Examination (CE) with a doctor selected by Social Security. Many people are understandably unsure how to handle this appointment.

What should you do? What should you avoid?  This blog will walk you through both.

First, Understand the Purpose of the Exam

Before getting into what to do (and not do), it is important to understand that this doctor is not your treating physician.  The purpose of the exam is to evaluate your condition for Social Security.  The doctor will be observing not only what you say—but also how you move, respond, and present.

What You SHOULD Do

1. Be Honest About Your Symptoms

Explain your symptoms clearly and truthfully.

• Describe your pain, limitations, and difficulties
• Explain how your condition affects your daily life
• Be specific—“I can stand for about 10 minutes” is more helpful than “I can’t stand long”

Consistency is important. What you say should match your medical records and prior statements.

2. Describe Your Limitations—Not Just Your Diagnosis

Remember, Social Security is focused on what you can and cannot do.

Be prepared to explain:

• how long you can sit, stand, or walk
• whether you can lift or carry objects
• whether you have difficulty concentrating or staying on task
• how often your symptoms interfere with your day

3. Follow Instructions During the Exam

The examiner may ask you to perform certain movements or tasks.  You should:

• try to perform them
• stop if you experience pain
• explain why you cannot continue

The goal is not to “push through” the pain, but to accurately show your limitations.

4. Be Polite and Cooperative

This may seem obvious, but it matters.  The CE doctor is observing your:

• behavior
• communication
• ability to follow instructions

A cooperative and respectful attitude helps ensure the evaluation focuses on your condition—not your demeanor.

What You Should NOT Do

1. Do Not Exaggerate Your Symptoms

It can be tempting to emphasize how bad things are, but exaggeration can hurt your case. Honestly, most times a claimant exaggerates their problems, I do not think they are trying to mislead the Social Security Administration or the consultative examiner-they are just trying to point out how bad their symptoms can be at times.  I always tell my clients to use the following caveat when describing their medical issues-“on good days I can….,” “on bad says I …., “on average, I can …..”  Every day is not the worst.

If the doctor believes your complaints are inconsistent with your presentation, it may be noted in the report.

 

2. Do Not Minimize Your Problems

On the other hand, many people—especially those who are used to working through pain—tend to downplay their symptoms.

This is not the time to “tough it out.”

Be honest about what you cannot do, not just what you try to do-but always do your best.

3. Do Not Try to “Pass” the Exam

This is not a test you want to pass.  Trying to appear stronger or more capable than you really are can lead to conclusions that you are able to work when, in reality, you are not.

4. Do Not Ignore Pain During Testing

If a movement causes pain:

• say so
• stop if necessary

Continuing through pain without mentioning it may give the impression that the activity is not a problem for you.

5. Do Not Miss the Appointment

Failing to attend a consultative examination can result in:

• delays in your claim
• or even a denial

If you cannot attend, notify Social Security immediately and request that it be rescheduled.

A Practical Tip

From the moment you arrive, assume you are being observed.

This includes:

• how you walk through the parking lot
• how you walk into the office
• how you sit in the waiting room
• how you interact with staff

Your behavior throughout the visit may be noted in the report.

A consultative examination is just one part of your Social Security Disability case—but it can play an important role.  The best approach is simple:

• be honest
• be consistent
• do not exaggerate
• do not minimize

Your goal is to give an accurate picture of how your condition affects your ability to function on a daily basis.

If you or someone you care for has recently been denied Social Security Disability benefits, or if you just have questions about your right to disability benefits, please do not hesitate to contact and speak with one of the experienced  Social Security Disability Lawyers at Powell and Denny today for a free consultation; and remember, virtual appointments are available through Zoom so you can meet with one of the attorneys of Powell and Denny from wherever you live. And remember, there is no fee unless you win.

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What Should I Do—and Not Do—at a Social Security Consultative Examination?