Most people who apply for Social Security Disability will be sent by SSA to a consultative medical exam.  There may be more than one exam if different types of doctors are needed based on the medical conditions.  For example, If you apply for SSDI and your medical condition is disc problems in your back and depression, then you will probably be sent to see an Orthopedist and a Psychiatrist or Psychologist.  These exams are designed to evaluate your medical condition.  These doctors are independent but paid by SSA.  When an exam is scheduled for you it is very important you go to the exam or reschedule as early as possible if you must.  These exams many times can turn out to be unhelpful, so it is important to have all your medical records and opinion evidence from your treating doctors as part of the file.  The good news is that by SSA rule the decision maker must give your treating doctor more weight than the consultative examining doctor as long as your treating doctors opinion is consistent with the medical records.

So you got your Social Security disability hearing date.  Now what?  You want to make sure SSA has all your medical records that are relevant for your SSDI case.  You also want to make sure you have some opinion evidence from your doctors.  This can be in the form of a report explaining your conditions, treatment and how it prevents you from working.  Even better if you have RFC forms completed by your doctors, since these forms show your doctors opinion of the limitations you have from your conditions.  You also should consider getting an experienced disability lawyer to help you since they will be very familiar with the hearing process.  They can also make sure the proper questions are asked of you and be able to cross examine any experts at your hearing.  It also helps if you do some research on what to expect at an SSDI hearing so you are more comfortable on your hearing day.  I hope you find these tips helpful.