Disability examiners play an important role in the Social Security disability application process. The disability examiner acts as a liaison between applicants for benefits and the Social Security Administration. After an applicant submits his or her application, the disability examiner will review and analyze the application. After carefully examining the application, the disability examiner will decide whether the applicant should receive benefits or not.
Disability Advocates Group helps Los Angeles area clients navigate the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits. We have an in-depth understanding of the Social Security disability application process. Our Social Security disability lawyers understand what type of information disability examiners are looking for in applications. Contact our Los Angeles law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
What Is a Social Security Disability Examiner?
A disability examiner is an employee of the Social Security Administration. Disability examiners receive training to analyze all of the information included in applications for Social Security disability benefits. Benefits applications include extensive medical records, employment history, and doctor’s recommendations.
There are two types of Social Security benefits programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Disability examiners need an in-depth understanding of the eligibility requirements for both of these benefits programs so they can properly evaluate each application. Once the disability examiner has carefully reviewed the application, they will recommend whether the applicant has qualified for benefits.
The Role of a Disability Examiner in Benefits Claims
Social Security examiners play a crucial role in the benefits application process. The decision to grant or deny benefits to an applicant is primarily based on the findings of the disability examiner. Should the disability examiner find that you are disabled, you will begin receiving SSDI or SSI benefits.
After the disability examiner decides to grant your application, the Social Security Administration will decide the number of your monthly payments. Specifically, the disability examiner will review your doctor’s suggestions and medical records to decide the length of benefits you should be approved to receive. The examiner will also determine if you qualify for permanent disability.
How Do Disability Examiners Decide?
After disability examiners review all of the information in your application and request additional information, if necessary, they will make a decision. Most of the time, disability examiners write a medical decision-alone report and ask the medical doctor consulting in your case to review and sign it. In the right up, the examiner will discuss the reasons for his or her decision. Specifically, the write-up will address whether your medical condition meets the requirements of a disability per the “Blue Book” guidelines.
The examiner will also address whether your residual functional capacity allows you to become employed in any type of job, even if it’s outside of your field of work. Examiners are not allowed to decide your case without consulting with a medical doctor unless they’re making a quick disability determination (QDD).
Disability Examiners Often Request More Information
In many cases, disability examiners will request additional information from an applicant before making a decision. Disability examiners cannot decide unless they have a complete understanding of an applicant’s disability and how it affects his or her employment prospects. Sometimes, the medical information that an applicant submits isn’t detailed or thorough enough.
Disability examiners often request additional medical records when they are reviewing a claim for Social Security disability benefits. In some cases, the disability examiner will request that the applicant undergo another medical examination when the current medical records are incomplete. Should the disability examiner request more information from you, you must respond to them quickly.
You will need to provide the disability examiner with all of the information he or she is seeking as soon as possible. If you don’t, the examiner could deny your claim for benefits and result in a serious time delay. The Social Security disability benefits lawyers at Disability Advocates Group understand how important it is to include detailed medical records in your application. We will help you gather the medical information you need to include to give you the best chance of success, including:
- Medical treatment notes
- Results from consultative examinations
- Specific details regarding how your medical condition affects you
- A complete list of all of your symptoms
- The challenges you face in completing daily tasks due to your condition
Appealing a Claim Denial
The Social Security Administration denies a majority of first-time applications for SSDI and SSI benefits. If the claims examiner denied your application, you have the right to request an appeal. You will need to request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice that your claim was denied. The Social Security Administration offers the following four appeal levels: reconsideration, administrative hearing, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review.
When you receive the letter stating that your claim was denied, it will include a reason for the denial. It’s important that you consult with a disability lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to review the denial letter and help you address the issues with your application during the appeals process so you can obtain the benefits you deserve.
Contact a Los Angeles Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
Applying for disability benefits is a complex process that can quickly become overwhelming. One of the best ways to increase your chances of success is to work with an experienced Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer. Our legal team will help you gather the information you need and complete an accurate and thorough application, giving you the best possible opportunity for success. Should the Social Security Administration deny your claim, we will represent you throughout the appeals process. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your Social Security disability case.
