I would wait until one of those tests are requested before doing one on your own. I had a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) done at the request of my PM dr. He required one before he would complete the short-term disability paperwok for my works insurance carrier. That FCE was brutal and only tested things like how much I could push, pull and reach. It did nothing to test me in my real working environment (working on computer all day, writing, concentrating, sitting, standing, etc). It was the major thing the insurance carrier used against me because it said I could do sedentary level work. I had a sedentary job. After many appeals, I was finally approved for STD & LTD benefits. It was of course it was sent in with all of my records to SSA for my SSD claim. I was approved for SSD on the first application. While the FCE was not helpful, my medical records and an awesome letter from my PCP were.

Allanira is right, BE POLITE, no matter what. I have a friend who is an analyst at SSA. She did not have any input on my claim, she never saw it since it was farmed out to a different state. But she did tell me that when I find out who is assigned to my claim, call that person and introduce myself and become their best friend. I never recieved a letter telling me who my analyst was so I never had a chance to do that. Probably because I sent them all the records they needed. She also told me not to hire an attorney until my claim reached the hearing stage (which happens after two denials). She said they slow the entire process down and complicate things. I know I am lucky to have been approved so quickly.