It depends on a few things. They may have requested your records but not gotten them in a timely manner (for them) & so set up the exam. Or they may have requested the records & set up an exam just in case they did not get the records b4 the exam date. The examiner has a certain amount of days w/in which to start processes, also bec of the volume of SS applications coming in at this time setting up the exam almost initially after they get the application helps them in their handling of the claim. Also depending on the dates you gave for the medical services you have had if it has been almost a year they will need to set an exam if u don't have your own DR to go back to bec they have to have current med info. SS tries to discourage examiners from setting up alot of exams bec of the cost & each SS region has it's own budget for these exams. They get dinged if they go over. Also each supervisor in the regions is trying to make their "unit " look the best because that effects their bonus. It is a vicious game & has only gotten worse since the recession. Hope this helps.