I did not have to do an exam through the SSA. I have had MANY IME (independant medical exams) for WC.

I would caution you pooleo about purposefully overdoing it so that the doctor will be sure to see you in pain. I did try that once and do not feel it worked out well. I was in so much pain, I really have no idea what happened at the visit. I know that I had no ability to describe my functional limitations.