Pardon me for just responding and for not knowing what a CE exam is. I was sent by SS to see 2 doctors. One for my hands(which is my physical problem). 10 bilateral hand surgeries. The other, a psychiatrist, for my depression/panic disorders. I was originally denied SS. My attorney appealed through the mail asking for a decision by mail. We received a favorable one, and in the decision it clearly stated that the judge who made the decision stated that he did not find these doctors credible because they did not spend enough time with me and look at the whole picture of my disability and how they comingled with each other. PLUS he said he had and abundance of consistent doctors reports from numerous doctors stating the same complaints, diagnosis and outcomes for patient. Ya never know! Hang in there

I would tell your PCP what happened. I would also ask him to write a letter explaining your condition. Most doctors who follow you like yours has, is very in tune to what you are experiencing. The letter my Own PCP wrote was the deciding letter when I went before a judge. The more letters you can get to substanciate your medical conditions the better. If you have a neurologist, pain specialist, or and other field of expertise, the judge looks at that too. This one doctor cannot possibly know you and make a final determination in just 20 minutes. Your PCP the one who you have seen the most will probably be the biggest help. Don't give up. I was turned down several times. I was granted my disability in front of a judge. The Social Security doctor I went to, did not give me the best review for my case eithor. Keep copies of all your medical records. I do wish you all the best as you go forward with your case. ginnie

I agree with ginnie here. Sometimes, the problem with having a doctor who knows you so well is that, well, they know you so well they don't need to write anything down! I couldn't tell you how many doctors' records I have read stating, basically, "Return to clinic, status unchanged, refilled meds"....sometimes YEARS worth of just this....and nothing else! And because your PCP knows you, they think well, status unchanged, I know how bad his back is, or how much pain they're in, or whatever....why would I need to write it down?

I know that most of you probably won't believe me (and I truly can only honestly speak for myself and the coworkers I know well) but we would really, really rather have your doctor's opinions rather than send you to a CE. We understand it is a one-time evaluation and often quite quick. We know that it can be a hassle to get to the appointment, especially if you are in a rural or otherwise out-of-the-way area. It is frustrating, and we definitely understand.

Many doctors might not realize what we are looking for when we are requesting records. I would recommend (if you haven't already done so) bringing in the copy of your report for your doctor to review with you. If he or she is so inclined, they can write a letter to the DDS with details about how and why you are disabled. Something to keep in mind - an actual statement, with hows and whys of your disability is far more helpful to your claim than just a statement saying "disabled". This is because there are lots of different standards and requirements for different types of disability (VA, workman's comp, SSD/SSI) so the more specific, the better.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!!

It is my understanding when hearing from others that have gone to see a social security doctor that the doctor is on social security's side when evaluating a patient.i think a person will get a better review by going to their own doctors than a social security doctor.however,i have also learned that sometimes it doesn't make any difference when evaluating a claim..if you go to see 20 doctors and 19 of those doctors say you cannot work and are disabled,but the one doctor says that your not disabled and can work social security will go with the one doctor and forget about the other 19.

Dear Gilbert, You are right, the Social security doctor is on the side of social security. Don't be afraid of that one review. He doesn't know you and he is not the only thing that judge looks at. I promise you, your PCP's letter and any other professionls letters you have to support your claim will mean more to the judge. I even had to have a psych evaluation to make sure I wasn't crazy. The system does put you through alot, I know how you feel about that. Just remember that the doctors who know your condition the best and write that letter for you, will be more important. Keep going with your case, . It will be OK. Once you get before that judge and all the evidence is there, the judge does listen to you too! I had a representative that also threw in a few questions. There were two reps from SS. dept (their side) and the judge and my rep. I was not afraid, I was relieved and ever so glad to be in that court room. Get all the documention you can. Don't give up. ginnie

The Social Security Administration does not have a "side" in processing your claim. The employees get paid the same amount of money whether you are approved or denied. The office opens and closes every day whether you are paid or denied. There is no incentive to the employees to pay your claim or deny your claim. There can be a little more work to pay a claim than to deny a claim, but paid claims don't have appeals to process so there is really no less work for the employees if you are paid or denied. Whether or not the Social Security trust funds 'run out of money' in your lifetime doesn't factor in to whether anyone in the Social Security Administration wants you approved or denied. It is personal to you. It is not personal to the employees. It is their job. They are paid to apply the law and regulations, not to apply personal bias. Well, perhaps the ALJ's can apply personal bias, one reason so many claims are approved at that level, IMO. Another reason claims are approved by ALJ's is that time has passed and there is both more evidence and a more severe condition.

But, SSA has no side. Employees who have more cases with denials are not promoted faster, not paid bonuses.

The two men in the court room with me, represented the social security dept. They were there to make sure there was not some kind of job I could do with the dissablity I had. They were there along with the judge to review all aspects of the case. ginnie