How long does Social Security disability medical review take?

The frequency of reviews depends on the nature and severity of your medical condition and whether it's expected to improve. If improvement is expected, your first review generally will be six to 18 months after the date you became disabled.


How do I pass a Social Security disability review?

If you want to keep yours, here are some tips on how to pass a continuing disability review:
  1. Follow Your Treatment Protocol. ...
  2. Learn More About Your Condition. ...
  3. Answer the Short Form Honestly. ...
  4. Keep Copies of Your Medical Records. ...
  5. Inform the SSA of Any Change in Address.


How soon after my SSDI medical exam will I know their decision?

Typically, the consulting doctor will send their evaluation results to the DDS within 10 business days of the examination. The determination from this evaluation may take even longer if more tests are required, if a new condition has developed, or if the case requires another step through a technical or quality review.


What happens during a Social Security disability review?

WHAT IS A CONTINUING DISABILITY REVIEW? Social Security periodically reviews your medical impairment(s) to determine if you continue to have a disabling condition. If we determine that you are no longer disabled or blind, your benefits will stop. We call this review a continuing disability review (CDR).

How long does a disability quality review take?

In general, the process can take up to 3-5 months to get a decision on your social security case. The Social Security Administration determines your eligibility for Social Security benefits by ensuring you have a qualifying disability.


What are the Social Security doctors looking for when reviewing your medical records?



Is it hard to pass a disability review?

Most of the time, passing a CDR is a lot easier than getting disability benefits in the first place. If your condition hasn't improved enough for you to be able to return to work, Social Security will complete the review and your benefits won't be affected.

What disqualifies a person from disability?

To qualify for disability benefits, a person must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) earning up to a certain amount. If you are able to make more than the SGA, then you will not qualify. For 2022 the threshold is $1,470 per month. For an applicant who is statutorily blind the amount is $2,460.

What does medical review mean for disability?

Under a work review, SSA looks at earnings to determine if an individual is eligible for monthly benefits. A medical review determines if an individual is meeting the medical requirements to collect disability. If the person does not meet the medical requirements, SSA may stop the disability benefits.


What does it mean when Social Security sends you to a doctor?

If you apply for benefits due to disability or blindness and you have no medical source that will furnish your medical records, SSA may send you to a doctor for a specific test or exam. SSA then reviews your medical information, verifies other aspects of your application (income, resources, etc.)

What does it mean when DDS is processing the medical portion?

DDS gathers your medical records and a team of medical and vocational personnel review your file and issue a decision. After all of your medical records arrive, a DDS worker (called an examiner) sends your records to a medical consultant.

What happens after disability medical assessment?

After your assessment, the Government-contracted Doctor will write a report about the impact of your condition. They'll then send the report to us. Their report helps us decide if you meet the medical rules for DSP.


What happens after SSDI medical exam?

The state agency will review the doctor's report along with all of the other information in your case and make a disability decision. We'll send you a letter to tell you about the decision the state agency made on your case.

How long after medical exam will a decision be made?

Once that exam is completed and the report is released, they will finish reviewing your claim and a decision will be made. At the initial stage, it takes roughly 4-6 months to receive a decision.

What not to say in a disability interview?

5 Things Not to Say in a Disability Interview
  • No one will hire me; I can't find work. ...
  • I am not under medical treatment for my disability. ...
  • I have a history of drug abuse or criminal activity. ...
  • I do household chores and go for walks. ...
  • My pain is severe and unbearable. ...
  • Legal Guidance When SSDI Benefits Are Denied.


What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What are the 5 steps of disability determination?

Social Security uses a 5-Step sequential evaluation process to determine if your SSDI or SSI claim will be approved
  • Step 1: Non-Medical Criteria. ...
  • Step 2: Severe Impairment. ...
  • Step 3: Medical Listings. ...
  • Step 4: Past Work. ...
  • Step 5: Other Work.


How long does it take Social Security to process the medical portion?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision.


Does disability contact your doctor?

The disability examiner who handles your case will contact the doctors and hospitals listed on your application to request your medical records and other applicable documents. These records might serve as medical evidence to support your claim.

Do CE exams usually end in denials for disability?

Not all CE Exams end in disability denials, but many do. It's sad, but very often these exams are scheduled just so that the examiner can have an excuse to close the case. While these kinds of exams are common, they're not always of a neutral intent.

What is the purpose of a medical review?

Medical reviews involve the collection and clinical review of medical records and related information to ensure that payment is made only for services that meet all Medicare coverage, coding, billing, and medical necessity requirements.


What would cause me to lose my disability benefits?

Exceeding income or asset limits: By far the most common reason individuals lose their benefits is by having too much income. SSDI beneficiaries may lose their benefits if they experience an increase in income from any source that pushes them over the individual income or asset limit.

What happens after you get a fully favorable disability decision?

If you receive a fully favorable decision, the SSA approved your application with the onset date of disability that you originally noted. You will then start receiving disability benefits as soon as your elimination period or waiting period has ended.

What is the easiest disability to prove?

The Top 5 Easiest Things to Claim for VA Disability
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
  • Scars. ...
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
  • Presumptive Disorders. ...
  • Tinnitus.


How can I increase my chances of getting disability?

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Disability Benefits
  1. File Your Claim as Soon as Possible. ...
  2. Make an Appeal within 60 Days. ...
  3. Provide Full Details of Medical Treatment. ...
  4. Provide Proof of Recent Treatment. ...
  5. Report your Symptoms Accurately. ...
  6. Provide Medical Evidence. ...
  7. Provide Details of your Work History.


What is considered to be a permanent disability?

Permanent disability (PD) is any lasting disability from your work injury or illness that affects your ability to earn a living. If your injury or illness results in PD you are entitled to PD benefits, even if you are able to go back to work.