If you have been turned down for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you might be wondering how to get ready for your appeal hearing. In some cases, a medical expert may appear at your appeal hearing. To find out what this means and how to handle it, read on.
How to Know
When you are denied SSDI benefits, you must appeal the decision within a few weeks. Once you let the SSA (Social Security Administration) know that you want to appeal the denial, you will receive a letter with the details of the hearing. In most cases, if a medical expert is scheduled to appear at the hearing, your notice will mention it.
Who Is the Expert?
The medical expert should be appropriate for your case. If you have a physical condition, your medical expert should not be a psychiatrist, for instance. Most of these experts are paid by the SSA to testify and provide medical information to the administrative hearing judge who is in charge. They are not ordinary doctors because they have experience with how the SSA views all covered medical conditions listed in the blue book.
What Purpose Do Medical Experts Serve?
Experts may look over your medical records and information about your disability along with the results of the diagnostic exams performed by your doctors. They use their knowledge of the requirements of each impairment listed in the book to determine whether a claimant's impairment meets the standards. The more complex your medical conditions, the more likely it is that a medical expert will be attending your appeal hearing. However, this medical expert will not examine you — they will only be using the materials provided to them by the SSA to determine things.
Speak to an Attorney
It's highly advisable to speak to a Social Security lawyer before your appeal hearing. Your lawyer will review the medical expert's qualifications to ensure they understand your condition. If they do not, your attorney may enter an objection to the medical expert. Your attorney will assist you in answering questions posed by the medical expert to ensure that they are fair and appropriate.
The medical expert is supposed to be impartial, but having a lawyer with you can make things fairer. Anything the expert states can be challenged by your lawyer, and they may also cross-examine them during the hearing. Speak to a disability benefits attorney to learn more.
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