What to Expect

Applying for Social Security Disability is a long process. This post explains a little bit of what you can expect from each step of the process.

Initial Level

When you come in to file for the first time you will meet with Linda to talk about why you are applying for disability. During the appointment you will sign forms so we are able to handle your case as representatives.

After your appointment Linda will then file your case online with Social Security. There is nothing for you to do at this point in time. From the information Linda has gotten Mckenzie then will write for your medical records to submit for your case.

Then after waiting sometime your case will make it to the Columbus OOD where they can choose to do a couple of things.

They may send you a function report, a work history report or an agreement to participate in a Telehealth Consultation Examination (which mean you go see one of their doctors). They may send you all of these, they may send none, it all depends on what they need for your case. Every case is different.

Once we receive your medical records, we will submit those to OOD. OOD with them review your medical records and decided if they need a physical or mental Consultation Examination.

Your case will then go to doctor review, which is where doctors will go over all of your medical records and make a decision.

When a decision is made, it is either sent for quality review or back to the local field office.

• Quality Review- OOD will have another team double check the decision on the case, then it will be sent back to the local field office.

Decision could be approved or denied. If approved, SSA will contact you to get your information and start making payments. If denied, we can appeal that decision. Which requires another appointment with Linda.

Reconsideration Level

You will come in for an appointment with Linda where she will file the reconsideration application online.

More medical records will be written for.

At this point OOD is looking for worsening conditions and new diagnosis from the initial filing.

Again, when we receive your medical records we will submit them.

If you did not get a work history report or a function report at the initial level, they may send you one. Also, may be required would be a Consultation Examination.

The OOD doctors will go over your medical records again and then either a decision will be made or go to quality review.

Hearing Level

The process for the hearing level is listed in other blogs posted as Hearing Preparation Appointment and Hearing Level.

To answer any questions you may have about the filing process please click the contact us tab and submit your questions. Or click the let's chat tab.