How to Pass a Continuing Disability Review

If you’re receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits for a long period of time, you’ll eventually receive a notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that your case is up for a continuing disability review (CDR).  

Continuing disability reviews are mandated by law. The purpose of a CDR is to verify that a person receiving disability benefits is still eligible for those benefits going forward. 

A continuing disability review can be stressful for many people, and for good reason. It’s a very important event. If the SSA determines that you no longer qualify as disabled, you will no longer receive disability benefits. 

Learning more about the CDR process ahead of time can help you go into your review with greater confidence and less anxiety. The best way to prepare yourself is to contact an experienced disability lawyer.  

Keep reading to learn more about how to pass a continuing disability review. And if you have further questions or wish to consult with one of our Oklahoma attorneys, feel free to call us at (580) 271-9672 or fill out our online contact form. 

What Is a Continuing Disability Review? 

The SSA reviews disability cases every three to seven years, on average. The exact amount of time between reviews of your case will depend on factors like your age (younger people tend to have claims reviewed more often), the nature of your disability, and how likely it is that you’re able to return to work.  

If your condition has a high likelihood of medical improvement, the SSA may conduct a CDR less than three years from the time you began receiving disability benefits. 

In addition to regularly scheduled CDRs, a continuing disability review can also be prompted by certain events such as: 

• Returning to work 

• The SSA receiving medical records or other evidence showing that your condition has improved 

• Informing the SSA that your condition has improved 

• The SSA receiving a claim that you aren’t following your agreed-upon treatment plan 

A new treatment coming out that may improve your condition.

How Will I Know When It’s Time for a Continuing Disability Review?  

Fortunately, the SSA office will typically inform you that a CDR is coming up.  

When it’s time for a review, the SSA will mail you a two-page short form called a Disability Update Report (SSA-455, or “short form”). This form will contain questions about the status of your health, medical history, and any work you’ve done.  

Be sure to answer the questions on your Disability Update Report truthfully. Not doing so could be considered fraud and result in severe penalties. 

Depending on your answers to the short form, the SSA might send you a longer, 10-page form called the Continuing Disability Review Report. This form is a more detailed medical review similar to your initial disability benefits application. 

If the SSA doesn’t believe it has enough evidence to reach a decision, or if there are discrepancies between what you report and your medical evidence, then the SSA might ask you to attend a consultative examination. This examination is paid for by the SSA but is conducted by an independent doctor. The purpose of this examination is to help the agency determine whether you are still disabled. 

How Can I Protect My Benefits During a Continuing Disability Review? 

The good news is that passing a CDR is usually not as time-consuming, stressful, or challenging as the initial process to get Social Security Disability benefits. However, the CDR is still a critical process that could affect your ability to receive benefits. 

Be careful of any information you read that promises tricks, hacks, or secrets for how to pass a continuing disability review. Lying, giving misleading information, or providing falsified records during a CDR is a form of fraud and can come with serious consequences. 

The only strategy you should follow for your CDR is to present clear and compelling factual evidence that gives the reviewer an accurate picture of your health and disability so that you aren’t subject to an unfair and unjustified termination of benefits. 

The most important steps you can take to protect the benefits you deserve include the following:  

• Closely follow your agreed upon medical treatment plan, including attending all scheduled doctor appointments. If you feel you may need a change in your treatment plan, discuss it with your doctor so that any changes are part of your medical record. 

• Familiarize yourself with your current medical records and stay up to date about your condition. 

• Always answer honestly when you’re answering questions about your condition or completing your Disability Update Report. Lies can hurt your case much more than any truthful statement you provide. 

• Choose someone you interact with daily as a third-party reference for your Disability Update Report. This should be someone who sees you on both your worst and best days. 

• Update the SSA on changes of address and any other important information. 

• Contact an experienced disability lawyer to help guide you through the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Disability Reviews 

What Should I Do if the SSA Sends Me a Long Form After My Short Form? 

The “long form” Continuing Disability Review Report is 10 pages long. This form contains detailed questions about your medical condition and employment status. If you’ve received this form, it means the SSA believes that your condition is likely to improve.  

If you’ve received a long form report, then then it’s very important to work with an experienced disability lawyer, as the level of medical evidence you need to provide to continue your disability benefits is significantly higher. 

What Should I Do if the SSA Asks Me to Attend a Consultative Examination? 

A consultative exam is an examination in which a physician chosen by the SSA will evaluate your health. This exam may include asking questions and performing a variety of tests.  

Attending a consultative examination is mandatory, but that doesn’t mean the exam is the final word. If you believe you are still disabled but the consultative exam physician determines otherwise, you must provide evidence—such as updated medical records or letters from trusted doctors—that explains why the findings from the consultative examination are incorrect. 

What Should I Do if the SSA Terminates My Benefits? 

Don’t panic if the SSA has terminated your benefits. Many people with serious disabilities have successfully appealed an SSA decision.  

However, the appeal process is complex and you may face an uphill battle. It’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side when you enter the SSD appeals process. 

RELATED: What Are Your Chances of Winning Your Social Security Disability Appeal? 

Need Help Passing Your Continuing Disability Review? Call The Wolf Pack™ 

If you need help passing a continuing disability review or appealing a termination of benefits, The Wolf Pack™ at Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys has your back.  

Serving disabled individuals and their families in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Ardmore, and surrounding communities, our experienced disability attorneys will do everything in our power to help you get approved for the benefits you deserve. We know the ins and outs of the Social Security system and will answer any questions you may have about your benefits. 

Call The Wolf Pack™ at (580) 271-9672 or fill out our online form to get your free case review. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.