In Utah when a person submits a Social Security Application a number of things typically happens.  Many claimants are curious as to how the process works and what to expect.  This is understandable however its important to realize that not all applications follow the same path. Ban Law Office PC helps applicants submit a disability application for Utah applicants and can be done on the internet at on the social security website.  There are other ways to submit an application and for SSI this must done in other ways besides the internet application.  After the application is submitted in Utah the Disability Determination Services uses the applicant’s medical release waiver to get medical records to help process a claim.  Also in Utah the DDS will often schedule exams with doctors that contract with the Social Security Administration and the state to conduct Consultative Exams.  These exams cover any number of impairments in the mental and physical general categories and help adjudicate the claims to help determine if an individual meets the definition of disability.  The exams generally range in quality and thoroughness, but generally claimants should not rely on these exams as their sole or main source of evidence.  The best strategy is to use the opinion and medical treatment evidence from your own treating physician.  Its not entirely clear as to when or why these consultative exams are scheduled but ostensibly its in cases where the evidence available is not considered sufficient, but this shouldn’t be considered the only circumstance when they are scheduled.