What "Medical Decision Has Been Made" means on your appeal
When you see "Medical Decision Has Been Made" on your appeal status, it means the medical informed (called a medical or psychological consultant) who reviews disability cases for Social Security has finished examining your medical records and written their opinion about whether your condition meets the rules for disability. This is not a final decision yet — it is one step in the review process.
The medical consultant's job is to look at your doctors' reports, test results, hospital records, and any other medical evidence you sent in. They write a report saying whether they think your medical condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. A Social Security judge or decision-maker then reads that report along with everything else in your file before making the actual decision on your appeal.
You will not see the medical consultant's report right away. Social Security sends it to the judge or decision-maker first. You may receive a copy later, or you may only see it if you request your full case file.
Key Takeaways
- A medical decision has been made means a medical informed has reviewed your records and written an opinion, but Social Security has not yet ruled on your appeal.
- The medical consultant's report goes to the judge or decision-maker who will use it to make the final call on your case.
- You can request a copy of your case file from Social Security to see what the medical consultant wrote about your condition.
- The next step is usually a decision from the judge or appeals officer, which can take weeks or months depending on the level of appeal you are on.
What happens after the medical decision
After the medical consultant finishes their report, your case moves to the next stage of your appeal. What that stage is depends on which level of appeal you are on.
If you are appealing a denial at the reconsideration level (the first appeal), a different examiner will read the medical report and all your other evidence, then make a new decision. If you are appealing at the hearing level (before a judge), the judge will use the medical report as part of the evidence they consider during your hearing or when they review your written case.
The time between the medical decision and the next step varies. At reconsideration, you may hear back within a few weeks. At the hearing level, it can take several months, especially if there is a backlog of cases waiting for a judge.
How to find out what the medical consultant said
Social Security does not automatically send you the medical consultant's report. To read it, you can request your case file or case record from the office handling your appeal.
Contact the office that sent you the "Medical Decision Has Been Made" notice. This is usually printed on the notice itself. You can call, write, or visit in person and ask for a copy of your complete case file. Social Security is required to give you access to everything in your file, including the medical consultant's opinion.
You can also ask your representative — if you have a lawyer or advocate helping with your appeal — to request the file on your behalf. They often receive it faster than you would on your own.
When the medical consultant disagrees with your doctors
Sometimes the medical consultant's opinion differs from what your own doctors wrote. This happens because the consultant is reviewing your records from a distance, without examining you in person. They may interpret the same test results or symptoms differently than your treating doctor did.
If you disagree with the medical consultant's findings, you have options. You can submit new medical evidence — such as a recent report from your doctor that addresses the consultant's concerns, or records from a specialist you have seen since you first applied. You can also ask your doctor to write a letter explaining why they think the consultant's opinion is wrong.
At the hearing level, you can present this new evidence to the judge and explain why you think the medical consultant made an error. The judge is not required to follow the consultant's opinion and can make a different decision based on all the evidence together.
What to do while your case is under review
While the medical decision is being reviewed, keep doing what you have been doing: gather any new medical records, attend your doctor appointments, and keep your contact information current with Social Security. If you move or change your phone number, tell the office handling your appeal right away.
If you have new medical evidence — such as a recent diagnosis, hospitalization, or treatment that shows your condition has worsened — send it in as soon as you have it. Write a short cover letter explaining what the new evidence is and why it matters to your case, then mail or deliver it to the office handling your appeal.
Do not wait for Social Security to ask for new evidence. The sooner you send it, the sooner it becomes part of the record the judge or decision-maker will see.
Understanding the different appeal levels and timing
The amount of time between "Medical Decision Has Been Made" and a final decision depends on where your appeal is in the process. Here is what to expect at each level:
| Appeal Level | What Happens Next | Typical Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration | A different examiner reviews the medical report and all evidence, then makes a new decision | 2 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer |
| Hearing Before a Judge | The judge receives the medical report and schedules a hearing, or reviews your written case | Several months; varies by region |
| Appeals Council | The Appeals Council reviews the judge's decision and the medical report to decide whether to overturn it | Several months to over a year |
If you are waiting for a hearing, ask the judge's office for an estimated hearing date. They may be able to tell you roughly when your case will be scheduled. If you are at the Appeals Council level, the wait is typically the longest.
What "Medical Decision Has Been Made" does not mean
This status does not mean your appeal has been decided. It does not mean you have been approved or denied. It only means one part of the review — the medical part — is complete.
It also does not mean you need to do anything right now. You do not need to contact Social Security or take any action just because you see this status. Continue to wait for the next notice, which will tell you the actual decision on your appeal.
If you have not heard anything for a very long time after seeing this status, it is reasonable to call the office handling your appeal and ask for an update on where your case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a medical decision mean I will be approved?
No. The medical consultant's opinion is only one part of the decision. The judge or examiner will consider the medical report along with your work history, age, education, and other factors. A medical decision does not predict the final outcome.
Can I see the medical consultant's report before the judge does?
You can request your full case file and see the report, but Social Security does not send it to you automatically. Call or visit the office handling your appeal and ask for a copy of your case record. You have the right to see everything in your file.
What if I disagree with what the medical consultant wrote?
Send in new medical evidence from your doctors that addresses the consultant's findings. At a hearing, you can present this evidence to the judge and explain why you think the consultant's opinion is incorrect. The judge can decide to follow your doctor's opinion instead.
How long does it take to get a decision after the medical decision?
At reconsideration, usually 2 to 6 weeks. At the hearing level, several months depending on the judge's schedule and your region. At the Appeals Council, several months to over a year. Contact the office handling your appeal for a more specific estimate.
Should I send more medical records while my appeal is under review?
Yes, if you have new records that show your condition or treatment since you first applied. Send them with a cover letter explaining what they are and why they matter. The sooner you send new evidence, the sooner it becomes part of your case file.