What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
Neuropsychological testing is specialized testing aimed at determining your cognitive abilities. You will be tested in many different areas of cognitive abilities including, but not limited to:
- General Intellectual Functioning (i.e. IQ, working memory, processing speed)
- Executive Functioning
- Language
- Learning/Memory
- Motor skills
Why did the insurance company ask that I attend a neuropsychological evaluation?
Insurance companies may ask that you attend a neuropsychological evaluation if as part of your claim you have complained of:
- Memory impairments
- Inability to focus/concentrate
- Difficulties with word-finding
- Reduced processing speed
- Inability to multitask
- Confusion
- Impaired judgment
Is this a good thing?
Unfortunately, insurance companies tend to send claimants to neuropsychological evaluations in an attempt to invalidate or discredit cognitive complaints. Indeed, insurance companies typically use the same physicians for these sorts of evaluations. These doctors are more likely to find you are not disabled so that they can continue to receive substantial income performing these tests for insurance companies.
What should I expect from the evaluation?
Neuropsychological evaluations are lengthy, sometimes being performed over the course of two full days. You will be administered a battery of different tests to determine the presence and severity of any cognitive impairments.
How should I prepare?
There is not much preparation to do for neuropsychological testing. However, please understand that you must put forth maximum effort throughout the examination. The evaluations almost always contain validity testing measures. If you fail the validity testing, the insurance company will likely assert you are fabricating or exaggerating your cognitive impairments and will deny your claim for disability benefits.
Can Dabdoub Law Firm help me?
Yes, we are here to help. Our experienced disability lawyers can help you prepare for your neuropsychological evaluation. Our lawyers will review the test results and are prepared to address any inconsistencies or errors. We may also help facilitate a medical review of the test results by another, unbiased, psychologist.