Tucked into a corner of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (which otherwise was good news because it moved money around to make sure that SSD recipients don’t suffer a 19% cut in their benefits next year) was something that’s not good news.
The bill states that a medical exam (currently only required by 30 states as a precondition for benefits) will now be required in all states at the initial level of decision. Medical review by a physician is viewed as a cost savings measure because it is predicted that fewer people will be found disabled as a result.
For more information: https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/legis_bulletin_110315.html