Right now, your case is going through a purely administrative step: your hearing file is being assembled - organized into the packet a judge will eventually review. It's a natural moment to wonder what's actually in there.
The most useful thing to know about is something called an exhibit list - essentially a table of contents for your entire case.
What an Exhibit List Actually Is
An exhibit list is a literal checklist of everything Social Security has compiled on your case: your medical records gathered by DDS, copies of your original application, any questionnaires you completed - like a Function Report - and the record of prior decisions on your claim. Each item gets its own exhibit number, the same way evidence gets labeled in any formal proceeding.
Its purpose is straightforward: it summarizes exactly what information was used to reach the decisions made so far, and it becomes the foundation the judge works from at your hearing.
Why This Matters to You Right Now
Because the exhibit list is essentially an index of your case, it's also one of the clearest ways to check that nothing important is missing. If a specific provider's records, a recent test result, or a document you know you submitted doesn't appear on it, that's worth flagging - not because something went wrong, but because catching a gap now, while the file is still being built, is far easier than catching it later.
You may not automatically receive a copy of your exhibit list. If you'd like to see exactly what's included in your file, it's worth asking for one directly.
What to Do With This Information
You don't need to track this down yourself right now - this is exactly the kind of thing your case manager reviews as part of building your case. But if anything comes to mind that you're not sure made it into your file - a doctor you saw, a test you had, a form you filled out - mention it. That single detail can be the difference between a complete file and a gap nobody catches until it's harder to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an exhibit list?
A checklist of everything compiled in your case file - your medical records, your application, any questionnaires, and prior decisions - each labeled with its own exhibit number, forming the record a judge will review.
Will I automatically receive a copy of my exhibit list?
Not always. If you want to see exactly what's in your file, it's worth asking for one directly.
What should I do if something seems missing?
Mention it to your case manager. Catching a gap while your file is still being assembled is far easier than addressing it later.
Does this list include everything, or just medical records?
Everything - medical records, your application materials, completed questionnaires, and the history of prior decisions on your case, not medical evidence alone.
Case file procedures can vary by hearing office. This reflects general 2026 guidance. If you'd like to review what's in your file, talk to your case manager.