When it comes to filing an SSDI claim, the medical listings are reviewed thoroughly by all agencies and healthcare professionals involved as a primary guide. Over the years, this guide has transitioned from a printed publication into an electronic guide that can be updated digitally, which makes it more reliable and easily accessible than ever before.
As any Social Security disability lawyer will tell you, you must disclose the specific conditions related to your impairment and/or disability claim. Insufficiencies and discrepancies can lead to rejections and unsuccessful appeals. Contact us today at (855) 445-9787 for help with your claim.
What Do You Need for the SSDI Application?
The specific conditions referenced within the application for SSDI benefits play an integral role in how the application is handled overall. Keep in mind that the application specifically asks for a detailed description of the impairment that is connected to the reported disability. This includes the condition itself, treatment protocols, and other relevant information that supports your case.
What Role is Played By the Disability Determination Services?
One of the agencies that oversee the application and determination process is known as Disability Determination Services (or DDSs). DDSs are completely funded and supported by the federal government and are primarily responsible for developing the initial determination on whether or not the law considers a claimant to be blind or disabled.
When an unfavorable determination is appealed, it could be reviewed and decided on with a DDS instead of having to go through an administrative law judge directly through the SSA.
How The DDS Dissects & Analyzes a Claimant’s Application
Once the DDS dives into a claimant’s application, it highlights the specific conditions listed within the application. More importantly, it highlights any insufficiencies or discrepancies regarding the conditions listed – which explains why the more accurate details you can include, the better. Your Social Security disability lawyer can walk you through the various pieces of the puzzle that need to be in place to pass this stage successfully.
For instance, in addition to the initial determination, the DDS is also responsible for gathering medical evidence. In most cases, the agency will focus on obtaining this information from the medical sources of the claimant. However, if there are not even details provided or unspecified medical conditions that lead to unanswered questions, the DDS will then have to dig a little deeper with what is known as a consultative examination (or “CE”).
What Is Included in a Consultative Examination?
The consultative examination is designed for the DDS to get all the pertinent details and related information that they need to make a decision – especially if the claimant did not provide specific conditions that match up with the SSDI medical listings (or “Blue Book“).
Fortunately, the treating source of the claimant is typically targeted as the primary source for the consultative examination. However, the DDS can go above and beyond to get information from independent sources as well. Trained DDS staff members will then use their findings and the developed medical evidence to finalize their initial disability determination.
Once again, specific conditions will be targeted to align with the “Blue Book,” especially if the claimant did not disclose sufficient details in their application. Your Social Security disability lawyer will more than likely stress the importance of there being no discrepancies or complications with the consultative examination.
Understanding the Value of the SSA “Blue Book”
The Disability Evaluation Under Social Security serves as a primary reference for physicians and licensed healthcare professionals to understand the various disability programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The guide, which is also referred to as the “Blue Book,” provides a solid outline to assist with the accurate determinations, calculations, and overall decisions made on disability claims.
The “Blue Book” comes in handy when the DDS returns the claimant’s case to the SSA field office to take the necessary action based on the initial determination.
- Approved: If the DDS approves the claimant as disabled, then the SSA will calculate the benefit amount and start paying the benefits.
- Denied: If the DDS denies that the claimant is disabled, then the SSA field office will hold onto the file just in case the claimant later decides to file an appeal.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an SSDI Lawyer Today!
It would be in your best interest to reach out to a Social Security disability lawyer right away to discuss the specific details and circumstances of your case. Fortunately, our team at Ascend Disability is ready and willing to assist you and get your questions answered.
Call us at (855) 445-9787 today to schedule a free consultation that will help you get started on the right path with an expert lawyer by your side every step of the way.
