Proposed SSA Ruling Will Allow for Quick Decisions on Severe Disability Cases

 

I have been watching, with interest, the progress of a proposal being considered by the Social Security Administration that would streamline efficiencies in processing severe disability claims. If the proposal gets accepted as a new ruling, we will see a faster approval turnaround for people who have very severe impairments.

Right now we have a two-level process for cases that qualify for Compassionate Allowance. These cases, even though they clearly meet SSA’s criteria for disability, must be reviewed by an examiner from DDS (Disability Determination Services) as well as a doctor before the approval is finalized. SSA is considering eliminating the requirement that a medical professional review the case. This would make the DDS examiner the sole decision-maker for these types of cases.

I think this quick-decision proposal makes perfect sense. For one, the claimant will not have to wade through the bureaucracy of a two-level review. It’s a much more expeditious process that cuts days off waiting for benefits. That’s a positive for the claimant. Secondly, it frees up time for medical professionals to focus on more complex cases that require their in-depth review and opinion.  I believe this is a much more efficient alignment of SSA resources.

I am hopeful that the quick-decision proposal gets approved. It may take several months before we know the outcome. If it does make it as an SSA ruling, in my opinion, we could see an overall improvement to decision-making processing times on disability claims.