From
EM-14034, released by the Social Security Administration yesterday:
This is to alert all operational components that
Systems will perform a one-time data match. The purpose of this data
match is to identify, flag, and message all pending SSA disability
claims filed by Veterans who possess a VA compensation rating of 100%
P&T as of February 28, 2014.
B. Background
On March 17, 2014, SSA implemented a new policy to
expedite disability claims of all Veterans rated 100% P&T [Permanent & Total[ by the VA,
who subsequently filed for SSA disability benefits (see EM-14013).
To receive expedited processing, these Veterans must self-identify and provide verification of their VA rating of 100% P&T.
On May 2, 2014, the VA signed an agreement with SSA
to provide a one-time data match file to allow SSA to identify and flag
for expedited processing all Veterans rated 100% P&T as of February
28, 2014 with a disability claim pending with SSA at all levels of
adjudication. This is part of the ACOSS initiative to treat 100% P&T
Veterans’ applications as high priority and issue expedited decisions. ...
E. DDS [Disability Determination Services] actions
Upon receipt of Systems alert, the DDS should follow the terminal illness (TERI) case procedures in DI 23020.045. Do not designate these cases as TERI unless they meet the TERI criteria (i.e., there is evidence of a terminal illness). ...
G. ODAR 0Office of Disability Adjudication and Review] actions
Upon receipt of Systems alert, ODAR offices should follow the critical case procedures in HALLEX 1-3-1-51. ...
I don't understand the DDS instructions. They seem self-contradictory.
Basically, a veteran deemed 100% disabled by the VA will receive faster processing of a SSA disability claim.
ReplyDeleteHowever, since the two programs utilize different standards, there is not necessarily any increased likelihood of success with SSA.
They get the same treatment as TERI cases at DDS, but shouldn't be marked as TERI, since they aren't TERI.
ReplyDeleteEssentially what the DDS instructions amount to is this - management must check on the progress of each 100% P&T veteran's claim every 10 days until they close the case.
ReplyDeleteThe link for ODAR HALLEX 1-3-1-51 does not work and we cannot find it anywhere else online. Is there another reference?
ReplyDelete