The Social Security Administration has released its Caseload Analysis Report for its hearing functions. It shows a declining number of ALJs and an increasing backlog despite throwing a ton of overtime at the problem.
This is impressive. Did you leave out the part with production being at all time highs? DA is where you want to be. Great division with great talent. We make the field offices look like amateur hour.
DA hides its failures behind the low frequency of AC appeals and even lower frequency of appeals to court. The field offices seem to get their work done correctly a lot more reliably when this illusion is unmasked. Anyone shaming the field offices while praising DA is a windbag not worth paying even a moment’s attention.
“ We make the field offices look like amateur hour” - this sums it up, folks. This is how every division sees each other and even how divisions see themselves from within. I can’t, but I wish someone could succinctly put into words what a cluster f@$k this entire agency has become.
What's worse is that the Appeals Council doesn't help matters any by denying 83% of all appeal cases and then Federal District Court has to remand over 60% cases they receive back to the ALJ. This increases the ALJ caseload exponentially.
Over 60%? Try over 80% and climbing. I can’t remember the last time a decision wasn’t reversed in my district. Anyone who doesn’t take their clients to court nowadays is leaving big money on the table and doing a disservice to the claimants.
This is impressive. Did you leave out the part with production being at all time highs? DA is where you want to be. Great division with great talent. We make the field offices look like amateur hour.
ReplyDeleteAnd you left out the part about quality being in the toilet swirling alongside morale.
DeleteIs quality a priority? Management is laser focused on clearances.
DeleteWe at DA do the best that we can, but so do the field offices. We're all one mission, and everybody is coping with deteriorating circumstances.
DeleteDA hides its failures behind the low frequency of AC appeals and even lower frequency of appeals to court. The field offices seem to get their work done correctly a lot more reliably when this illusion is unmasked. Anyone shaming the field offices while praising DA is a windbag not worth paying even a moment’s attention.
DeleteProductivity has just returned to where it used to be year in/year out. . No “record highs.”
Delete“ We make the field offices look like amateur hour” - this sums it up, folks. This is how every division sees each other and even how divisions see themselves from within. I can’t, but I wish someone could succinctly put into words what a cluster f@$k this entire agency has become.
DeleteIncreasing overtime is not a long term solution. More staff and less pretzels. 🥨
ReplyDeleteOMG pretzels should me a topic of the day! More questions should be asked!
DeleteDon’t forget your loyalty pledge! Your pretzels are on their way through pigeon express.
DeleteWhat's worse is that the Appeals Council doesn't help matters any by denying 83% of all appeal cases and then Federal District Court has to remand over 60% cases they receive back to the ALJ. This increases the ALJ caseload exponentially.
ReplyDeleteOver 60%? Try over 80% and climbing. I can’t remember the last time a decision wasn’t reversed in my district. Anyone who doesn’t take their clients to court nowadays is leaving big money on the table and doing a disservice to the claimants.
Delete