Social Security Extends Tests

Social Security has extended testing on using Single Decisionmakers (SDM) in making initial determinations and in eliminating reconsideration. From today's Federal Register:

Current regulations at 20 CFR 404.906 and 416.1406 authorize us to test, individually, or in any combination, different modifications to thedisability determination procedures. We have conducted several tests under the authority of these rules, including a prototype that incorporates a number of modifications to the disability determination procedures that the DDSs use. The prototype included three redesign features, and we previously extended the tests of two of those features: the use of a single decisionmaker, in which a disability examiner may make the initial disability determination in most cases without requiring the signature of a medical consultant; and elimination of the reconsideration level of review. We are extending the testing of the two redesign features of the disability prototype.

We also have conducted another test involving the use of a single decisionmaker who may make the initial disability determination in most cases without requiring the signature of a medical consultant. We are extending the period during which we will select cases to be included in this test of the single decisionmaker feature in the following DDSs: West Virginia, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Kansas, Nevada, Guam, and Washington. We are not extending this test in the Maine and Vermont DDSs due to the publication of the final rule change to 20 CFR 404.1527(f)(1). The rule change goes into effect on August 1, 2006 in the Boston Region only.

Electronic Records Express

I received the following e-mail message today from SSA:

In conducting a blog search on the web, I noticed that you initiated one on our new Electronic Records Express initiative. As the lead for marketing on this initiative, I wanted to let you know that the Electronic Records Express website is up now, the website is www.socialsecurity.gov/ere. I thought you might want to update the blog with this information. If you need any additional information please contact me.

Thank you for your support.

Maria Artista-Cuchna

Social Insurance Specialist

Social Security Administration

Phone (410) 966-0439

Fax (410) 966-4871

New Ruling On Opinions From "Not Acceptable" Sources

Today's Federal Register contains Social Security Ruling 06-03p, concerning opinion evidence from what Social Security terms "not acceptable" medical sources, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, licensed clinical social workers, naturopaths, chiropractors, audiologists, therapists and teachers, used in determining disability. The Ruling indicates that opinions from such sources can be valuable evidence, which might outweigh the opinion of an "acceptable" medical source in certain circumstances. This Ruling may be especially useful in disability claims where the claimant has been seeing primarily a nurse practicioner, physician assistant or mental health therapist.

New Regulations On SSI Income And Resources

The Social Security Administration has amended its regulations on SSI income and resources based upon the Social Security Protection Act of 2004. The changes are non-controversial.

Forthcoming Ruling Alert

Social Security has filed a new ruling to be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, which might be significant. The text is not yet available. Here is the description from the Office of Federal Register.

Social security rulings and acquiescence rulings:

Disability claims; consideration of opinions and other evidence from non-acceptable medical sources

New FEDRO Job Announcement

Social Security has posted a new job announcement for Federal Reviewing Officers (FEDROs). The announcement indicates only that there are "many vacancies."

Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty To Social Security Fraud

The Daily Iberian reports that Louis Wilkerson of New Iberia, LA pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud for failing to report that he was working while drawing Social Security disability benefits.

International Update

Social Security's Office of Policy has published its International Update for July, 2006. The Update gives information about Social Security developments in other countries.