What is the process like for determining medical eligibility according the the SSA’s definition of disability?

After a claim passes a non-medical test, the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) sends the claim to the Disability Determination Services (“DDS”). The DDS is the agency that makes disability determinations at the pre-hearing levels.

Here are the steps to make a pre-hearing determination:

1. DDS will assign an examiner to your file.
2. The examiner will be tasked with evaluating your claim by looking at your medical evidence. He or she will also take into consideration your age, education and work history.
3. The examiner may request that you attend a medical examination.
4. After enough evidence is compiled to adequately evaluate your claim, the examiner will make a decision as to whether or not the facts of your case meet the SSA’s definition of disability.