Topic
Disability Adjudication
8 published works
Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog
DDS delays are worsening
By Gordon Gates
Disability Determination Services (DDS) are the state agencies that make initial and reconsideration determinations for Social Security disability and SSI claims. That is where the medical records are ordered and…
Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog
Factors not considered at Step 4 of the Sequential Evaluation
By Gordon Gates
Social Security uses a 5-step sequential evaluation to determine disability. Step 4 comprises your ability to perform your past relevant work (PRW), both as actually performed by you, and as generally…
Health Law Prof Blog
The Doctor Will Judge You Now
Blair Thompson (Hofstra University), The Doctor Will Judge You Now, 89 Univ. Cin. L. Rev. 4 (2021):Disability adjudicators within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs often adopt the medical opinions…
Dallas Social Security Law Blog
Can I get disability and how is disability determined?
Prior to applying for disability, two big questions you are likely asking yourself include: Can I get disability? How is disability determined? In this post, we’ll delve into those questions.…
Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog
Vermont DDS helping out Maine DDS
By Gordon Gates
I have written before about the backlog at the Maine Disability Determination Services, particularly at Reconsideration, since initial claims are given priority. Now, some Reconsideration claims are being routed to…
Social Security Disability Lawyer Blog
A Doctor’s Opinion
By Gordon Gates
When Social Security receives your disability claim, it reviews your medical records, and makes a determination on your claim. The SSA rarely obtains your doctor's opinion about your work-related functional limitations. Rather, the SSA…
EvidenceProf Blog
The Efficiency Expert: WDNY Opinion Reveals Circuit Split Over Vocational Expert Testimony In Disability Adjudications
By Colin Miller
It is well established that the Federal Rules of Evidence do not apply to disability adjudications. That said, as with other proceedings in which the Rules do not apply, they remain relevant. Therefore, in…
Legal Profession Blog
Disability Or Disciplinary?
An Oklahoma lawyer who was charged with ethics violations in a series of matters admitted that he was addicted to methamphetamine. The Oklahoma Bar Association brought disciplinary, but not disability…