What Are Disability Determination Services (DDS)?

Disability Determination Services (DDS) are government-funded state agencies that are responsible for determining whether you qualify as disabled under the law. They are responsible for developing medical evidence to support the decision.

DDS is funded and guided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and specialize in executing the Disability Determination Process.

What Does the Process Look Like?

First, DDS will try to obtain evidence from your own medical sources to get a deeper understanding of your condition, the severity, and the likelihood it will either improve or worsen. If that information is not available, or if more information is needed, DDS will arrange for a constative examination (CE). In a CE, there is more control over what DDS can investigate and where the specific information is found and gathered.

Although a claimant’s treating doctor is preferred for a CE, if your doctor is not willing or able to perform this type of examination, DDS will obtain a CE from an independent source.

Once all information is gathered, a trained DDS professional will make your initial disability determination. If the DDS finds that the claimant is disabled, SSA will begin the payment processing steps to determine the benefits payable on the claim.  If the claimant was found not disabled, the file is kept at SSA until an appeal is filed.

What If They Determine I Do Not Have a Disability?

If your claim is denied, you will have 60 days to file an appeal. The SSA will keep your claim on file, along with all your records and information. If you want to begin the appeals process, you should speak with an attorney. There are dozens of reasons you could be denied, so it is essential to have someone on your side who can analyze your claim and fix the weak points.

Call Today to Learn More About How Disability Determination Services Affects Your Claim

A nationwide SSDI lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve. Jan Dils has fought on behalf of Social Security Disability applicants for many years. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn how DDS plays into your claim for benefits.