Aspects of Disability Decision Making: Data and Materials

DISABILITY SERVICE IMPROVEMENT iii,ivImplemented in Boston Region only: August 2006 – May 2008eDIB fullyimplementednationwideQuick DisabilityDecision (QDD)eCat early releases;Case explanationtemplatesFederalExpert UnitVirtual QA SystemFederal reviewingofficerNo reconsiderationALJ Hearing75-day notice of hearing5 day rule to submitevidence before the hearingClose record after ALJ hearingDISABILITY INITIATIVESv, viPilots and phased national implementation: September 2007 – presentiClaim-Online DI reportDisability DirectQDD andCompassionateAllowanceseCat refined androll-out begunElectronic Records Express; Health ITDDS ExtendedService TeamsPilot: reconsiderationreinstatementSenior attorney programVirtual screening units ALJ Hearing –Appeals Council ReviewsNational case processing centers;National Hearing CentersDisability Case ProcessingSystem (under development)Request for Program Consultation(process unification)National roll-out: Virtual quality reviewQuality Review ofunfavorable hearingsiiiIntended to be phased in; prototype still running; Single Decision Maker not in DSI.ivUnder DSI, the eDib project was accelerated, becoming AeDib. This included the creation of the electronic folder and the ability to move workloads around electronically. The Federal Expert Unit (a centralizedconsultant unit of medical and vocational experts) would benefit from this because staff would be able to review and advise on claims from anywhere in the country. Similarly, the virtual qualityreview system was intended to distribute case quality reviews nationwide.vPrototype process still in place. Initiatives displayed reflect enhancements to “normal” case processing.vi5-day rule was intended to require that all medical evidence be submitted to the ALJ at least 5 days before the hearing. In January 2008, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking suspended this and the proposalto close the record.105 Aspects of Disability Decision Making: Data and Materials