The 5 Principles in a Disability Claims Evaluation

The increasing number of reading materials about the disability claims offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) has encouraged many disabled people to apply for such benefits. However, the SSA has a strict set of requirements for those who want to be eligible to receive disability claims. That is why it is strongly recommended for applicants to undergo a disability claims evaluation.

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is an agency that takes care of disability claims evaluation. The DDS follows 5 vital principles when conducting a disability claims evaluation.


• Medical criteria – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a long list of disabilities that are considered “valid”. The disability suffered by the applicant should be included in the list to be qualified. In some cases, certain conditions that are similar to disabilities included in the list may also be considered.


• Medical and/or psychological evidence – Of course, just a single medical diagnosis is not enough to prove a disability. The DDS always asks several medical specialists regarding the applicant’s condition.


• Vocational criteria – In case the disability of the applicant is not included on the list, vocational criteria may be used. The DDS will assess the applicant’s capacity to perform his past work and other related types of work. If he can perform at least one type of work, he may not be qualified to receive disability benefits.

• Consultative evaluation – If the DDS finds it difficult to make a final decision, a consultative evaluation may be requested from other treatment sources. Usually, the applicant’s medical specialist will be the one who will conduct such examination depending on certain factors.

• Continuing disability review – Once a disability applicant has been approved to receive claims, it does not end there. The applicant will continue to undergo regular checkups and examinations to determine if he is still fit to receive disability claims.

The DDS ensures that it makes fair and accurate decisions whether an applicant can be eligible to receive disability claims. If you are planning to apply for disability benefits, you should make sure that you have all the necessary documents and files to prove your disability. Once you approach the DDS for a disability claims evaluation, it is up to them to decide whether you will be qualified or not.

If you have been approved, you will start receiving benefits a short while after you have been deemed eligible. However, if you were not successful in your disability claims application, you may try private and insurance companies that offer similar benefits.