Specifications include, but are not limited to: The review process for Social Security disability claims is an iterative process in which disability examiners send cases to medical consultants and advisors for review of all claim evidence and review/completion of severity assessments. All cases with a speech and/or language allegation or impairment must be reviewed by a medical consultant or advisor. These assessments are used to drive the final determination on each disability claim. SLPs will review computerized and/or paper claims and provide advice as to the severity of the impairment or if additional medical evidence or activities of daily living information is needed in order to make a decision. They may be required to advise as to the appropriate testing needed for a claimant. They will complete a 416-Medical Advisor form for both adult and child claims, and/or Case Analysis forms with signature. Evaluations will be consistent with the guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration. The chosen vendor may be required to provide training with regard to evaluation of speech and language claims per SSA program policies and may also be required to process out of state claims. In the past 3 federal fiscal years (2019, 2020 and 2021) DDB has closed up to 92,577 claims. DDB has hired a significant number of new Disability Claims Adjudicators in order to address anticipated increases in workloads.
