Understanding the Role of Disability Determination Services (DDS)?

Before you can obtain either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will need to be evaluated by Disability Determination Services (DDS). This office is a critical part of the process, but many people do not understand what they are or what role they serve. So what is DDS, and why are they so important to applying for Social Security disability benefits?

The Role of DDS

Disability Determination Services is a state-run agency found in every state, which has the job of evaluating applicants for SSDI and SSI benefits to determine if they are actually disabled. Their medical examiners will put applicants through an extensive examination process, including an interview, to determine the nature and extent of any medical conditions they are dealing with. Anyone who fails to successfully complete their DDS examination will not be able to get disability benefits, regardless of how well they have done getting through the rest of the application process.

Going to the DDS Examination

In order to get a DDS examination, you need to go to a DDS office with special independent medical examiners employed for that exact purpose. The examiner will take a thorough account of your medical history, and examine your symptoms to compare to something known as the Blue Book. This Blue Book contains a list of all recognized medical conditions as understood by the modern scientific community, and if your symptoms match one of the conditions in the book, there is a reasonable chance your application will be approved. However, even if your condition does not match a Blue Book disorder, you may still be approved for benefits if your condition is sufficiently severe to impair your ability to function in day-to-day life.

Why DDS is Considered Necessary

Some people may wonder why you need to go to a DDS office for this examination instead of simply relying on the evaluation of your own doctor. The answer for this is simple: doctors who regularly treat specific patients cannot be trusted to make impartial evaluations about that patient’s disability status. Aside from the risk of potential corrupt dealing behind the scenes, people’s personal doctors are too involved with them to treat them correctly.

Why It Should Matter to You

If you are suffering from a chronic medical condition, whether physical or psychological, and you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to go through a DDS evaluation. That means you need to be ready to go through their rigorous examination process. In order to maximize your chances of getting SSDI or SSI benefits, you should consult a lawyer with experience handling disability claims, who can help you get through every step of the process.

If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.