Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Continuing Disability Reviews

After a Claimant has been approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SS)), the Social Security Administration (SSA) will periodically review the Claimant’s case for continued eligibility. This review is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

How often a case is reviewed varies. The SSA sets a date for performing the next review. Most dates are based on the expectation of recovery and are set for three (3) or seven (7) years, but they can be sooner:

• If medical improvement is expected, a case will normally be reviewed within six (6) to eighteen (18) months;
• If medical improvement is possible, a case will normally be reviewed in no sooner than three (3) years;
• If medical improvement is not expected, a case will normally be reviewed in no sooner than seven (7) years.

The CDR is a medical review. SSA decides if the impairments have improved to the point that the Claimant is able to return to work. The evidence SSA uses for the CDR is similar to that required for the initial claim.

SSA will send forms to the Claimant to learn about his/her current condition and list all the places where medical treatment has been received. SSA will also obtain copies of all recent medical records. The SSA may schedule a Consultative Exam.

If the Claimant’s condition has not improved, then the Social Security benefits will continue. If the Claimant’s condition has improved, the SSA will look to see if the impairments meet current disability requirements, but the SSA will most likely deny further benefits.

If the Claimant’s receives notice that his/her benefits are being terminated, the Claimant is entitled to an interview with the person making the final decision. If benefits are still terminated, the Claimant can appeal the decision to an Administrative Law Judge.  For recent local hearing statistics, click here.

If you need more information about a Social Security Disability/SSI, personal injury, EEOICPA, long or short-term disability, VA disability, Railroad Retirement Board disability, or a workers compensation matter, please contact the Law Offices of Tony Farmer and John Dreiser for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at (865) 584-1211 or (800) 806-4611 or through our website. Our office handles claims throughout East Tennessee, including Knoxville, Chattanooga, Kingsport, Bristol, Johnson City, Morristown, Maryville, Rogersville, Dandridge, Tazewell, New Tazewell, Jefferson City, Strawberry Plains, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Loudon, Kingston, Halls, Maynardville, Crossville, Cookeville, Jamestown, Sweetwater, Lenoir City, Athens, Oak Ridge, Clinton, LaFollette, Lake City, Jacksboro, Bean Station, Cosby, Newport, White Pine, Mosheim, Wartburg, Sunbright, Pigeon Forge, Greeneville, Harriman, Dayton, Spring City, and Deer Lodge.