DISABILITY BENEFIT RECOVERY

The Disability Determination Service (DDS) is located in Birmingham, AL.  This is a state run agency contracted by Social Security to examine disability claims and make the initial decision as to whether a claimant meets the rules for disability benefits.  Here are some of the things DDS typically does with a new claim: Order records from doctors and other medical providers Analyze medical records to determine what conditions/impairments you have Schedule any medical exams that they feel you need Obtain your past work history and classify your past relevant jobs Determine what your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is Decide whether you are eligible for benefits under Social Security rules Deny a majority of claims that they review (About two-thirds of all claims) Here is why DDS will usually deny a disability claim at the first step: DDS will usually find other work you are capable of doing, even if it is not your past relevant work. DDS will nearly always assign