Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Course Topics Introduction & Statistics Choose the topic you wish to review by clicking the star next to the topic listing. Initial Application Role of a Case Manager Action Steps Review Past Denials Medical Records Employment Evaluation Education Evaluation Activity Assignment Work Readiness Evaluation Information for this overview was gathered from internal CW Solutions resources as well as the following external sources: • Bob Hunt, Section Chief for State of Wisconsin DDB • www. ssa. gov • W-2 T Workgroup (DWS/DWD workgroup) • DWS, DWD, BPS Training Unit Resources “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Introduction Individuals who believe that they are disabled may qualify for a disability program. Both adults and children can qualify for disability. This overview focuses on Adult disability programs because they are the primary target population for most case management (Employment & Training) programs. Eligibility for most disability programs occurs through the Disability Determination Bureau through the Social Security Administration. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Disability Determination Bureau The DDB is a state agency within the Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Health Care Financing. The DDB’s role is to determine medical eligibility for disability programs. Trained examiners and in-house medical consultants render the disability decisions (medical doctors, psychologists, etc. ) The medical rules applied to a disability determination are defined by Social Security Regulations. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Definition of an Adult Disability All three of the following elements must be present in order for an applicant to be approved for disability. 1. A person is unable to engage in full-time work activity, 2. Due to a mental or physical impairment that is medically determined, 3. Which has lasted or is expected to last 12 continuous months, or is expected to result in death. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) vs. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSDI SSI • Eligibility is earned through working • Is needs-based, no prior employment earnings needed • No benefits during a five-month waiting period • Presumptive disability possible • Medicare available after 24 months of payments • Medicaid eligibility effective same month as first benefit. • Children and Adults may be eligible “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Application Levels There a number of levels in the application process: « Initial Application Request (takes between 3 – 5 months for decision to be issued, average is 85 days). « Reconsideration – a paper review of denial that includes any new information submitted by the applicant. « Hearing – a review by an Administrative Law Judge. « Appeals Council Review – a paper review of case. « District Court Case – requires legal representation, case is heard in court. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Introduction & Statistics Application Statistics The DDB completes more than 70, 000 claims a year. Nationally, the following percentage of the applications are approved: « 37. 0% of initial applications « 3. 2% at reconsideration « 11. 8% at the Office of Hearings and Appeals « 0. 1% at the Appeal Council Overall, 52. 1% of applications are allowed. End of Topic – Click “MENU” to select a new topic. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Disability Evaluation Steps « Is the person working & earning $830 or more per month? « Is there an impairment that limits the ability to work? « Does impairment meet/equal a Disability Listing? « Can person do his/her usual job full time? « Can person do a less demanding job on a full-time basis? “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application When the DDB receives a new application claim, it completes a three-tiered evaluation process prior to any potential denial. « Expedited Evaluation - When the DDB is made aware of a terminal illness, dire need, or possible “presumptive” disability it expedites the application processing. « Impairment Evaluation - If not expedited, it evaluates if the claimant meets a defined Severe Impairment which automatically qualifies the applicant for disability. « Residual Functional Capacity – if a claimant does not meet an Impairment, then a functional capacity evaluation is completed which determines what work functions the person can still do considering the restrictions caused by the medical conditions. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Expedited Evaluations « Initial applications are “screened” for probability of approval. The more information provided at application, the more likely a quick determination is made. « Age is a significant consideration. Applicants under age 50 have a more difficult time being determined disabled. « Education is also a major consideration. If an applicant has a HSD or greater, it decreases the possibility of a disability determination. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Presumptive Eligibility for SSI Preliminary eligibility can be made for some SSI applications if the following is met: It is clear in the claim that the applicant is very likely to be found “disabled”. Presumptive SSI eligibility is not a common occurrence. It is especially difficult to determine for mental impairment claims. If approved, the claimant can receive up to 6 months of cash benefits and medical coverage. The claimant does not have to pay back any benefits if the final decision is a denial of disability eligibility. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Steps to Initial Claims Filing The SSA Website provides a wonderful array of resources to assist an applicant with the process before even filing the initial claim. General Disability Information www. ssa. gov/disability Disability Starter Kit http: //www. ssa. gov/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng. htm “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Steps to Initial Claims Filing 1. Form completion (forms can be done on-line, telephone, or through the mail) « http: //www. ssa. gov/applyfordisability/adult. htm « « Describe the medical conditions List treatment sources and addresses Describe past work requirements Describe day-to-day activities and how the medical conditions have changed individual’s ability to function (describe on the “Functional” form) 2. Sign consent form authorizing release of medical records and information from the necessary providers. 3. Interview by local SSA office (in person or over the phone) “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Initial Application Steps to Initial Claims Filing 4. Submission of medical and related evidence to the SSA office. 5. If necessary, complete appointment with a DDB-referred medical provider for an additional evaluation. 6. Receive determination 2 – 6 months from application submission date. 7. The denied applicant has 30 days to file a Reconsideration. Additional information can be submitted to support the claim. 8. If the reconsideration is denied, then a Hearing can be requested. It can take up to a year to have a hearing held before a hearing officer. End of Topic – Click “MENU” to select a new topic. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Role of a Case Manager What can a Case Manager do to help? « A CM can hold as much credibility as a medical provider in the determination process. « A CM is viewed as an employment expert and has first-hand knowledge about the impact of the claimed disability on both employment and personal care. « DDB utilizes a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to evaluation the participant but the VR counselor only completes a paper review, comparing claimed limitations to prescribed functional lists of jobs. A CM can provide specific individual information about the labor market and its demands comparative to the participant’s abilities or lack of abilities. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Role of a Case Manager How does a CM do this? « A CM can track over a period of time the applicant’s ability to do activity in a work training program. « A CM can assist the applicant with work history and education level information. « A CM can assign activities that help measure an applicant’s ability or inability to sustain employment. « A CM can track the ebb and flow of the disability over a length of time, providing a better picture of the disability than a single medical review evaluation. « A CM can become an Authorized Representative to facilitate information processing. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Role of a Case Manager WHY be an Authorized Representative? «The AR receives a copy of all correspondence between DDB and the claimant. «The AR will know what information is being requested. «The AR will know when appointments and exams are scheduled. «The AR can discuss the case with the DDB representative. «There can be more than one AR – with one being the main representative. So, a legal representative may be the main representative while the employment & training worker can be a secondary AR. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Role of a Case Manager HOW to be an Authorized Representative? «Discuss option with the customer. Explain it only allows you to be included on the communications with the DDB. «The customer must complete and sign the SSA-1696 form and turn it in to the Social Security office. End of Topic – Click “MENU” to select a new topic. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Action Steps A worker needs to develop a plan of action on how to approach the disability advocacy and what steps need to occur in the process. Each case is different and customers come in at different stages in the process be the following steps are universal in need and effectiveness. Depending on the stage of the application, some may already be completed. Key actions include: « Review of past denial letters « Review of current medical records « Employment & Education History evaluation « Consolidate identified barriers into single chart « Assign activity that evaluates employment sustainability « Compose summary report for DDB “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Past Denial Review any past denial letters to identify why it was denied such as: « Disability determined not severe – but current evidence suggests it is or it has worsened. « Disability not expected to last more than 12 months – but has now lasted more than 12 months. « Is able to do work in a different field – but retraining is not an option. « Only one issue evaluated - but there are multiple issues that combined together creates a debilitating situation. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Review current medical records for the following: « Are they supported by concrete medical evidence? If not, they may not hold significant weight by DDB. « Is each medical provider aware of other conditions or treatments? « Are the obvious issues described in the documentation or treatment notes? « Does a functional capacity evaluation need to be scheduled to fill in the “blanks” in the current medical records? “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records SSA’s Listing of Impairments The SSA utilizes a listing of conditions (impairments) which represent severe impairments that met the threshold for disability. This listing is accessible on the Internet at: http: //www. ssa. gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Example Impairment: Mental Disorder Part A « Diagnosis confirmed « Objective findings « Severe Disorder that causes significant impairment « Is documented by mental status findings &/or psychological tests Part B Two of four areas must be met: « Marked restrictions in daily activities « Marked social problems « Concentration problems, failure to complete tasks « Repeated decompensation under stress “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Residual Functional Capacity If an impairment is not met, the next step is to complete a functional evaluation. A functional evaluation determines what work functions the person can still do considering the restrictions caused by the medical conditions. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Functional Capacity – for Physical Work The following elements are evaluated when determining a person’s physical capacity to work: «Exertion Capacity - sedentary, light, medium, or heavy. «Ability to stand, walk, sit, lift, carry, handle, reach, crawl, see, hear, communicate. «Endurance for a 40 hour work week. «Ability to perform work functions without frequent rest breaks. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Functional Capacity – for Mental Work The following elements are evaluated when determining a person’s mental capacity to work: «Ability to understand, remember, and follow simple directions independently. «Ability to respond appropriately to supervisor, coworkers, and usual work situations. «Ability to cope with routine changes or stresses in the work setting. «Ability to concentrate and complete tasks in a timely manner. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records What the DDB Collects for Evidence Needed: Evidence is anything the disability applicant or anyone else says about the applicant’s condition (medical evidence) and how it affects the applicant’s ability to function (non-medical evidence). Evidence includes: « History of the condition/illness. « Medical signs, symptoms, test findings that document ALL physical and mental problems alleged by the applicant. « Copies of testing/assessments (e. g. , any done by the W-2 agency). « Medication side effects. « Information about the onset of the impairment, and current status. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Obtaining evidence by DDB: «The examiner writes to all relevant medical treating sources for copies of their medical records. «Questionnaires are sent to selected medical providers and professional contacts. «Other knowledgeable third parties are contacted to complete a functional form or to provide information over the telephone. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Treating Doctor’s Opinion «Substantial weight is given to opinions of treating doctors because they see the patient over time. «When determining the applicant’s ability to function, DDB must adopt the treating doctor’s opinion on this IF it is supported by the medical findings and consistent with other evidence. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Consultative Examinations « DDB always obtains existing medical records first (and gives such evidence the most weight). « If these records aren’t detailed enough for a decision, then DDB may purchase an exam. « In the end, the disability examiner needs sufficient objective medical findings to: « support the diagnosis, and « determine the level of functioning. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Non-Medical Evidence: In addition to medical evidence, DDB considers the following non-medical evidence in the decision process: «Applicant’s own statements , «Professional Contacts (including Case Managers, Social Workers, etc. ), «Statements from family, friends, employers, etc. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Other Evidence: Pain (and other symptoms) must be considered in disability determination. Make sure the extent of any pain is fully described. Credibility comes into play when there are conflicts in the evidence. Be sure to share information from other sources in support of the applicant’s allegations. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Current Medical Records Claims Filing Process - Evidence Things that complicate the determination: Disability examiners do not see the applicant in person (so need to be informed about any unusual circumstances). Not all limitations are identified. Individual limitations may not be severe, but a combination of limitations may warrant disability. Doctors may not include everything in their treatment notes because: « Treatment notes are kept for their own purpose, not to meet DDB’s needs. « Current notes state current complaints but may not include old findings « Obvious limitations are not always stated in the notes. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Employment Evaluation Review all prior work history. DDB generally only has access to employment dates and wages so details are helpful and eliminates guess work by DDB and their vocational specialist. « Identify the length of the employment. « Identify the starting and ending wages. « Describe duties and skills used or developed on the job. « Describe difficulties on job caused by disability or why it would be difficult now that the disability has manifested. « Determine if it would help to get statements from co-workers or the supervisor. « Evaluate if customer could return to that type of work with accommodations. Utilize JAN resources @ www. jan. wvu. edu “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Education Evaluation It is important to determine the education and training background as well as how it impacts future learning. « Identify highest education level of customer (such as HSD, GED, AA, etc. ) « Evaluate any prior training experiences including on-the-job training and short-term courses. « Consider current disability and medications being taken – do they affect the customer’s ability to learn or retain information? “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Multiple Barrier Consideration Individually, some medical issues may not meet the disability threshold, but in combination with others can meet the disability definition. Therefore, make a consolidated barrier document in order to help answer the following: « What impact does the combination of barriers have on the customer’s ability to work? « Do the barriers, as a whole, indicate they meet the disability threshold? « Are the treatment plans by different providers taking into account all issues and treatments? “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Activity Assignments So, what are you doing in the program to help evaluation the customer’s employment viability? Do not let a customer dangle in advocacy status without ENGAGEMENT. Things to do include: « Test basic work skills such as organization, follow through, and task retention through simple assignments. « Track productive vs. non-productive days the customer has. « Complete occupation aptitude and interest assessments that may be viable with the customer’s disability. « Evaluate ability to complete retraining activities and/or actually attempt retraining activities. « Provide simulated or accommodated work experience activities. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Work Readiness Report A summary report such as a work readiness determination document should be submitted to the DDB by the case manger. It should include: « Brief description of the program the customer is in. « Details on the past work and education history. « Description of the disabilities with length an treatment. « Description of program assignments along with successes and failures of the customer with those assignments. « Conclusion by the program regarding the customer’s viability for sustained employment for local labor market. This type of document often provides enough information to expedite the decision early in the application process. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Additional Steps Other actions to consider: « Coordinate family members to attend key medical exam appointments to share their experiences about the customer. « Attend key medical exam appointments, especially DDBscheduled appointments to provide information to examiner. « Make sure all involved medical providers know about each other and the corresponding plans. « Consider coordinating a joint meeting with medical and service providers to discuss overall treatment plans for customer. « Send new and developing information to the DDB representative as it is gathered. End of Topic – Click “MENU” to select a new topic. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Resources Contacting the Examiner The applicant (or authorized representative) will receive the letter with the examiner’s name and phone number as soon as the application is assigned. Call DDB’s main number (608 -266 -1565), but realize that confidential information can only be shared with Authorized Reps. (Applicants may call 1 -800 -4231938, toll free. ) “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
Disability Advocacy for E&T Workers Resources General Contact Information Social Security Administration: 1 -800 -772 -1213 SSA website: www. ssa. gov Disability/SSI Information: http: //www. ssa. gov/d&s 1. htm Disability Starter Kit: http: //www. ssa. gov/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng. htm DHFS/DDB website: www. dhfs. state. wi. us/ddb/index. htm DDB contact (a receptionist will direct your call): 608 -266 -1565 or 800 -423 -1938 (toll free for applicants) End of Topic – Click “MENU” to select a new topic. “Because Successful Change Happens from Within!”
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