The Social Security Disability claims process is governed by a complex set of regulations. Sometimes, changes are made to these rules. Some such changes took effect last week.
The changes regard rules on what weight disability officials are to give certain types of evidence when considering a person’s application for SSD benefits.
One of the types of evidence the changes touch on is disability determinations by other government agencies. Previously, added weight was to be given to these determinations when considering an SSD claim. Under the changes, this is now no longer the case.
The changes also touch on how officials consider reports from a person’s treating physician in SSD cases. Previously, such reports were to be given special weight under the “treating-physician rule.” The changes have eliminated this rule.
There is debate and uncertainty on what effects these changes will end up having. Some worry that the changes could make it harder for disabled individuals to prove that they have eligibility for SSD benefits.
When facing any sort of difficulties related to an SSD claim they filed, including challenges connected to rule changes, how a person responds can have major ramifications. It can impact what ends up happening with their claim, which could affect their financial well-being and how well they are able to cope with the challenges their disability poses in their life. Given the potential for difficult and complex issues to come up in relation to SSD claims, an individual with a disability may want to promptly reach out for a skilled SSD lawyer’s guidance when pursuing such a claim.
Source: Fox 59, “New rules go into effect for Social Security disability claims,” Nick McGill, March 27, 2017