DEALING WITH THE DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICE (DDS)

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 the DDS will usually deny your disability application (first step):

  1. DDS will decide that there is other work you are able to sustain, even if you cannot do any of your past relevant work.  (Step 5 Denial).
  2. DDS will nearly always assign a residual functional capacity that is unreasonable based on your medical records but which allows for some work, thus justifying a denial.
  3. DDS will always allow more weight for the opinion of their own medical consultant than for the opinion of your treating doctor(s)--even though this directly contradicts federal regulations and Social Security's rules. 
  4. DDS decisions are generally made by individuals who have never seen or examined the claimant.
    A key idea that we try to communicate here at the Forsythe Firm is:  A denial by the DDS is not the end of the claims process, it is just the beginning.  We hope for the best but prepare for the worse, realizing that DDS is a denial machine, churning out denials to even well qualified claimants in wholesale numbers.  That's what we're here for.  Contact us as soon as you are denied and we will begin an immediate appeal to the next level, helping to preserve your rights, obtain an approval of your claim and collect the back pay you deserve.

    There is no fee for any service we provide unless you win your claim and collect back payments dating back to the date you first became disabled (your alleged onset date or amended onset date).  We are LOCAL Social Security disability advocates, located across from the Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.  Call us locally at (256) 799-0297 or visit www.ForsytheFirm.com 








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