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Social Security Disability

EVALUATION

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    Disability Determination Services (DDS)

    Disability Determination Services (DDS) purpose is to make decisions on disability eligibility for the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    Disability Determination Services (commonly referred to as DDS) is a state agency funded by the United States Federal Government. Their purpose is to make decisions on disability eligibility for the Social Security Administration (SSA).

    DDS is the state agency responsible for examining claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These claims are administered by the Social Security Administration; however, they are sent to the state DDS office for the disability to be assessed. DDS will assign each claim to one of their examiners. The DDS examiner will request the medical records from the sources listed in the claimant’s SSDI or SSI application. If the examiner feels that the medical records are not recent, or if the medical records do not address all the symptoms listed on the application, then DDS might send the claimant to one or more physicians (Often from a pool of physicians, contracted by DDS) for a medical evaluation. The DDS will pay for these medical visits. If the claimant clearly has a disability that is listed in the official List of Impairments, then the application might be approved fairly quickly. However, most disabilities require further investigation work. The DDS will fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. And will make a decision on the claimant’s ability to work. After thoroughly reviewing the application, medical records, and RFC forms, the DDS examiner will either approve or deny the disability claim and then return the results back to the Social Security Administration for final processing.

    The DDS is used to evaluate the disability for all SSDI and SSI initial applications and reconsideration appeals. For judicial hearing appeals, the DDS does not make the decision on disability; instead, this decision is made by a Social Security administrative law judge.

    If you wish to follow up on the status of your SSDI or SSI application or reconsideration appeal, you can contact DDS and ask to speak with the examiner assigned to your case. If you are unsure which DDS office is handling your case, you can contact your local Social Security Office and ask.

    Schedule a Free Consultation

    For experienced legal representation and an aggressive pursuit of your SSDI or SSI claims, contact Jorgensen Law with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles or Riverside, California. For assistance, schedule a free consultation at our office by calling 1-888-855-2948.

    Below is a list of DDS offices in California:

    DDS Covina Branch
    P.O. Box 6118
    Covina, CA 91722-6118
    Professional Relations Officer
    626-732-8100

    DDS Central Valley Branch
    P.O. Box 28931
    Fresno, CA 93729-9835
    Professional Relations Officer
    559-440-5000

    DDS Sierra Branch
    P.O. Box 28937
    Fresno, CA 93720-8937
    Professional Relations Officer
    559-440-5200

    DDS Los Angeles North Branch
    P.O. Box 54800
    Los Angeles, CA 90054-0800
    Professional Relations Officer
    213-736-7000

    DDS Los Angeles West Branch
    P.O. Box 60999
    Los Angeles, CA 90060-0999
    Professional Relations Officer
    213-736-7500

    DDS Oakland Branch
    P.O. Box 24225
    Oakland, CA 94623-1225
    Professional Relations Officer
    510-622-3506

    DDS Roseville Branch
    P.O. Box 619020
    Roseville, CA 95678-9861
    Professional Relations Officer
    916-774-4100

    DDS Sacramento Branch
    P.O. Box 997120
    Sacramento, CA 95899-7120
    Professional Relations Officer
    916-263-5000

    DDS La Jolla Branch
    P.O. Box 85501
    San Diego, CA 92186-5501
    Professional Relations Officer
    619-278-4550

    DDS San Diego Branch
    P.O. Box 85326
    San Diego, CA 92186-5326
    Professional Relations Officer
    619-278-4300