The DDS will make a decision whether your disability qualifies for disability benefits.
A Medical Vocational Allowance, or Med-Voc, is a term used by Disability Determination Services (DDS) when approving a disability claim that does not match a disability in the official Listing of Impairments.
When you submit an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to the Social Security Administration, your claim is actually sent to a state government agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS will make a decision whether your disability qualifies for disability benefits.
Consultative Exam
DDS will request your medical records from the sources you listed on your application. After receiving your medical records, DDS will evaluate them and if your medical records are incomplete or not recent enough, or if they do not address all of the symptoms that you listed on your disability application, then you might be sent for a Consultative Exam (CE). CE exams are performed by DDS contracted doctors and their only purpose is to provide the DDS with a recent medical record. Once the DDS examiner has all of your updated medical records, he/she will look up your condition in the listing of impairments (often referred to as the “Blue Book”). This blue book lists many disabilities and also the symptoms that you must have in order to be considered disabled and eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits. If your disability is listed in the book and it is clear from your medical records that you have all the required symptoms, then you will probably be approved for disability benefits. However, if you have a disability that is not listed in the blue book, or if the disability is listed but you do not show signs of all the required symptoms, then your application for disability might be denied.
Substantial Gainful Activity
However, the DDS examiner might decide that even though your disability does not meet the requirements of a disability listed in the blue book, you still have a severe disability that will prevent you from working and engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity. If this is the case, then the DDS examiner can give you a “Medical Vocational Allowance” and approve your claim.
If your application for SSDI or SSI was denied, don’t give up. Over 70% of disability applications are denied. You can win your case in the appeal process when your claim is presented to an Administrative Law Judge. The chances of winning your claim and receiving the benefits that you need are much higher when you are represented by a qualified disability attorney. At Jorgensen Law, we will be able to draw on years of experience in representing people just like you in disability hearings in order to give you the best chance at winning your disability claim.
Contact Us
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 email or by calling 1-888-855-2948
Representing SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY and SSI claims in the following counties and cities: San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and the Inland Empire. In San Diego, we specifically work with Fallbrook, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, La Jolla, Lemon Grove, National City, Spring Valley, Vista, San Marcos, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Ramona, Murrieta, Moreno Valley, corona, San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario, and Imperial Valley.