Analyzing the SSA Disability Evaluation Process

Clinical Center

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Analytics (Obj 1) 1) Expanding SSAs Use of Electronic Medical Evidence Initial SSA decisions are made by examiners with little time to review evidence for a case, usually in the form of lengthy medical records from various healthcare providers. This focus area aims to develop, adapt, and apply methods that can process and leverage electronic medical records with a focus on identifying and characterizing language related to whole-person function. The ability to automatically review the electronic medical records aids SSA disability adjudicators to reach accurate, consistent, timely decisions in accordance with SSA regulations and available medical evidence. 2) Strengthening SSAs Employment Support Programs In addition to the disability benefits programs that SSA administers, SSA also oversees a program called Ticket to Work, which provides career development to beneficiaries and supports beneficiaries pursuing opportunities to return to work. WD-FAB development (Obj 2) In collaboration with the SSA, the NIH and Boston University developed a comprehensive and efficient assessment instrument called the Work Disability Functional Assessment Battery (WD-FAB). Contemporary models of disability indicate that in order to assess work disability, what individuals can do and what they are expected to do for work must both be assessed. The WD-FAB assesses what individuals can do. It is a 15-20-minute individualized assessment of functional activity that uses Item Response Theory (IRT) and computer adaptive technology (CAT), to select the most relevant test items from a large pool to measure self-reported functional ability. Item-based scoring means respondents do not need to answer all items or the same items to obtain comparative scores and scores are obtained efficiently. 3) Functional Assessment This focus area aims to develop new ways to collect, structure, and interpret functional data for use by SSA. This work will include development of the WD-FAB and methods to assist in interpreting WD-FAB results. Final deliverables for these three focus areas were provided to SSA at the end of FY2024. Work in FY2025 consisted of completing any manuscripts in progress that related to projects conducted under the IAA.