The Facts

There is a myth in the general community that the Disability Determination Services (DDS) denies cases routinely and that an individual cannot get an allowance without going to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the most persistent fallacy about our Agency. The fact is that nationally, over 70% of all cases allowed by Social Security are allowed at the DDS level. We work hard to provide the right decision at the earliest possible time. The Social Security Disability Regulations are very strict, requiring objective medical documentation of an individual’s condition, not just an unsubstantiated opinion. Therefore, Social Security expects that through appropriate application of these Regulations, not all claims will be allowed. It is inevitable that some claims will be denied. When one hears that DDS denies every claim we review, it is not factual. In addition, at the time an ALJ reviews a case, it may be a year or more from when the DDS last reviewed the case and it is essentially a different case. We are currently completing a “top to bottom” review of our procedures and are continuing to be open to improving the process.

Performance Measurements

South Dakota's DDS has typically been near the top when compared to the performance of the 52 other DDSs in other States and territories. Our emphasis has always been to make the most accurate decision possible while containing costs and providing top quality customer service.

The most important measurement of our performance comes from an independent random sample review of our decisions — both allowances and denials — by Social Security’s Disability Quality Branch. This results in a report of how accurately we make our decisions. Our cumulative accuracy for Federal Fiscal Year 2006 was 94.48%. Our decisional accuracy for the past two years was 94.8. So far, in FFY-2007, our accuracy is 95.3%. 

The second most important measurement of our performance is our DDS Average Processing Time. This is the average amount of time from when the case is received from Social Security until we return it to them with a medical decision. We have one of the best processing times in the nation. We process the average claim in 80.3 days, with over 70% of our claimants accepting this original decision.   

Customer Service

Our staff at South Dakota DDS has a responsibility to provide the most timely, accurate, and equitable decision possible for every case received at the DDS.  All contacts with claimants, treatment providers, and others involved in case processing are maintained within the confidentiality guidelines of the Privacy Act, HIPPA and Personal Identification Information.

Systems Initiatives

Social Security recently completed a conversion to a paperless or totally electronic format for case files. The South Dakota DDS implemented this initiative in 2005. While this has been a challenge for the entire staff, it has resulted in better customer service and quicker access to medical files for all staff that need to review the cases. South Dakota DDS is one of the leaders in the state for electronic exchange of medical records. It is hoped that with continued progress, we will improve upon our already exemplary processing time.

We are preparing for several initiatives including a “QDD” (Quick Disability Decision) Unit to be formalized by our new Commissioner of Social Security, Mr. Michael J. Astrue.