The use of medical records by adjudicators in processing Social Security disability insurance benefit claims

The Social Security Administration contracts with state agencies to process disability claims filed under the Social Security Act. These state agencies employ physicians and lay adjudicators who secure medical reports from physicians, hospitals and clinics, and use these reports in awarding or denying disability benefits. This nationwide study showed that well over half of the lay adjudicators are involved in developing and interpreting medical information independently. This suggests that appropriate hiring practices, adequate training and certification procedures should be instituted to ensure that the lay disability adjudicators are able to conduct their job efficiently and correctly.