SSA Proposes New Rules on Submitting Medical Evidence

The Social Security Administration (SSA) published a proposed rule today in the Federal Register which would require disability claimants and their representatives to "inform us about or submit all evidence known to you that relates to whether or not you are blind or disabled. This would include evidence that may be either favorable or unfavorable to your claim." The proposed rule also indicates that "when you submit evidence from another source, you must submit that evidence in its entirety."

Both "recent media interest" and "congressional attention" are cited as the basis for this proposed rule change. Recent news stories on Social Security disability fraud in New York City, West Virginia and Puerto Rico featured allegations that some claimants and representatives would "deliberately withhold evidence they deem unfavorable" to the disability claim.

Allsup does not see this as impactful on its operations as we have a long history of submitting both favorable and unfavorable medical evidence, as we feel it enhances our credibility with the SSA and administrative law judges.

We will continue to monitor this proposed rule change as it moves forward.