Analyzing the SSA Disability Evaluation Process

该项目于2008年2月1日开始。从历史上看，社会保障局曾试图向审查员提供旨在加快索赔津贴的筛选工具。其中一种筛查工具是缺陷清单，它按群体确定医学诊断的类别。然而，有证据表明，作为残疾的标志，清单的诊断基础已经变得不那么有用了。SSA的数据表明，早期使用清单占津贴的90%以上，但到2004年，清单仅占津贴的52%。正是在这种情况下，社会保障局向美国国立卫生研究院康复医学部（NIH-RMD）寻求帮助，审查社会保障局现有的数据，以改进筛查程序，并探索创新方法，加强现有的残疾评估程序。

This project commenced on February 1, 2008. Historically, SSA has attempted to provide adjudicators with screening tools designed to expedite claim allowances. One such screening tool is the Listing of Impairments, which identifies categories of medical diagnoses by group. However, evidence suggests that the diagnostic basis for the Listings has become less useful a marker of disability. Data from the SSA indicate that early use of the Listings accounted for more than 90% of allowances, however by 2004, the Listings accounted for only 52% of the allowances. It is in this context that the SSA sought help from the National Institutes of Health, Rehabilitation Medicine Department (NIH-RMD) to examine existing SSA data to improve screening processes and to explore innovative methods for augmenting their existing disability evaluation process. In compliance with SSA requirements, NIH-RMD has formulated a Systems Security Plan (SSP) for this project. While the NIH-CC possesses an established SSP, a project specific security plan has been developed and will be submitted to SSA for approval by the end of FY2008. The system architecture identified for the SSA project includes a 64 bit Scalable Performance server and the following software: Base SAS, SAS STAT, SAS GRAPH, SAS CONNECT, SAS SECURE, Enterprise Guide and SAS Integration Technologies. Supportive documentation has been developed and the order has been entered into the purchase requirement tracking system (PRTS). Solicitations have been developed and awards will be extended to collaborators who demonstrate expertise in Item Response Theory/Computer Adaptive Testing development and with extensive knowledge of the Social Security Administrations Disability Determination data and processes.