Analyzing the SSA Disability Evaluation Process

该项目于2008年2月1日启动。 从历史上看，SSA一直试图为审裁员提供筛选工具，旨在加快索赔津贴。 其中一个筛查工具是“缺陷清单”，它按组别确定医疗诊断的类别。 然而，有证据表明，清单的诊断依据作为残疾标志的用处已经减少。 SSA的数据表明，早期使用列表占津贴的90%以上，但到2004年，列表仅占津贴的52%。 正是在这种情况下，SSA寻求帮助，从美国国立卫生研究院，康复医学部（NIH-RMD）检查现有的SSA数据，以改善筛选过程，并探索创新的方法，以扩大其现有的残疾评估过程。 根据SSA要求，NIH-RMD为该项目制定了系统安全计划（SSP）。 虽然NIH-CC拥有一个既定的SSP，但已经制定了一个项目特定的安全计划，并将在2008财年年底前提交给SSA批准。 为SSA项目确定的系统架构包括一个64位可扩展性能服务器和以下软件：Base SAS、SAS STAT、SAS GRAPH、SAS SECURE、企业指南和SAS集成技术。 已编制了辅助文件，订单已输入采购需求跟踪系统。 已经制定了招标，并将奖项扩展到谁展示项目反应理论/计算机自适应测试开发的专业知识，并与社会保障管理局残疾测定数据和流程的广泛知识的合作者。

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.