Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

8 Disability Determination
Pages 159-170

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 159...
... NET data vis à vis the specific types of occupational information required in the disability determination process, and the final section presents the panel's conclusions and recommendations in this area. OCCuPATIONAL INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE SOCIAL SECuRITY ADMINISTRATION The Social Security Act (Section 223(d)
From page 160...
... In December 2008, the commissioner of social security established the Occupational Information Development Advisory Panel. The advisory panel was charged with providing independent advice and recommendations on plans and activities to replace the DOT currently used in the SSA disability determination process (Astrue, 2008)
From page 161...
... . The panel recommends development of an initial, empirically derived work taxonomy and data elements for the content model; research to examine various job classification methods; creation of internal and external research capacity at SSA; basic and applied research on work-side and person-side job attributes and demands; development of scales and measures for the dimensions of the taxonomy; and communication with users, the public, and the scientific community.1 SSA has concluded that, in its current form, O*
From page 162...
... that would incorporate occupational information gathered in the field by rehabilitation professionals trained in job analysis, using standardized questionnaires. A pilot study of the feasibility of training rehabilitation professionals to conduct job analyses funded by DOL yielded promising results (Lechner, Cannelongo, and Keener, 2002)
From page 163...
... . A key element implicit in the contemporary view of the disability determination process is the need for an increased understanding of the physical and social factors in the work environment that may impact the Social Security claimant's functional capacity.
From page 164...
... Physical Abilities versus Functional Capacity Fleishman's physical and sensory-motor measures use rating scales to assess occupational requirements along each physical ability dimension. As incorporated into the O*
From page 165...
... Environmental Conditions The RFC assessment involves an evaluation of the claimant's ability to sustain environmental factors, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, wetness, humidity, noise, vibration, and others, using scales ranging from "unlimited" to "avoid all exposure." Although the panel did not find perfectly  The SSA disability determination process also includes assessment of mental Residual Functional Capacity.
From page 166...
... NET physical ability scales is whether ability requirements are scaled at the level of the ability required by the most demanding task or the typical (average) task.
From page 167...
... The process of disability determination can be quite litigious, and those in charge of making the determination prefer to minimize the risk of legal challenges by relying on occupational information gathered directly by trained vocational or job analysts. As noted in Chapter 1, trained occupational analysts gathered information directly from job incumbents for inclusion in the DOT.
From page 168...
... NET occupations deserves further study. CONCLuSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The SSA's disability determination process currently relies on assessment of the residual functional capacity of a claimant, focusing on physical functions or behaviors and postural limitations as well as on mental functions, if indicated.
From page 169...
... NET's suitability for the Social Secu rity Administration's disability determination process. Journal of Forensic Vocational Analysis, , 3-15.
From page 170...
... Washington, DC: Author. Social Security Administration Occupational Information Advisory Panel.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.