Social Security Administration Asks VEDA
for Input on Disability Criteria

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently heard from members of VEDA about the rules the SSA uses to evaluate hearing and vestibular disorders for people who apply for, or receive, Social Security disablity payments based on disability, as well as related return-towork issues. The SSA had sought public commnets as it considered changes in these rules (see the Spring 2005 issue of On the Level).

VEDA's report to the SSA represented the collected opinions of its members who submitted comments about these issues. Read the complete report submitted to the SSA or a summary report in the Summer 2005 issue of On the Level.

Most important concern: The disability-determination criteria ignore common and important functional limitations resulting from the symptoms and secondary effects of chronic vestibular disorders. 

“Impairment of balance should be recognized.”

Follow-up: In response to the information received during the information-gathering phase, the SSA scheduled the Nov. 7-8, 2005 Policy Conference on Hearing Impairments and disturbance of Labyrinthine-Vestibular Function. VEDA's executive director and a member of VEDA's Board of Medical and Scientific Advisors were invited to participate as presenters. A panel of goverment representatives, judges, and scientific and medical experts listened to VEDA describe how symptoms can affect a person's ability to function in the workplace.

VEDA will provide updates when additional news becomes available.