Social Security currently receives more than 2.5 million new disability cases each year, according to a release from the SSA.

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that Social Security will publish a proposed regulation to extend the quick disability determination (QDD) process to all State disability determination services. The process now operating in the Boston region utilizes a predictive model that analyzes specific elements of data within the electronic claims file. It identifies claims where there is a high potential that the claimant is disabled and where evidence of the claimants allegations can be quickly and easily verified.

The length of time many people wait for a disability decision is unacceptable, Astrue said. I am committed to a process that is as fair and speedy as possible. While there is no single magic bullet, with better systems, better business processes and better ways of fast-tracking targeted cases, we can greatly improve the service we provide this vulnerable population.

The proposed regulation provides for a 30-day public comment period. It is on display at the Federal Register today and, starting July 10, 2007, can be read online. For more information about Social Securitys disability programs, go here.

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