A continuing disability review (CDR) lets the Social Security Administration (SSA) check back with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claimants. The frequency of the review depends on several factors. Whether you are applying for benefits or dealing with a CDR, read on to learn more.

What is a CDR?

This review is routine and does not necessarily mean that your benefits are in danger. However, you must comply with the review and do it properly, or you could lose your benefits. The SSA determines when a claimant is to be reviewed and when they are approved for benefits. You can usually find out about the CDR frequency in your SSA awards letter. The main reason a CDR is performed is that many impairments improve. They may even improve enough that the claimant can return to working again.

What Determines a CDR's Frequency?

Your impairment is the main determining factor in a CDR. Some medical and mental health disorders can improve considerably over time. In general, those who are younger may face more frequent CDRs than older claimants. The CDR consists of forms to be filled out by the claimant. You may be asked to fill out a short form or long form. The forms ask about a wide variety of issues, from your work history and income to your medical treatment.

Factors Affecting a CDR

The below factors are used to determine whether the claimant will lose their benefits:

• The ability of the claimant to work at their previous job or any job based on an improvement in their health.
• The amount of money the claimant has earned doing work and the type of work they did to earn it.
• Whether the claimant's medical or mental impairment has improved and if so, how much.
• What type of medical treatment the claimant has received. For instance, the SSA may want to know about recent diagnostic tests, medications the claimant is taking, and when they last saw their doctor.
• Any worsening in the claimant's condition should also be reported. For instance, if the claimant has been hospitalized or had to have surgery recently that could help them retain benefits.
• How the impairments are affecting the claimant's everyday life. For instance, the SSA wants to know if the claimant's impairment is affecting how they move about, perform house tasks, take care of grooming and bathing tasks, and more.

If you have had your benefits removed after a CDR, you can appeal the decision. This issue needs to be handled carefully. Contact a Social Security disability claims attorney and let them help with the appeal process so that your benefits can be restored.