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2d ago

Social Security Adds 14 Conditions to Fast‑Track Disability List

The move lets the agency use automated scans plus electronic medical records through its Health IT program to speed many disability decisions to days.

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WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: In this photo illustration, a Social Security card sits alongside checks from the U.S. Treasury on October 14, 2021 in Washington, DC. The Social Security Administration announced recipients will receive an annual cost of living adjustment of 5.9%, the largest increase since 1982. The larger increase is aimed at helping to offset rising inflation. (Photo illustration by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The Social Security Administration announced on Aug. 11 that it added 14 rare pediatric, neurological and cancer conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, raising the total to 314 eligible diagnoses.
  • Newly listed conditions include Aicardi syndrome and primary cardiac sarcoma and a full set of 14 specific disorders published by the agency for applicants and clinicians to review.
  • The SSA will use automated screening of applications and, when available, securely received electronic medical records to flag qualifying cases so adjudicators can prioritize them.
  • Applicants must still meet standard SSDI or SSI rules and provide medical documentation, but the CAL process has approved more than 1.2 million people since 2008 and can cut typical decision times from six to eight months down to days in many cases.
  • The Compassionate Allowances list is shaped by public nominations, medical experts, NIH input and state Disability Determination Services, and the expansion could further shorten wait times while raising the importance of complete medical records for fast decisions.