Understanding Medical Improvement Reviews

The SSA may conduct:

• Continuing disability reviews (CDR) to check for health changes.
• Evaluations to determine if condition still prevents work.
• Careful consideration of new medical evidence or treatments.

Criteria for Benefit Termination

Benefits can be stopped if:

• The veteran is found capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity.
• Medical improvement leads to increased functional capacity.
• There is evidence the disability has resolved or improved significantly.

Impact of Work and Earnings

SSDI recipients should be aware:

• Working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit can trigger benefit reviews.
• Even partial employment gains can affect eligibility during evaluations.
• Reporting earnings accurately is essential to prevent overpayments.

Veterans’ Protections and Considerations

Veterans may have:

• Additional disability benefits from the VA that interact with SSDI.
• Potentially different review standards depending on their disability category.
• Legal avenues to appeal benefit terminations based on health improvements.

How to Prepare and Respond

Key steps include:

• Keeping all medical documentation up to date and thorough.
• Notifying SSA promptly about any changes in health or work status.
• Seeking expert help to appeal or address benefit discontinuations.