Many do not realize that federal Social Security disability claims are processed by state workers before the denial that sends them to a judge.  As more states are decimated by falling tax revenues,  there have been staffing redductions, layoffs and reductions on hours worked.  While there have been very small improvements in the backlogs at the hearing offices, now the delays are manifesting at the initial and reconsideration stages.  I guess that is one way to improve the hearing office  statistics: reduce thenumber of cases being sent there!  Here is an article that discusses the impact of these RIF’s:<a>

There have been vast increases in pending cases across the country. This chart, courtesy of NOSSCR, details the initial and reconsideration pending cases by state. Click on image to enlarge. 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown hopes to improve access to benefits for more than 110,000 veterans in the region and 935,000 statewide.

Brown has introduced the Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veterans Entitlements (BRAVE) Act that would create a fast-track system for veterans with disabilities to quality for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security Administration.

Brown’s BRAVE Act would eliminate the lengthy eligibility process disabled veterans must undergo to receive full benefits from the VA and Social Security offices.

The BRAVE Act, Brown said, would require Social Security to accept eligibility requirements for any veteran who meets VA guidelines.

Veterans who receive compensation from the VA also would be fast-tracked in disability benefits processing.

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