Documentation of Prior Medical Condition

Medical CDR determinations rely substantially on the individual’s prior disability decisions (both the initial decision and any prior CDRs) and the medical and vocational evidence on which those decisions were based. These prior disability decisions are called the “comparison point decisions (CPD).” The following questions relate to the quality of the CPD evidence and documentation, not the quality of the judgment of the CPD adjudicator. For questions 17-20, do not consider cases with lost folders. Questions 21-23 relate to cases with lost folders.

17.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has your DDS encountered cases that lacked sufficient information or evidence regarding the comparison point decision (not including cases of lost folders)? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

18.	Are there particular types of cases that are more likely to lack sufficient information or evidence regarding the comparison point decision? (Select one.)
	1.		Yes -- Please describe these types of cases below.
	2.		No
	3.		Not sure

	18a. Types of cases that are more likely to lack sufficient information or evidence.

19.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has a lack of sufficient information or evidence regarding the comparison point decision impeded your ability to make a determination of medical improvement at Step 3 of the CDR evaluation process (not including cases of lost folders)? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

	19a. Please elaborate on your answer to the question above.

20.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has a lack of sufficient information or evidence regarding the comparison point decision impeded your ability to make a determination of improvement in residual functional capacity at Step 4 (not including cases of lost folders)? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

	20a. Please elaborate on your answer to the question above.

21.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has your DDS encountered cases that lacked sufficient information or evidence regarding the comparison point decision because of a lost folder? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

22.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has a lost folder impeded your ability to make a determination of medical improvement at Step 3 of the CDR evaluation process? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

	22a. Please elaborate on your answer to the question above.

23.	Over the past 24 months, how frequently or infrequently has a lost folder impeded your ability to make a determination of improvement in residual functional capacity at Step 4? (Select one.)
	1.		Very frequently
	2.		Frequently
	3.		As frequently as infrequently
	4.		Infrequently
	5.		Very infrequently
	6.		No basis to judge

	23a. Please elaborate on your answer to the question above.

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Full Report: GAO-07-8

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