Effective Dates: 08/28/2024 - Present Previous | Next

TN 18 (08-24)

DI 27520.030 Conflicting Determinations or Decisions in Disability/Blindness Common Issue Claims

A. Introduction

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) has primary responsibility for resolving conflicting determinations in common issue claims when not policy compliant.

A conflicting determination may be correct. For example, when collateral estoppel does not apply and the subsequent claim is a denial. For more information on when collateral estoppel does not apply, see DI 11011.001D.

Note: 

In rare situations prior claims are escalated to the hearing level without an initial determination. If no initial determination exist, SSA counts the time limit for reopening from the date of the notice of the first decision on the claim.

B. Operating Policy

1. Determinations on Both Claims Were Made by the DDS at Initial or Reconsideration Level

The DDS must resolve the determinations. Apply the Rules for Reopening DI 27505.000 and Due Process DI 27525.000 in reopening and reversal situations.

EXCEPTION: DDS issues a favorable reconsidered determination on one title and an unfavorable initial or revised initial determination on the other title. If the DDS finds a favorable determination to be erroneous, the Disability Hearing Officer (DHO) resolves the conflict.

NOTE: In the event two DDSs are involved, the DDS that made the most recent determination maintains jurisdiction in resolving the conflict.

2. Determination or Decision on One Claim Made at the DHO, Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), or Appeals Council (AC) Level

If the claimant does not provide new and material evidence, the DDS gives priority to the determination made at the higher level and prepares a revised determination. Identify the conflict and show the reasons for referral on the SSA-408 (Route Slip).

a. Exceptions

Use the following guidelines for exceptions to this rule (for additional information, see “Good Cause for Reopening” DI 27505.010B.2.b.):

  • •

    IF the DDS issued a favorable reconsidered determination on one title, and DHO issued an unfavorable determination on the other title, then the DHO is responsible for resolving the conflict.

  • •

    IF the DDS issued a favorable reconsidered determination on one title and the ALJ or AC issued an unfavorable decision on the other title, then the ALJ or AC is responsible for resolving the conflict. If this situation arises, forward the claims to Office of Disability Adjudication and Review’s (ODAR) per instructions in “How to Protest ALJ Decisions” GN 03103.260, “Processing Appeals Council (AC) Decisions — Title II or Title XVI” GN 03104.400B.4., and “Questionable SSI Hearing Decisions” SI 04030.060.

  • •

    IF the DDS issued a favorable initial or revised initial determination on one title and the ALJ or AC issued an unfavorable determination on the other title, then the ALJ or AC is responsible for resolving the conflict. If this situation arises, forward the claims to ODAR per instructions in “Processing Appeals Council (AC) Decisions — Title II or Title XVI” GN 03104.400B.4., and “Questionable SSI Hearing Decisions” SI 04030.060.

b. New and Material Evidence

If there is new and material evidence, which was not available to the DHO, ALJ or AC, take the following actions:

  • •

    Route conflicting DDS-DHO determinations to the Disability Hearing Unit (DHU).

  • •

    Route conflicting DDS-ALJ (or AC) decisions to the Assistant Regional Commissioner, Management and Operations Support (ARC, MOS) if the ALJ (or AC) decision was favorable. The ARC, MOS will coordinate with the ODAR Regional Office, or as necessary through the Office of Disability (OD) with the ODAR Central Office, as to which component (DDS or ODAR) should resolve the decisions.

  • •

    Route conflicting DDS - ALJ (or AC), decisions to ODAR per instructions in “Processing Appeals Council (AC) Decisions — Title II or Title XVI” GN 03104.400B.4., and “Questionable SSI Hearing Decisions” SI 04030.060 if the ALJ (AC) decision was unfavorable.

3. Pending DHO Hearing on Either Claim

If the DDS has made a favorable initial or reconsideration determination on one claim and the claimant requests a DHO hearing on a less favorable determination on another claim, the DHO is responsible for resolving the conflict. When this occurs:

  • •

    The DDS phones the DHU or ODAR office and requests that the hearing case be returned for reopening and reversal of the prior determination or that the claim be escalated; and

  • •

    If DHO or ALJ chooses not to return the folder or escalate the claim, wait for the decision and adopt the applicable findings if necessary.

4. Conflicting ALJ Hearing Decisions

If the DDS has made a favorable initial or reconsideration determination on one claim and the claimant requests an ALJ or AC hearing on a less favorable determination on another claim, then the FO contacts ODAR for assistance.

ODAR may return the pending hearing case to the DDS for reopening and reversal of the less favorable determination, or escalate the conflicting favorable initial or reconsideration determination to the hearings level. If the DDS discovers a conflict in decisions by ALJs, forward both cases to the ARC, MOS for coordination with the ODAR Regional Office.

For the DHU responsibilities in regards to reopenings see “Reopenings” DI 33020.025C.

To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0427520030
DI 27520.030 - Conflicting Determinations or Decisions in Disability/Blindness Common Issue Claims - 08/28/2024
Batch run: 01/03/2025
Rev:08/28/2024