SSA and RRB negotiated and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under the terms
of the MOU, SSA and RRB agreed to share medical evidence and coordinate disability
determinations in dual eligibility cases to limit or prevent making different disability
determinations. Medical Evidence is shared pursuant to section 7(b) 3of the Railroad
Retirement Act (RRA). (While we coordinate decisions based on a mutual agreement,
furnishing medical evidence and other records is required by statute).
The two agencies exchange medical evidence, medical consultants’ assessments, and
coordinate their disability determinations. If the determinations do not agree, and
the disagreement represents a conflict per DI 44001.125D in this section, SSA disability processing specialists (DPS) and RRB examine the
basis for the disagreement and determine whether both agencies had access to the same
medical evidence and all issues were considered.
If the disagreement cannot be resolved following coordination, RRB and SSA each issue
its own determination despite the conflict. A RRB disability determination is not
binding on SSA, nor is an SSA disability determination binding on RRB.
The GLPSC-DPB DPS documents the coordination with RRB on SSA-415 (Notice of Disability
Determination and Transmittal), per DI 44001.125C in this section.
The RRB disability examiner or field service contact representative sends an e-mail
to request medical evidence from GLPSC-DPB with an RR-5 (Request for SSA Medical Evidence).
The RRB disability examiner uses an RL-34b (Reply to Social Security Administration
Request for Evidence and Disability Information) to send copies of the RRB decision
and medical evidence to GLPSC-DPB. For more information regarding the use of these
forms, faxing documents into the EF, and methods of transmitting data to RRB see DI 44001.125F in this section.