The DDS will complete the majority of MINE or MINE-equivalent case reviews with limited
field office (FO) involvement. The DDS responsibilities include:
-
•
Reviewing the evidence in the folder to assure that a MINE or MINE-equivalent impairment
exists and is properly documented.
-
•
Contacting the beneficiary or recipient to alert them that a notice will be mailed
regarding a periodic review and answering any questions the beneficiary or recipient
raises.
-
•
Sending a formal notice of periodic review as required by law. For more information
on this notice, see DI 28040.105.
-
•
Re-contacting the beneficiary or recipient to update the folder with focused information
concerning the current condition of the impairment(s), daily activities, work activity,
and current medical sources (all this information may be developed during the first
phone call, if the beneficiary or recipient prefers and is prepared to provide the
necessary answer).
-
•
Verifying the existence of the continued impairment severity with a medical source,
evaluating the information received, and preparing the appropriate determination.
The medical evidence from the last favorable decision and information obtained from
current source(s) forms the basis for determining the existence of a continued MINE
or MINE-equivalent impairment. A continuance processed due to this review will establish
the comparison point decision for future CDRs.