The procedures for following up on beneficiary rehabilitation require close coordination
between the DO, and the State VR agency, and the State Disability Determination Service
(DDS). The objective is to return the disabled person to the labor force.
All pertinent data in the disabled person's disability file and in the State VR agency's
records are available for both the disability determination and the VR process. Accordingly,
if a VR counselor contacts the DO for information which is required for rehabilitation
purposes but is not available from the claimant, the information in the DO disability
claim file may be disclosed to the VR agency.
Information recorded on such forms as the SSA-3368-F8 (Disability Report) or SSA-454-BK
(Report of Continuing Disability Interview), can lead to a valuable exchange of information
between the State Agency (DDS) and the VR agency.
The VR office may also refer an individual to a DO to file a disability application;
or if he is already receiving payments, to report the beginning or termination of
work; the initiation or completion of a plan for achieving self-support; or other
events which may have a bearing on the beneficiary/ recipient's continuing eligibility
for such payments. In addition, the VR counselor will report to ODO on issues of refusal
of VR services.
To assist the DO in maintaining and strengthening continuing coordination between
the DO and VR operations, the Disability Programs Branch (DPB) in the Regional Office
may be called upon to provide assistance. The DO is encouraged to submit problems
and suggestions affecting DO-VR relationships to the DPB for consideration.