PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANUAL SYSTEMPart DI – Disability InsuranceChapter 295 – Assistance RequestsSubchapter 05 – Other Special Assistance RequestsTransmittal No. 4, 01/20/2026
Audience
Originating Component
ODP
Effective Date
Upon Receipt
Background
The DDS has always had jurisdiction for getting consultative examination on Railroad (RR) claims. Due to fiscal processing limitations, the Federal Disability Determination Division Chicago (FDDD) is no longer able to pay for MER requests for RRB Dual Eligibility (D/E) claims. As a result, we need to reach out to the local DDS via an assistance request for that DDS to request and pay for MER. When using our prior legacy system we only reached out to the local DDS to request and pay for CEs. This process and POMS update only applies to RRB D/E claims. The local DDS does not adjudicate the claim.
Summary of Changes
DI 29505.015 Development Requests for Career Railroad or Railroad Annuitant Cases
Added instructions now the DDS have jurisdiction for getting medical evidence of record (MER) if they are requested to do so.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has jurisdiction for disability claims of career railroad workers or railroad annuitant cases. The Federal Disability Determination Division Chicago (FDDD) process railroad claims. FDDD can request that the disability determination services (DDS) develop medical evidence of record (MER) or arrange a consultative examination (CE). Follow this procedure to arrange the MER or CE:
Follow regular DDS procedures for arranging MER or CEs.
Upon completion of appropriate DDS development actions, return the report to the FDDD as specified in the DPB request.
If the FDDD sent the entire file to the DDS, return the file and report together.