TN 6 (06-23)

DI 33010.020 Return for Additional Development (RAD)

A. Definition of a RAD

A RAD is the return of a case to the development unit for additional evidence.

B. When additional development is needed

1. A RAD occurs:

When the disability hearing officer (DHO), upon concurrence of the supervisory hearing officer (SHO), believes the record contains insufficient evidence upon which to hold the hearing or to base a determination.

  • Before the hearing, e.g., upon the SHO's or DHO's review, if it is believed additional development is needed OR

  • After the hearing, when in the course of the hearing, new evidence is discovered, DHO observations indicate that development is needed, or some element of the adjudicative process was overlooked.

2. State disability hearing units (DHU)

In a State DHU, local business process determines whether the DHO undertakes the development or the case is returned to the development unit.

3. Federal DHUs

In a Federal DHU, the DHOs route cases to the disability determination services (DDS) or proper unit for foreign and railroad cases, for additional development.

C. Requesting additional development

1. Return of case to development unit

  1. a. 

    A RAD must be approved by SHO.

  2. b. 

    Prepare an SSA-5002 Report of Contact that includes the following information:

    1. 1. 

      the name of the DHO,

    2. 2. 

      whether the hearing has occurred or whether the beneficiary (or recipient) waived their appearance, and

    3. 3. 

      what additional development is needed.

  3. c. 

    Document the DHU folder.

  4. d. 

    Route the claim folder to the DDS or appropriate unit.

  5. e. 

    Notify the beneficiary (or recipient) and appointed representative of the action taken, and that there will be a delay pending further development.

2. If the case is returned to the DHU

Give the beneficiary (or recipient) and appointed representative the opportunity to review and comment on any evidence obtained by the DHU after a hearing before issuing an unfavorable determination. See DI 33015.035 for additional instructions.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0433010020
DI 33010.020 - Return for Additional Development (RAD) - 06/06/2023
Batch run: 06/06/2023
Rev:06/06/2023