Each State VR agency in collaboration with the Disability Determination Services (DDS)
should refine its screening criteria, using these guidelines as a base. The SSA regional
office should be provided a copy of the guidelines adopted. The screening and referral
criteria in these guidelines may be expanded, supplemented, or adjusted to an individual
State agency situation. However, the subject items as listed in each category (i.e.,
screen-out criteria, screen-in criteria and applicant profile should be retained).
The VR agency should inform the DDS of projects and studies conducted in special fields
such as the rehabilitation of the hearing impaired, epileptics, arthritics, or other
special impairment groups, and should request the DDS to make the appropriate referrals.
The DDS (or VR agency, if DI 26520.020 C. applies) shall provide a copy of the screening criteria used to the respective Regional
Office for transmittal to the Central Office whenever any change in the criteria is
made.