The CAL initiative is designed to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions
that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal, but sufficient,
objective medical information. If the condition does not meet these strict criteria,
it is not designated as a CAL case. For a complete list of CAL conditions, see DI 23022.080.
All CAL identified conditions are entered into the Predictive Model (PM) and are selected
for CAL processing based solely on the claimant’s allegations listed on the SSA-3368 (Disability Report—Adult) or
SSA-3820 (Disability Report--Child).
Like Quick Disability Determinations (QDD), CAL cases receive expedited processing
within the context of the existing disability determination process.
CAL cases are similar to Terminal Illness (TERI) claims, however, not all CAL cases
involve terminal illness. For example, a person with a spinal cord injury could qualify
for a CAL – even if he or she is expected to live for many years.