Bureau of Disability Adjudication

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Deputy Administrator: Jana Vaughn

The Bureau of Disability Adjudication (BDA) works in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make medical determinations on disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

The Definition of Disability

Social Security Administration has the following definition of disability:

For adults, an individual must have a severe disability (or combination of disabilities) that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or results in death, and which prevents working at a “substantial gainful activity” level.
For children, the child must have a physical or mental condition(s) that very seriously limits their activities; and the condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.

You are not eligible to receive benefit payments if your condition is not expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months.

You can contact The Bureau of Disability Adjudication at ...

Phone: (833) 877-3164

Nevada Relay dial: 711

The Disability Determination Process

What happens after a claimant applies for benefits?

For SSDI and SSI claims, the claimant’s local Social Security office will verify and determine non-medical eligibility (work credits, income, resources, etc.).
Eligible claims are then sent to The Bureau of Disability Adjudication. Our disability adjudicators, medical consultants and other trained staff work as a team to make determinations on whether claimants are medically disabled by SSA rules and policies.
Once the claimant’s case is assigned to a disability adjudicator, BDA will begin requesting and gathering information from the claimant’s doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other sources, at no cost to the claimant. At that time, an introduction letter will also be sent to the claimant, providing them with information about the process. This letter will also include their disability analyst’s direct contact information.
The assigned disability adjudicator is the point of contact for questions and updates. If additional information or action is needed to process the claim, the adjudicator will reach out to the claimant and/or other parties involved.
In making the determination, the BDA will review the medical records and other information obtained. If more information is needed to decide whether the claimant is disabled, we may arrange an exam or test which we will pay for. BDA may also reimburse some travel expenses for this appointment based on a set rate.
Once we have finished the review and a determination has been made, the SSDI and/or SSI claim will be returned to the claimant’s local Social Security office. The claimant will also receive a letter to let them know what has been decided.

The timeline for this process varies widely because each claim is different.

Contact BDA if ...

You have questions and your local SSA office says your claim is pending at the BDA.
You received a call or letter from BDA asking for medical information.
You appealed and got a call or letter about a disability hearing.

Contact your local SSA Field Office if ...

You have questions about disability benefits, eligibility, or how to apply.
You want updates on your disability application or awarded benefits.
You need to file an appeal for a disability claim decision.

Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 (Operates Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
If you are hearing impaired, call the toll-free "TTY" number: 1-800-325-0778

Find Your Local SSA Office by typing in your ZIP code using the Social Security Office Locator.

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NV Relay 711 or 800-326-6868
An equal opportunity employer/program.
Auxiliary aids and services available on request by individuals with disabilities

Bureau of Disability Adjudication