8.3 Administrative Record Flashcards
“What is the administrative record in SSA disability cases?”
Answer: “The administrative record includes all evidence, medical records, hearing transcripts, and SSA decisions relevant to the claim.”
Explanation: “The record is the foundation for judicial review and determines the scope of the court’s analysis.”
Source: SSA Appeals Guidelines.
“Can new evidence be introduced during judicial review?”
Answer: “No, the federal court reviews the administrative record as it was presented to the SSA.”
Explanation: “Courts typically do not allow new evidence unless there is a legal or procedural basis for reopening the record.”
Source: Sullivan v. Zebley, 493 U.S. 521 (1990).
“What happens if the administrative record is incomplete or inaccurate?”
Answer: “The court may remand the case to the SSA for further development or clarification of the record.”
Explanation: “Incomplete records can prevent the court from making a fully informed decision.”
Case Scenario: During judicial review, the court identifies gaps in the administrative record, including missing medical evidence and incomplete vocational expert testimony.
Question: What can the court do if the administrative record is incomplete?
Answer: The court can remand the case to SSA for further development of the administrative record.
Legal Explanation: Courts may remand cases under Sentence Four of 42 U.S.C. §405(g) if the record is incomplete or if procedural errors occurred during SSA’s decision-making process.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g), Sentence Four – Remand for further proceedings.
Case Scenario: Linda argues that her ALJ hearing was procedurally unfair because critical evidence submitted before the hearing was not included in the administrative record.
Question: Can the federal court consider Linda’s procedural fairness claim?
Answer: Yes, the court can review procedural fairness claims to ensure SSA followed its own rules and afforded due process.
Legal Explanation: Courts evaluate whether SSA adhered to its regulations and procedural safeguards. Procedural fairness claims often result in remands to correct errors.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Ensuring procedural fairness in SSA decisions.
Administrative Record:
- Incomplete records may result in remands under Sentence Four.
- New evidence can prompt remands under Sentence Six.
Case Scenario: During judicial review, the court identifies gaps in the administrative record, including missing medical evidence and incomplete vocational expert testimony.
Question: What can the court do if the administrative record is incomplete?
Answer: The court can remand the case to SSA for further development of the administrative record.
Legal Explanation: Courts may remand cases under Sentence Four of 42 U.S.C. §405(g) if the record is incomplete or if procedural errors occurred during SSA’s decision-making process.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g), Sentence Four – Remand for further proceedings.
Case Scenario: Linda argues that her ALJ hearing was procedurally unfair because critical evidence submitted before the hearing was not included in the administrative record.
Question: Can the federal court consider Linda’s procedural fairness claim?
Answer: Yes, the court can review procedural fairness claims to ensure SSA followed its own rules and afforded due process.
Legal Explanation: Courts evaluate whether SSA adhered to its regulations and procedural safeguards. Procedural fairness claims often result in remands to correct errors.
Key Resource: 42 U.S.C. §405(g) – Ensuring procedural fairness in SSA decisions.
Administrative Record:
- Incomplete records may result in remands under Sentence Four.
- New evidence can prompt remands under Sentence Six.
