How to Prepare for a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) in West Virginia
What Is a Continuing Disability Review?
When you are approved for SSDI or SSI, your case is not closed forever. The Social Security Administration must periodically check to see if you still meet the disability requirements. This is known as a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). The purpose is to ensure that only individuals who remain disabled continue receiving benefits.
When and How Often Do CDRs Occur?
SSA schedules CDRs based on the expectation of medical improvement. According to SSA’s guidelines, if improvement is expected, a review is conducted within six to 18 months; if improvement is possible but not predictable, the review usually occurs every three years; and if improvement is not expected, a review is done every five to seven years. Additionally, unscheduled reviews can be triggered by:
- Work activity – If you return to work or earn income above the substantial gainful activity level ($1,620 per month in 2025), SSA may initiate a CDR.
- Medical reports – Information from your doctor or a state agency indicating improvement.
- Failure to follow prescribed treatment – If SSA believes you could improve but are not complying with medical advice.
Understanding the Forms
SSA‑455 Short Form (Mail‑in Review): Used when SSA expects your condition has not improved. It asks about your doctor visits, hospitalizations, medications and any changes in your health or work activity. In West Virginia, many recipients living in rural areas receive this short form. Complete it carefully—if you indicate improvement, SSA may send you the long form.
SSA‑454 Long Form (Continuing Disability Review Report): Used when there is a possibility of improvement. This 10‑page form requests detailed information about your conditions, treatments, work activity and daily functioning. It may be followed by a face‑to‑face or telephone interview. Provide thorough answers and attach additional pages if needed.
Gathering Evidence and Preparing
- Stay in consistent medical care. Regular visits with your treating physicians show that your condition is ongoing. Even if symptoms seem stable, continue appointments and follow your treatment plan. In rural areas like the Coalfields, telehealth can help you keep up with specialists in Charleston or Morgantown.
- Keep a symptom diary. Document pain levels, fatigue, mobility challenges and any flare‑ups. Note how symptoms affect activities like walking on steep hills, climbing stairs, driving, or handling household chores.
- Maintain records of medications and side effects. List any changes in prescriptions, dosages or adverse reactions. Side effects such as drowsiness or nausea can impact your ability to work.
- Report work activity accurately. If you test your ability to work during a trial work period, track your earnings and hours. The trial work period allows you nine months of work with earnings above $1,160 (in 2025) without losing benefits. After the trial, an extended period of eligibility lasts three years. Provide pay stubs and explain if you stopped working due to your impairment.
Completing the CDR Forms
When you receive a CDR notice, respond promptly. You typically have 30 days to return the forms. Tips for success:
- Be honest and thorough. Do not exaggerate or minimize your limitations. Describe how symptoms affect your day‑to‑day life. For example, if arthritis prevents you from walking on uneven Appalachian terrain or PTSD causes panic attacks in crowds, include these details.
- Update medical provider information. List all doctors, clinics and hospitals you have visited since your last review, along with their addresses and phone numbers.
- Explain any work activity. If you attempted part‑time or volunteer work, note what tasks you performed, hours worked and why you stopped. Clarify whether the work was part of your trial work period.
- Attach additional documentation. Include copies of recent medical records, therapy notes and diagnostic test results. While SSA will request records from your providers, sending your own copies can speed up the review.
If you do not respond to the CDR notice, SSA may suspend your benefits. Always contact SSA if you need more time due to illness or inability to obtain records.
Appealing a Termination
If SSA decides your disability has improved and stops your benefits, you can appeal. File a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days and, if necessary, request a hearing before an administrative law judge. During the appeal, you may ask for continued benefits so you can keep receiving payments until the appeal is decided. However, if you lose, you may have to repay those benefits. Having an attorney represent you at the CDR hearing can help you present evidence and question medical experts.
Local Considerations and Legal Help
West Virginians face unique issues during CDRs. Rural residents may struggle to access specialists or maintain treatment due to transportation challenges. Coal miners and former industrial workers often have complex medical histories involving respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal injuries and mental health conditions. A local attorney understands these factors and can help gather records from regional hospitals and clinics. They can also advise you on using telemedicine or community health clinics when distance is a barrier.
Conclusion
If you receive a Continuing Disability Review notice, don’t panic. Keep your benefits by responding timely and thoroughly. For help gathering medical records and completing the forms, contact Shawn Taylor PLLC. Our West Virginia disability law firm has guided countless clients through CDRs and appeals. We will ensure your ongoing disability is documented and fight to protect your benefits.