SSDI attorney Craig Fahey explains how SSA's Continuing Disability Reviews work, what triggers one, and what's changing as the agency shifts processing to a new federal unit in 2026, helping San Diego recipients protect benefits they still qualify for.
-- Getting approved for Social Security disability benefits often feels like the finish line. It isn't. Every SSDI and SSI recipient is subject to periodic Continuing Disability Reviews, or CDRs, where the SSA re-checks whether a medical condition still qualifies for benefits. In March 2026, the SSA announced it is shifting how these reviews get processed, moving medical CDRs from state offices to a new federal unit called Disability Case Review. For San Diego recipients, understanding the process matters more than ever.
Craig A. Fahey, founder of the Law Office of Craig A. Fahey, has practiced Social Security disability law in San Diego for more than two decades, including 15 years working alongside a retired chief judge of the SSA's local hearing office. He says CDRs catch even well-prepared clients off guard. "People think once they're approved, they're done," he says. "A continuing disability review can happen years later, and if you're not ready for it, you can lose benefits you genuinely still qualify for." As an SSI lawyer, he's seen how often this catches recipients by surprise.
Craig A. Fahey, San Diego disability lawyer and owner of the Law Office of Craig A. Fahey, at his desk.
What Triggers a Continuing Disability Review: An SSDI Attorney's Breakdown
The SSA is legally required to review most cases at regular intervals, ranging from every 6 to 18 months for conditions expected to improve, to every 5 to 7 years for conditions not expected to improve. Reviews can also happen outside that schedule. Reports of medical improvement, gaps in treatment, work activity above the substantial gainful activity limit ($1,690 per month for non-blind recipients in 2026), or failing to follow a prescribed treatment plan can all trigger a closer look.
What's Changed at SSA in 2026
The move to federal Disability Case Review processing changes who evaluates a case, not the underlying medical standard. SSA says the change is meant to strengthen oversight as the agency works through a significant claims backlog. For recipients, that means staying on top of deadlines and requests for updated information matters more than ever.
"I've had clients get a CDR notice and panic, thinking it means their case is being questioned unfairly. Most of the time, it's routine. But routine doesn't mean risk-free. If your medical records have gaps, or if a note from your doctor gets misread as 'improvement,' that can snowball into a real problem fast," said Craig Fahey.
How to Prepare for a CDR: What a Social Security Lawyer Recommends
Staying in regular contact with treating physicians, keeping copies of medical records and appointment history, and responding promptly to any SSA request are the basics. When a case involves multiple conditions, conflicting medical opinions, or a proposed cessation of benefits, a Social Security attorney can help gather the right records and respond before deadlines pass. The Law Office of Craig A. Fahey represents SSDI and SSI recipients throughout San Diego, working on contingency so clients pay nothing unless benefits are secured or preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Disability Reviews
How often does the SSA review a disability case?
It depends on the condition. Reviews happen every 6 to 18 months if improvement is expected, about every 3 years if improvement is possible, and every 5 to 7 years if improvement isn't expected.
Can someone lose benefits during a CDR?
Yes, if the SSA determines the condition has medically improved enough that someone can work. An SSDI attorney can help respond to a proposed cessation and appeal if necessary.
Do benefits stop while a CDR is in progress?
No. Benefits generally continue during the review itself. They only stop if the SSA formally determines medical improvement and issues a cessation notice, which can be appealed.
About the Law Office of Craig A. Fahey
The Law Office of Craig A. Fahey is a San Diego, California law firm focused exclusively on Social Security disability cases, including SSDI, SSI, and continuing disability reviews. Attorney Craig Fahey spent 15 years working alongside a retired chief judge of the SSA's San Diego hearing office and has recovered over $20 million in benefits for clients. The firm represents recipients throughout San Diego on a contingency basis. Anyone searching for a disability lawyer is encouraged to contact the firm for a free consultation at (619) 280-6565 or visit sandiegodisabilitygroup.com.
Contact Info:
Name: Craig A. Fahey
Email: Send Email
Organization: Law Office Of Craig A. Fahey
Address: 4025 Camino del Rio S Ste 336, San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 280-6565
Website: https://sandiegodisabilitygroup.com/
Release ID: 89201823
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