The SSA disability determination process is the cyclical method used by SSA to determine eligibility for and eventual award or denial of benefits.  Knowing what happens during the four stages of Initial, Reconsideration, Hearing, and Appeals Council helps prospective and current Social Security Administration Vocational Experts (SSVE) understand their role and where it fits in the entire process.

            Luckily, SSA created a video series that start off with that process.  The use of a dramatized claimant also illustrates the entire cycle so one can envision each step.