Comment from Le Vine, David, MHACGC

I have a comment on SSA-2007-0101. I feel that people on SSDI should be reevaluated more frequently. As a social worker in the public mental health system, I know that those who get SSDI for psychiatric reasons are often assessed for disability during or shortly after an acute episode. Their symptoms can and do often lessen within a year or so after a hospitalization. I have known people who had significant work histories before they got sick cease to pursue competitive full-time employment because of the safety of the entitlement and mental health care systems. In sum, I believe that more people with psychiatric illness who are awarded SSDI can return to work than do. SSA should take note of that when redesigning their eligibility system. Sincerely, David Le Vine, LMSW