Leslie Velasquez
Aberdeen
Summary
Over 10 years of specialized experience performing medical legal determinations for Title II (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI) claims, encompassing Initial, Reconsideration, and Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Proven expertise in adjudicating and authorizing high-complexity disability portfolios, conducting forensic evidence development, and interpreting intricate federal regulations (SSA POMS). Advanced command of medical terminology, disease etiology, and pharmacology; expert in synthesizing clinical findings to determine the impact of physical and mental impairments on functional capacity. Skilled in executing sophisticated vocational assessments, including Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) analysis, evaluation of Past Relevant Work (PRW), and application of Medical-Vocational Grid Rules.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Disability Examiner II
Maryland Disability Determination Services (DDS)
Cockeysville, MD, United States
07.2023 - Current
- Performs expert-level medical-legal determinations of disability for Title II (SSDI) and Title XVI (SSI) claims; manages a high-complexity caseload across initial, reconsideration, and medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) levels in strict accordance with SSA regulations.
- Reviews, develops, and adjudicates complex medical disability portfolios. Investigates intricate claims with multiple impairments, authorizing benefit determinations based on a comprehensive analysis of medical and non-medical evidence.
- Analyzes advanced medical facts, including diagnostic test results, disease etiology, and treatment efficacy. Synthesize clinical findings to determine the relation of physical and mental impairments to a claimant's Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), assess Medical Improvement Review standards (MIRS) and ability to engage in substantial gainful activity.
- Interprets and apply federal laws, regulations, and judicial precedents to evaluate pertinent medical evidence. Resolves complex evidentiary conflicts by coordinating specialized consultative examinations and requesting supplemental clinical data to ensure legally defensible case outcomes.
- Prepares detailed, well-supported written rationales and case documentation that consistently meet or exceed federal quality review standards and legal sufficiency audits.
- Manages an expansive and time-sensitive caseload while maintaining a consistently surpassing agency benchmarks for productivity and timeliness.
- Hours Per Week: 40
- Salary: 76,315 USD Annually
- Supervisor: Steven Stran/410-308-4424
- Contact: Yes
Disability Analyst II
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
New York, NY, United States
04.2014 - 07.2023
- Reviewed and adjudicated complex disability claims at the initial, medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) and reconsideration levels, ensuring 100% compliance with SSA regulations and state guidelines.
- Evaluated the medical severity, onset, duration, and functional limitations of diverse physical and mental impairments to determine eligibility for federal disability benefits.
- Developed comprehensive medical and non-medical evidence by collaborating with healthcare providers and coordinating consultative examinations to resolve case deficiencies.
- Performed rigorous vocational assessments considering age, education, and work history to determine a claimant’s ability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Identified systemic trends, recurring errors, and inconsistencies impacting case outcomes; provided technical insights to improve unit-wide quality and accuracy.
- Prepared exhaustive written case analyses documenting clinical findings and the legal rationale supporting final disability determinations.
- Hours Per Week: 40
- Supervisor: Quenesha Lighty/Phone:212-240-3433
- Contact: Yes
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Dominican College
Orangeburg, NY06.2006
Skills
- Programs: Title II (SSDI), Title XVI (SSI), Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)
- Regulation: SSA POMS, Federal Disability Regulations, State & Federal Laws
- Clinical: Medical Terminology, Disease Processes, Mental Health Adjudication (MRFC/PRT)
- Vocational: RFC Assessment, PRW Analysis, Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Grid Rules)
- Software: AS400/E-View, Electronic Folder (EF) Management, MS Office, Zoom, Teams, National Case Processing System
Timeline
Disability Examiner II
Maryland Disability Determination Services (DDS)
07.2023 - Current
Disability Analyst II
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
04.2014 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Dominican College