Paul Burkhalter, NOSSCR President

Summertime

As we head into the hottest days of the year, I hope you find moments to step away from your desk, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved break.

NOSSCR has some good news to share: our membership continues to grow. For another year, more advocates have joined our community—reflecting our strength as a resource for continuing education and as a powerful voice pushing for a fairer, more just disability system. We are here to help you be the best you can be for your clients, and we remain deeply committed to meaningful reform.

This summer also brings an important opportunity to shape NOSSCR’s future: elections for our Board of Directors. A majority of Circuits are holding elections this year, and in most of those, there are contested races. That means your vote matters. While some organizations struggle to find volunteers, NOSSCR members compete for the chance to serve. That speaks volumes about the passion, dedication, and quality of our community. We care about this work—and about each other. Look for your ballot starting on July 21st and voting will continue through July 31st.

It is also, undeniably, a strange time. While many changes are unfolding across the federal government, things at SSA have remained relatively quiet. But it feels like we are on a roller coaster—at that moment when the cars are slowly being pulled up the first big hill. You hear the clanking as we rise higher and higher, knowing the drop is coming, but not knowing exactly what kind of ride lies ahead.

Will it be a stomach-dropping plunge filled with chaos and rapid change? Or will it be a smoother ride over rolling hills, giving us time to adjust and take in the view? With a new Commissioner in place, we know change is coming. What we do not know is how steep the drop—or how sharp the turns—will be.

As we look ahead, we have legitimate concerns:

• Will the Medical-Vocational “Grids” be altered or eliminated?
• Will “reliable job data” and the outdated DOT be replaced?
• Will CDRs become more frequent?
• Will there be stricter rules on treatment compliance or mental health listings?

The truth is, we do not yet know where this ride is headed.

But here is what we do know: NOSSCR has longstanding, trusted relationships within SSA—even if we do not always make them public. If new regulations are proposed, no matter how dramatic, we will be there to respond. Early proposals rarely remain unchanged by the time they are finalized—and we will be part of that process every step of the way.

So please: do not panic. Stay engaged. We are prepared to respond, to adapt, and to advocate for claimants—wherever this roller coaster takes us.

Together, we can handle the ride.

Enjoy the summer. And maybe even enjoy the ride.