Social Security disability determination process requires that initially claims enter the system in a network of local offices and State agencies called Disability Determination Services. All subsequent appeals of a DDS disability denial must be reviewed inside DDS or by an administrative law judge in the SSA's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. DDS is funded by the federal government but is a State agency responsible to develop and review medical evidence submitted by disability claimants applying for benefits. The DDS is responsible to render a decision as to whether or not a person is disabled or blind under applicable federal law.