The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 18 February 2010 following an assessment by a Medical Assessor. An appeal was opened on 21 April 2010 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.