TN 3 (07-15)

A. Role in continuing disability review (CDR) evaluation process

This subchapter discusses the “relating MI to the ability to work” step in the CDR evaluation process for Title II and adult Title XVI beneficiaries. Consider this step only after determining the beneficiary’s current impairment(s) does not meet or equal the severity of a current listing and that MI occurred. For the CDR evaluation process, see DI 28005.005.

NOTE: For Title XVI children, this step does not apply -- see DI 28005.020.

If there is a decrease in medical severity as shown by the symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings, we must then determine if it relates to the ability to do work.

Do not consider any medical improvement that occurred to be related to the ability to do work unless you base an increase in the current residual functional capacity (RFC) on changes in the symptoms, signs, and laboratory findings.

The following are some additional considerations that we will apply to determine if MI relates to the ability to work.

• Previous impairment met or equaled listings;

• Prior RFC assessment was made;

• Prior RFC assessment should have been made, but was not;

• Impairment(s) subject to temporary remission.

B. References

• DI 28005.015 Step-by-Step Discussion of the Adult Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Evaluation Process

• DI 28020.001 General - Groups I and II of Exceptions to Medical Improvement