Sequential Evaluations
SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION PROCESS FOR A CONTINUING
DISABILITY REVIEW (CDR)
1. Is the individual now engaged in Substantial Gainful
Activity?
- If yes, has he or she completed a Trial Work Period (Title
II only). If TWP has been completed, disability
ends.
If no, go to step
2
2. Does current impairment meet or equal a
listing?
- If yes, disability continues.
If no, go to step
3
3. Has there been
medical improvement of those impairments that were present at the
date of the last favorable medical determination?
If yes, go to
step 4
- If no, disability will continue unless an
exception applies. Go to step 5
4. Is the medical improvement of those impairments that
were present at the date of the last favorable medical
determination related to the ability to do work?
- If yes, and no exceptions apply, go to
step 6
If no, disability
continues unless an exception applies. Go to step 5
5. Do any exceptions apply?
- beneficiary of medical or vocational
therapy or technology related to the ability to work and is now
able to engage in SGA
- has he/she undergone vocational
therapy related to the ability to work and is now able to engage in
SGA
- new or improved diagnostic techniques
or evaluations show the impairment is not as severe as originally
thought
- substantial evidence shows that the
prior decision was in error
6. Is there a severe impairment or combination of
impairments considering all of the claimant's current
impairments?
- If yes, make an RFC
(Residual Functional Capacity) assessment and go to step
7
If no, disability
ends
7. Considering all of the impairments that the individual
currently has, can the claimant return to his or her past relevant
work?
If no, go to step
8
8. Considering all of the impairments that the individual
currently has, can the claimant do other work?
If no, disability
continues.
