Monday, March 20, 2006

SSA Issues New Rules on Medical Equivalence in Disability Determinations

The Social Security Administration has published final rules revising the the processing of claims for disability benefits under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. These revisions make the language in the rules used under Title II for making findings about medical equivalence consistent with the language in the rules used under Title XVI of the Act.

The revisions also clarify SSA's rules about the evidence used to making findings about medical equivalence for adults and children. The rules explaining the Listing of Impairments and how impairment(s) can meet a listing are also updated and clarified.The new rules will be effective on March 31, 2006.

Final Rules