If the ALJ chooses to make a fully favorable oral (bench) decision at the hearing,
the ALJ is required to include as an exhibit in the record a prescribed checksheet
document that sets forth the key data, findings of fact, and narrative rationale for
the decision. Claimants and their representatives may voluntarily submit proposed
checksheet documents of their own at the hearing.
If the ALJ decides to use the proposed checksheet as is, or with changes, the ALJ
must copy the proposed checksheet. The completed copy of the proposed checksheet becomes
an exhibit used to prepare the decision.
If the ALJ decides not to issue an oral (bench) decision, but concludes that the proposed
checksheet represents evidence that is material to the issues or proposed findings,
rationale, or conclusions for consideration in the formulation of a written decision,
the ALJ must enter the original proposed document into the record as a procedural
exhibit.
The FO or PC will use the checksheet, along with the decision notice, to effectuate
the ALJ decision following, as applicable:
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DI 12010.035 Action Following a Favorable Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing Decision
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DI 12010.040 Action Following a Favorable Title XVI Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing Decision
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DI 42010.020 Completing Form SSA-831 in Favorable Administrative Law Judge Decisions (Initial
Awards)
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GN 03103.250 Payment Center (PC) Effectuation of Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Decisions
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SI 00603.040 Special Adjudication Procedures for Disability Claims
If necessary, the FO or PC will view the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) Case
Processing & Management System (CPMS) for the regulation basis code and impairment
code (see DI 80550.000 for an overview of CPMS).
If the checksheet does not provide all the information needed, or if the case does
not meet the criteria for an oral decision, contact the hearing office (HO) to resolve.
If the HO cannot resolve the issue, follow , as applicable:
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DI 42010.065 Protest of Administrative Law Judge or Appeals Council Decisions
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DI 42010.070 Administrative Law Judge Issues Closed Period Decision Where Disability Ceased More
Than 14 Months before the Month in Which the Application Was Filed
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DI 42010.075 Non-Protest Case - Contacting the Office Hearing Operations to Correct Minor Errors
Not Affecting Outcome of Decision