TN 64 (09-09)
For purposes of escalating and consolidating claims, a common issue is present when two or more claims, in any combination, share any overlapping period of time and have the same medical or substantial gainful activity (SGA) issue.
NOTE: It is not necessary that onset dates coincide. The period of time does not need to be congruent, there only needs to be a common period of disability.
References:
DI 12045.010, Processing Disability Claims at Different Levels of Appeal, Title II and Title XVI - Common Issue Cases
DI 12045.015, Claims Under Different Titles – Common Issue at the ALJ Hearing Level
DI 12045.021, Appeal Processing Chart/Common Issue Cases
DI 12045.000, Special Situations (This reference is the subchapter’s Table of Contents for the policies and procedures in common-issue cases.)