When we make an initial or reconsidered determination whether you are disabled under
this section or whether your disability continues under DI 28001.001 ff. (except when a disability hearing officer makes the reconsideration determination),
we will complete a standard form, SSA-538, Childhood Disability Evaluation Form. The
form outlines the steps of the sequential evaluation process for individuals who have
not attained age 18. In these cases, the State agency medical or psychological consultant
or other designee of the Commissioner has overall responsibility for the content of
the form and must sign the form to attest that it is complete and that he or she is
responsible for its content, including the findings of fact and any discussion of
supporting evidence. Disability hearing officers, administrative law judges, and the
administrative appeals judges on the Appeals Council (when the Appeals Council makes
a decision) will not complete the form but will indicate their findings at each step
of the sequential evaluation process in their determinations or decisions.