Basic (02-01)
DI 25225.065 Responsibility for Determining Functional Equivalence – Policy (Section 416.926a(n))
In cases where the State agency or other designee of the Commissioner makes the initial
or reconsideration disability determination, a State agency medical or psychological
consultant or other designee of the Commissioner (see DI 24501.001C.) has the overall responsibility for determining functional equivalence. For cases
in the disability hearing process or otherwise decided by a disability hearing officer,
the responsibility for determining functional equivalence rests with the disability
hearing officer. For cases at the Administrative Law Judge or Appeals Council level,
the responsibility for deciding functional equivalence rests with the Administrative
Law Judge or Appeals Council.