We characterize some impairments, such as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or a myocardial
infarction (MI), as a major event followed by a period of stabilization and varying
degrees of improvement. Therefore, a longitudinal clinical record covering a period
of at least 3 months after the event is necessary to assess the medical severity and
duration of the impairment(s).
Some impairments, such as certain cancers, require multimodal treatment (surgery,
radiation, or chemotherapy) to provide a remedy. Therefore, a longitudinal clinical
record may be necessary to assess treatment response. Consider each case on an individual
basis, as therapy may vary greatly and have different effects on different claimants.
Make favorable determinations without medical deferment when it is evident from the
medical and other evidence that the claimant has little or no chance of regaining
significant function. If the best recovery following the major event or the treatment
will still result in an allowance under medical or vocational considerations, then
medical deferment is not necessary. For example, if a claimant had a CVA, with or
without coma, and an acceptable medical source indicates that the claimant has disabling
limitations with little or no chance of regaining significant function, you can make
a favorable determination at any time before 3 months, without medical deferment.