In medical improvement expected (MIE) cases, a return to work is an indication that
disability may have ceased. The disability examiner (DE) may find cessation without
current medical development when all of the following apply:
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An MIE diary was scheduled.
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The individual returns to full-time work with no significant medical restrictions
before the scheduled CDR was conducted.
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The individual acknowledges that medical improvement (MI) occurred as of the month
they returned to work.
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The individual expects to be able to continue work.
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The individual does not wish to have medical evidence from the last 12 months considered
before a decision is made.
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The individual does not have a mental impairment.
Additional precautions in DI 28030.035B, in this section, also apply.
NOTE: Finding that work is “full-time” in applying the clear-cut medical cessation is not
the same as finding that the work constitutes substantial gainful activity (SGA).
The basis for the decision is that the individual has returned to full-time work and
acknowledges MI; therefore, MI related to the ability to work has been demonstrated,
and the individual's impairment(s) is not of sufficient severity to prevent SGA. If
the conditions for use of this provision are met, disability is found to end as of
the first month the individual returns to full-time work.
EXAMPLE: The evidence obtained during the initial case processing showed the individual had
significant functional restrictions that precluded SGA, and were expected to continue
for more than 12 months. Recovery was expected approximately 18 months after onset
of disability, and an MIE diary was established accordingly. When the individual notified
us that they returned to work, a CDR was initiated. The review showed that 16 months
after onset the individual returned to full-time work, acknowledged MI as of the month
of return to full-time work, expected to be able to continue work, and did not wish
to have medical evidence from the last 12 months considered before a decision is made.
It also established that the individual's doctor approved this return to work without
imposing any medical restrictions. Cessation without additional development is found
in the month the individual returned to work.
These cessation determinations are based on MI related to the ability to work and
the capacity for SGA, rather than the work performed.
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Under Title II, services rendered cannot be used as the sole basis for termination
until a trial work period (TWP) is completed. The trial work period ends if disability
ceases for reasons other than work.
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Under Title XVI, work performed is not a basis for finding cessation of disability.
However, the concept of cessation without full medical development involves medical
determinations and this concept applies to both Title II and Title XVI.
When applying the clear-cut medical cessation concept, the particular job the individual
is performing is the controlling factor in determining whether work performed is full-time
work. If other workers in a like position in the same shop work the same number of
hours, the job is considered full-time even if performed less than the average 40-hour
work week.
To establish whether the factors in DI 28030.035A in this section are met, the file should contain a written statement from the individual
(or the appointed representative).
A report of telephone contact with the physician satisfies the folder documentation
requirements related to medical restrictions, provided the physician's responses do
not conflict with those of the individual. In this situation, a physician does not
have to sign the report of telephone contact. For additional information on telephone
communications, see DI 22505.030.