Basic (05-86)
In deciding the issue of continuing disability under the medical improvement review
standard (MIRS) described in DI 28010.000 ff., certain reference materials are needed.
This subchapter includes pre-1968 obsolete versions of Part A of the Listing of Impairments.
This material is needed in determining (under DI 28015.000 ff.) whether medical improvement (MI) is related to the individual's ability to work.
This subchapter reproduces Part A of the Listing of Impairments as it previously appeared
in various manuals. It should be kept in mind that the provisions shown in this and
the following subchapters are obsolete and may not be considered outside the context
of the MIRS. The obsolete portions may not be used in deciding whether an individual's
impairment(s) currently meets or equals the requirements of the Listing of Impairments.
Throughout the time the Listing of Impairments has been in effect, additional policy
instructions have clarified and interpreted many listing provisions. These other instructions
do not have the same force as regulations because they were not published as regulations.
Due to the extensive nature of these other instructions and due to the length of time
involved, it is not administratively feasible to reproduce all of these other instructions
as they appeared at each point in time the listing has been in effect. Therefore,
if there is any doubt concerning application of these obsolete provisions in a MIRS
context, resolve the conflict in favor of a finding favorable to the beneficiary (e.g.,
that the impairment continues to meet the prior listing section and, therefore, MI
is not related to ability to work).