DO's frequently prepare reports concerning the character, personal appearance, or
credibility of claimants or other individuals. These reports are intended for SSA
use as guides for development and case review and they may constitute evidence which
can be used at hearings or in fraud prosecutions. It is important that the reports
do not contain information relating to other issues.
Because it is SSA policy to provide objective, uniform, and equal treatment of people
under the law, reports should not contain statements which characterize the claimant
or other person by their race, religion, natural origin, or economic condition when
these factors are irrelevant to the issue involved. Gratuitous references of this
type tend to defeat objective, uniform and equal treatment and have no real evidentiary
value.