The evidence we receive must be complete and detailed enough to permit an independent
determination about whether the claimant is disabled or blind.
Therefore, the evidence must allow the adjudicator(s) to determine:
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•
the nature and severity of the claimant’s impairment(s),
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•
whether the 12-month duration requirement is met,
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the claimant’s residual functional capacity when steps 4 and 5 of sequential evaluation
apply, and
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the established onset date, if applicable.
When there is enough evidence, the adjudicator should be able to understand how the
claimant functions on a day-to-day basis.
NOTE: The adjudicator may discontinue development when the evidence is consistent and sufficient
to make a fully favorable determination. For details, see Expedients to Evaluate and
Develop Evidence for Potential Mental and Physical Impairments in section DI 24505.030.