Determining whether a claimant is disabled is a more difficult judgment when his or
her exertional capacity falls in the middle of two rules and the rules direct opposite
conclusions. In this situation apply the:
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•
higher-numbered rule and find the claimant not disabled if you conclude the claimant
has a slightly reduced capacity for the higher level of exertion; or
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•
lower-numbered rule and find the claimant disabled if you conclude the claimant has
a significantly reduced capacity for the higher level of exertion.
NOTE: Use the information about the sedentary, light, and medium occupational bases found
in the Medical-Vocational Quick Reference Guide in DI 25001.001 to assist you with this adjudicative judgment.
IMPORTANT: Always explain the basis of your conclusions.
If necessary, use the assistance of a Vocational Specialist to determine which rule
most closely approximates the claimant’s RFC and vocational factors of age, education,
and past work experience.