Basic (02-01)

DI 25225.065 Responsibility for Determining Functional Equivalence – Policy (Section 416.926a(n))

In cases where the State agency or other designee of the Commissioner makes the initial or reconsideration disability determination, a State agency medical or psychological consultant or other designee of the Commissioner (see DI 24501.001C.) has the overall responsibility for determining functional equivalence. For cases in the disability hearing process or otherwise decided by a disability hearing officer, the responsibility for determining functional equivalence rests with the disability hearing officer. For cases at the Administrative Law Judge or Appeals Council level, the responsibility for deciding functional equivalence rests with the Administrative Law Judge or Appeals Council.