TN 11 (08-22)

DI 28005.045 Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (DAA) in a Title II or Adult Title XVI Continuing Disability Review (CDR) - Step-by-Step Discussion of the 7-Step DAA Material CDR Evaluation Process

A. Introduction to the step-by-step discussion

The discussion in DI 28005.045B in this section is numbered to correspond to the steps in the chart in DI 28005.040B. The chart and this discussion are applicable to CDR cases involving DAA.

B. Procedure to determine if DAA is material to Title II or adult Title XVI CDR determination

1. Disability continues after evaluation through the Title II and adult Title XVI CDR sequential evaluation process

Determine whether disability continues by following the CDR evaluation process outlined in DI 28005.010. Consider all the evidence, including any evidence of DAA.

  • If disability does not continue under the CDR sequential evaluation process outlined in DI 28005.010, it is not necessary to evaluate the additional DAA steps below.

  • If disability continues after evaluating all impairments by following the CDR sequential evaluation process outlined in DI 28005.010, follow the additional steps below to evaluate if DAA is material to the Title II or adult Title XVI CDR determination.

2. Medical evidence of DAA

Determine whether the medical evidence establishes the existence of a substance use disorder.

  • If not, find that disability continues.

  • If so, go to step 3.

3. Medical improvement (MI) if DAA stopped

Determine whether MI would occur in the comparison point decision (CPD) impairment(s) if the individual stopped using drugs or alcohol.

  • If not, find that DAA is not material and disability continues.

  • If so, go to step 4.

4. MI related to the ability to work

Decide whether MI would be related to the ability to work.

  • If not, find that DAA is not material and disability continues.

  • If so, go to step 5.

5. Severity of current impairment(s)

Determine whether the individual would have a severe impairment(s) if the individual stopped using drugs or alcohol.

  • If not, find that DAA is material and disability ceases.

  • If so, go to step 6.

6. Past relevant work

Determine whether the individual would be able to do past relevant work if the individual stopped using drugs or alcohol.

  • If so, find that DAA is material and cease disability.

  • If not, go to step 7.

7. Other work

Decide whether the individual would be able to do other work if the individual stopped using drugs or alcohol.

  • If so, find that DAA is material and disability ceases.

  • If not, find that DAA is not material and disability continues.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0428005045
DI 28005.045 - Drug Addiction or Alcoholism (DAA) in a Title II or Adult Title XVI Continuing Disability Review (CDR) - Step-by-Step Discussion of the 7-Step DAA Material CDR Evaluation Process - 08/08/2022
Batch run: 09/15/2022
Rev:08/08/2022