Although the adoption of prior decisions will be rare in the disability hearing unit (DHU) setting, disability hearing officers (DHOs) must be familiar with the procedures.

Follow the guidance in DI 27515.000 to determine whether the prior final determination or decision is to be adopted.

Assess whether the prior determination should be reopened and revised if new and material evidence is presented or there are other reasons for reopening. See DI 27501.000 and DI 33020.025 for additional information on administrative finality and reopenings.