When the findings demonstrate MI (a decrease in the medical severity of an impairment), the rationale will:

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  List the impairment(s) that was present at the comparison point decision (CPD); and

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  Include a discussion of whether MI is related to the ability to work.

The rationale must indicate that if the CPD impairment(s) met or equaled a listed impairment but the impairment(s) no longer meets or equals that same listing, then the adjudicator must determine and discuss whether MI is related to the ability to work.

If the CPD was a medical-vocational decision, the rationale must include an explanation of the functional limitations (e.g., the ability to lift and carry, sit, stand, and walk) based on the medical findings and a statement of residual functional capacity (RFC). The adjudicator will compare this explanation with an assessment of the “MIRS RFC” (current functional capacity considering only the impairment(s) that was present at the CPD). For more information on the “MIRS RFC," see DI 28015.300.

When multiple impairments were present at the CPD, the rationale must show that the combined effect of all those impairments has been considered in the current determination and indicate whether there has been a change in such combined effect since the date of the CPD.

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  DI 24510.001 Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment – Introduction

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  DI 28015.001 Context and Scope — Relating MI to Ability to Work

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  DI 28015.850 Types of Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment(s) Needed

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  DI 28090.070 Rationale Content - Statement of Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)