If the claimant’s exertional capacity falls between two rules that both result in a determination of not disabled, use the rule from the lower numbered table as a framework for a determination.

EXAMPLE: A 45-year-old claimant with a high school education and unskilled past work experience has an RFC for standing/walking/sitting approximately 6 hours of an 8-hour day and lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 25 pounds occasionally and 15 pounds frequently. The RFC falls between the maximum requirements for medium and light work. The RFC falls between rule 202.20 and 203.28. The decision column for both rules indicates a decision of not disabled. Cite rule 202.20 as a framework for a determination and find the claimant not disabled. As long as all other vocational criteria are met for the applicable rules, do not cite jobs since both rules direct a determination of not disabled, establishing a significant number of jobs exist in the national economy at both RFC levels.

If the claimant’s exertional capacity falls between two rules that both result in a determination of disabled, use the rule from the higher numbered table as a framework for a determination.

EXAMPLE: A 55-year-old claimant with a high school education and unskilled past work experience has an RFC for standing/walking/sitting approximately 6 hours of an 8-hour day and lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling 15 pounds occasionally and less than 10 pounds frequently. The RFC falls between rule 201.04 and 202.04. The decision column for both rules indicates a decision of disabled. Cite rule 202.04 as a framework for a determination and find the claimant disabled.

Determining whether a claimant is disabled is a more difficult judgment when their exertional capacity falls in the middle of two rules and the rules direct opposite conclusions. In this situation apply the:

• •

  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

• •

  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. You may also use or cite information from SSR 83-10, 83-12, 83-14, and 96-9p to support your 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.