TN 9 (05-23)

DI 28010.130 Role of Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETTs) in Medical Improvement Review Standard (MIRS) Comparisons

A. Introduction to ETTs

1. Listings in 4.00

The listings in the Cardiovascular System (4.00) provide for use of the ETT as primary evidence in cases involving chronic heart failure and ischemic heart disease (listing 4.04A). However, the listings also provide for use of other types of evidence as the basis for decisions when available evidence does not include acceptable ETT results.

B. Reviewing ETTs

1. ETT and comparison

In the above situations, consider ETT results along with other evidence, but do not use them as the sole basis for establishing either decreased severity or increased function.

2. No basis for comparison

If the file:

  • contains acceptable ETT results from either the time of the comparison point decision (CPD) or the current time, but

  • does not show that an ETT was attempted at the other point, then

  • the file does not provide a basis for comparing prior and current ETT results.

Find no medical improvement (MI), unless changes in other signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings show MI.

3. Possible basis for comparison

If the file:

  • does not include acceptable ETT results from the CPD, but

  • shows that a source of medical evidence attempted an ETT but did not obtain acceptable results (e.g., discontinued the test due to the individual's complaints of fatigue or chest pain), and

  • contains current acceptable ETT results, then

  • the ability to perform an acceptable ETT without it being discontinued due to the individual's complaints may constitute changes in symptoms, which may provide a basis for finding MI.

Consider such changes in the context of other signs, symptoms and laboratory findings in deciding whether MI occurred.

C. ETTs and Group I exceptions

DI 33535.010 lists ETTs as a possible basis for applying the “new or improved diagnostic or evaluative technique” Group I exception to MI. Consider that exception where appropriate.

D. References

  • DI 28020.001 General - Groups I and II of Exceptions to Medical Improvement (MI)

  • DI 28020.250 Group I Exception - New or Improved Diagnostic or Evaluative Techniques

  • DI 33535.010 Cardiovascular

  • DI 34001.016 Cardiovascular System

 


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0428010130
DI 28010.130 - Role of Exercise Tolerance Tests (ETTs) in Medical Improvement Review Standard (MIRS) Comparisons - 05/08/2023
Batch run: 05/08/2023
Rev:05/08/2023