The adjudicative team may adopt the RFC or MRFC prepared at the initial level of adjudication,
rather than completing an entirely duplicative form.
After a complete review of all the evidence in file at the reconsideration level,
the adjudicative team may conclude that the RFC or MRFC prepared for the initial determination
would not be changed.
If the RFC or MRFC at the reconsideration level will be duplicative of the initial
level RFC or MRFC, the adjudicative team may adopt the initial level RFC or MRFC.
If there are any changes in the functional limitations, the initial level RFC or MRFC
cannot be adopted; and a new RFC or MRFC will have to be prepared.
In the remarks section of the initial level RFC the following statement will be entered:
“I have reviewed all the evidence in file, and the assessment of (date) is affirmed,
as
written.”
IMPORTANT: For EDCS reconsideration cases where the initial level RFC or MRFC can be adopted,
complete an SSA-416 with the following statement:
"I have reviewed all the evidence in file, and the assessment of (date) is affirmed,
as written."
The medical or psychological consultant, who must be a different decisionmaker than
the initial level medical or psychological consultant, must sign the statement including
other identifying information, as appropriate, and date.
NOTE: Adopting the RFC or MRFC assessment is not the same as affirming the initial determination.
When you adopt an initial level RFC or MRFC assessment, consider whether to affirm
the initial determination based on the facts of the case. For instructions on affirming
initial level determinations at reconsideration, see DI 27001.001E.1..