The purposes of the rationale are to:
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Identify all of the medical and nonmedical factors that have been considered (e.g.,
evidence requested and evidence used);
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Explain the thought process used to make the determination;
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Provide a permanent evidentiary record of the reasoning for the conclusion; and
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Inform subsequent reviewers, including quality assessment components, of the basis
for the determination.
Rationales must:
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Be complete, accurate, logical, and legally supportable;
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Be based on substantial evidence;
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Show clearly and persuasively how substantial evidence leads to the conclusion(s);
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Address and resolve all allegations made by the individual and other reporting sources
that may be in conflict with determination conclusions; and
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Describe in a complete and concise manner the importance attributed to each of the
various factors of the case.
A sound rationale can result only from a well-developed and well-documented case file.
It is essential to show all information pertinent to the relevant medical and nonmedical
issues and demonstrate that the adjudicator followed the continuing disability review
(CDR) evaluation process.