When a prior favorable initial determination is incorrect, reopening is appropriate
when there is “good cause” and the rules of administrative finality allow. For example,
good cause for reopening exists when there is new and material evidence or there is
an error on the face of evidence. For more information on errors on the face of evidence
or new and material evidence, see DI 27505.010, DI 28020.355, and DI 28020.365.
We do not require good cause when reopening of an incorrect determination occurs within
one year from the date of the notice of the initial determination. However, certain
adverse reopenings and revisions cannot occur unless the medical improvement (MI)
regulations allow a finding that disability has ceased or does not exist. For more
information about MI in CDR cases, see DI 28005.001.