Consider age and time on the rolls, when appropriate, in assessing RFC in CDRs.

1. a. 

   There is a gradual decrease in organ function with age;

2. b. 

   Major losses and deficits become irreversible over time;

3. c. 

   Maximum exercise performance diminishes with age;

4. d. 

   Other changes related to sustained periods of inactivity and the aging process include:

   • •

     muscle atrophy,

   • •

     degenerative joint changes,

   • •

     decreased range of motion, and

   • •

     changes in the cardiac and respiratory systems, which limit exertional range.

5. e. 

   A wide variation exists in the degree and time of life when major losses (e.g., muscle atrophy) occur. Evaluate each beneficiary individually, giving due consideration to the effects of aging.

Studies show that the longer an individual is away from the workplace and is inactive, the more difficult it becomes to return to ongoing gainful employment.

When the beneficiary is age 50 or over and received disability benefits for a considerable period of time, consider the factors in this section along with their age in assessing RFC.

Generally, use a period of at least seven years as “a considerable period of time.”

Consider the disadvantages resulting from inactivity and the aging process during a long period of disability.

Consider a work evaluation or other appropriate testing only when available evidence does not resolve what the beneficiary can or cannot do on a sustained basis.

For additional information regarding work evaluations, see DI 22515.035.

Consider age and time on the rolls when evaluating current function in an RFC assessment. Consider this concept when you would otherwise make a finding that the impairment(s) is currently not severe.

Do not consider this concept as a vocational factor.

After RFC assessment, at step 7 (and 8) of the adult CDR sequential evaluation process, consider the RFC assessment within the context of the usual vocational evaluation policies and procedures in DI 25005.001.

This may include consideration of the beneficiary’s age, education, and work experience in deciding what jobs may exist in the national economy that the beneficiary can do.

Do not consider age and time on the rolls as a separate vocational factor. Consider concept only when providing a current functional assessment (RFC).

Use a period of at least seven years as “a considerable period of time.”

Use the onset date in counting time on the rolls, since this is when the impairment prevented work. Use the earlier date when there are different onsets on the prior decision due to program requirements (e.g., insured status). In Title XVI-only cases where onset is set as of the filing date, count time on the rolls from the beginning of the current disability period as established by available evidence.

Carefully consider the evidence as it relates to the beneficiary’s current ability to perform work-related activities when:

• •

  assessing RFC,

• •

  deciding if the beneficiary has a severe impairment(s), and

• •

  considering whether to request a work evaluation.

Apply judgment to assure that the RFC assessment realistically reflects the beneficiary’s ability to function on a sustained basis.

Discuss the impact of age and time on the rolls in the RFC assessment when the beneficiary is age 50 or over and received disability benefits for seven years or more. If the adjudicative team finds these factors do not affect RFC, make a note in the assessment to assure you have not overlooked these factors.