Follow development and documentation procedures in DI 28020.150C.
When an individual is in a program with advances in vocational therapy or technology,
the adjudicator will evaluate whether advances in vocational therapy or technology
have favorably affected the severity of the individual's impairment(s) or their ability
to do basic work activities.
If yes, apply the exception at step 5 of the adult continuing disability review (CDR)
sequential evaluation process and proceed with the remaining steps in the sequential
evaluation process.
If the evidence from the vocational therapy or technology does not indicate a favorable
impact to the severity of the individual’s impairment(s) or their ability to complete
basic work activities, do not apply the exception.
If it is unclear if the exception applies, the adjudicator must submit a detailed
rationale and question to the Regional Office Center for Disability and Program Support
to obtain guidance prior to applying the exception or processing a cessation. The
rationale and question should outline information about the advanced vocational therapy
or technology and why the adjudicator cannot determine if the exception applies (e.g.,
if there is a question about increased ability to complete basic work activities in
the evidence received from the program).
If the exception applies, the adjudicator must proceed to step 6 of the adult CDR
sequential evaluation process.
If a cessation is supported after applying the exception and following sequential
evaluation, enter cessation code “02” for a Title II case or “51” for a Title XVI
CDR case in Item 11 of the SSA-832 or SSA-833, see DI 28084.015B.3.a.