[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 2, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49613-49616]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-21368]


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SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

[Docket No. SSA-2017-0047]


Social Security Ruling, SSR 18-01p; Titles II and XVI: 
Determining the Established Onset Date (EOD) in Disability Claims

AGENCY: Social Security Administration.

ACTION: Notice of Social Security Ruling (SSR).

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SUMMARY: We are providing notice of SSR 18-01p, which rescinds and 
replaces SSR 83-20, ``Titles II and XVI: Onset of Disability,'' except 
as noted here. This SSR clarifies how we determine the EOD in 
disability claims under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act 
(Act). Specifically, it addresses how we determine the EOD in claims 
that involve traumatic, non-traumatic, and exacerbating and remitting 
impairments. This ruling also addresses special considerations related 
to the EOD, such as work activity and previously adjudicated periods. 
Additionally, this SSR clarifies that an administrative law judge may, 
but is not required to, call upon the services of a medical expert, to 
assist with inferring the date that the claimant first met the 
statutory definition of disability. We concurrently published a 
separate SSR, SSR 18-02p, ``Titles II and XVI: Determining the 
Established Onset Date (EOD) in Blindness Claims,'' to discuss how we 
determine the EOD in statutory blindness claims. SSR 18-02p rescinds 
and replaces two parts of SSR 83-20. Specifically, SSR 18-02p rescinds 
and replaces the subsection, ``Title II: Blindness Cases,'' under the 
section, ``Technical Requirements and Onset of Disability''; and the 
subsection, ``Title XVI--Specific Onset is Necessary,'' which is also 
under the section ``Technical Requirements and Onset of Disability,'' 
as it applies to statutory blindness claims. Therefore, SSR 83-20 is 
completely rescinded and replaced by SSR 18-01p and SSR 18-02p.

DATES: We will apply this notice on October 2, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan O'Brien, 410-597-1632, 
[email protected]. For information on eligibility or filing for 
benefits, call our national toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, or 
visit our internet site, Social Security online, at http://www.socialsecurity.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Although 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1) and (a)(2) do 
not require us to publish this SSR, we are publishing it in accordance 
with 20 CFR 402.35(b)(1).
    We use SSRs to make available to the public precedential decisions 
relating to the Federal old age, survivors, disability, supplemental 
security income, and special veterans benefits programs. We may base 
SSRs on determinations or decisions made in our administrative review 
process, Federal court decisions, decisions of our Commissioner, 
opinions from our Office of the General Counsel, or other 
interpretations of law and regulations.
    Although SSRs do not have the same force and effect as law, they 
are binding on all components of the Social Security Administration in 
accordance with 20 CFR 402.35(b)(1).
    This SSR will remain in effect until we publish a notice in the 
Federal Register that rescinds it, or until we publish a new SSR in the 
Federal Register that rescinds and replaces or modifies it.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, Program Nos. 96.001, Social 
Security--Disability Insurance; 96.002, Social Security--Retirement 
Insurance; 96.004, Social Security--Survivors Insurance; 96.006, 
Supplemental Security Income.)


Nancy A. Berryhill,
Acting Commissioner of Social Security.

Policy Interpretation Ruling

Titles II and XVI: Determining the Established Onset Date (EOD) in 
Disability Claims

    We are providing notice of SSR 18-01p, which rescinds and replaces 
SSR 83-20, ``Titles II and XVI: Onset of Disability,'' except as noted 
here. Concurrently, we published a separate SSR, SSR 18-02p, ``Titles 
II and XVI: Determining the Established Onset Date (EOD) in Blindness 
Claims,'' to discuss how we determine the EOD in statutory blindness 
claims. SSR 18-02p rescinds and replaces two parts of SSR 83-20. 
Specifically, SSR 18-02p rescinds and replaces the subsection, ``Title 
II: Blindness Cases,'' under the section, ``Technical Requirements and 
Onset of Disability''; and the subsection, ``Title XVI--Specific Onset 
is Necessary,'' which is also under the section ``Technical 
Requirements and Onset of Disability,'' as it applies to statutory 
blindness claims. Therefore, as of October 2, 2018, the date this SSR 
was published in the Federal Register, SSR 83-20 is completely 
rescinded and replaced by SSR 18-01p and SSR 18-02p.
    Purpose: This SSR explains what we mean by EOD and clarifies how we 
determine the EOD in disability claims under titles II and XVI of the 
Act. Specifically, it addresses how we determine the EOD in claims that 
involve traumatic, non-traumatic, and exacerbating and remitting 
impairments. This ruling also addresses special considerations related 
to the EOD, such as work activity and previously adjudicated periods. 
Additionally, this SSR clarifies that an administrative law judge (ALJ) 
may, but is not required to, call upon the services of a medical expert 
(ME), to assist with inferring the date that the claimant first met the 
statutory definition of disability.
    Citations: Sections 223 and 1614 of the Act, as amended; 20 CFR 
404.130, 404.303, 404.315-.316, 404.320-.321, 404.335-.336, 
404.350-.351, 404.988-.989, 404.1505, 404.1510, 404.1512-.1513, 
404.1520, 404.1574, 416.202, 416.325, 416.905-.906, 416.910, 
416.912-.913, 416.920, 416.924, 416.974, and 416.1488-.1489; 20 CFR 
part 404, subpart P, appendices 1 and 2.

Policy Interpretation

    To be entitled to disability benefits under title II of the Act or 
to be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments based on 
disability under title XVI of the Act, a claimant must file an 
application, meet the statutory definition of disability,\1\ and 
satisfy the applicable non-medical requirements. If we find that a 
claimant meets the statutory definition of disability and meets the 
applicable non-medical requirements during the period covered by his or 
her application, we then

[[Page 49614]]

determine the claimant's EOD. Generally, the EOD is the earliest date 
that the claimant meets both the definition of disability and the non-
medical requirements for entitlement to benefits under title II of the 
Act or eligibility for SSI payments under title XVI of the Act during 
the period covered by his or her application. Because entitlement and 
eligibility depend on non-medical requirements, the EOD may be later 
than the date the claimant first met the definition of disability, and 
some claimants who meet the definition of disability may not be 
entitled to benefits under title II or eligible for disability payments 
under title XVI.\2\
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    \1\ See 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 CFR 
404.1505(a), 416.905(a) (defining disability for adults); 42 U.S.C. 
1382c(a)(3)(C); 20 CFR 416.906 (defining disability for children); 
see also 20 CFR 404.1520(a)(4), 416.920(a)(4) (setting forth the 
five-step sequential evaluation we use to determine disability for 
adults); 20 CFR 416.924 (setting forth the three-step sequential 
evaluation we use to determine disability for children).
    \2\ Under title II of the Act, a claimant may be entitled to a 
period of disability even though he or she does not qualify for 
monthly cash benefits. 20 CFR 404.320(a).
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Outline

I. How do we determine the EOD?
    A. What are the non-medical requirements for entitlement and 
eligibility under the Act?
    B. How do we determine whether a claimant meets the statutory 
definition of disability and, if so, when the claimant first met that 
definition?
    1. How do we determine when a claimant with a traumatic impairment 
first met the statutory definition of disability?
    2. How do we determine when a claimant with a non-traumatic or 
exacerbating and remitting impairment first met the statutory 
definition of disability?
    3. How do we determine when a claimant with more than one type of 
impairment first met the statutory definition of disability?
II. What are some special considerations related to the EOD?
    A. How does work activity affect our determination of the EOD?
    B. May we determine the EOD to be in a previously adjudicated 
period?
III. When is this SSR applicable?

Discussion

I. How do we determine the EOD?

    When we need to determine a claimant's EOD, we start by considering 
whether we can establish the EOD as of the claimant's potential onset 
date (POD) of disability. The POD is the first date when the claimant 
met the non-medical requirements during the period covered by his or 
her application. The POD is the earliest date that we consider for the 
EOD because it affords the claimant the maximum possible benefits for 
the period covered by his or her application. The POD may be the same 
as, earlier than, or later than the claimant's alleged onset date, 
which is the date that the claimant alleges he or she first met the 
statutory definition of disability.
    The period covered by an application refers to the period when a 
claimant may be entitled to benefits under title II or eligible for SSI 
payments under title XVI of the Act based on a particular application. 
The period covered by an application depends on the type of claim. For 
example, the Act and our regulations explain that if a claimant applies 
for disability insurance benefits under title II of the Act after the 
first month that he or she could have been entitled to them, he or she 
may receive benefits for up to 12 months immediately before the month 
in which the application was filed.\3\ If a claimant applies for SSI 
payments based on disability under title XVI of the Act after the first 
month that he or she meets the other eligibility requirements, we 
cannot make SSI payments based on disability for the month in which the 
application was filed or any months before that month.\4\ That is, we 
cannot make retroactive payments based on disability under title XVI of 
the Act.
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    \3\ 42 U.S.C. 423(b); 20 CFR 404.621(a).
    \4\ 42 U.S.C. 1382(c)(7); 20 CFR 416.335.
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    If the claimant meets the statutory definition of disability on his 
or her POD, we use the POD as the EOD because it would be the earliest 
date at which the claimant meets both the statutory definition of 
disability and the non-medical requirements for entitlement to benefits 
under title II or eligibility for SSI payments under title XVI during 
the period covered by his or her application. In contrast, if the 
claimant first meets the statutory definition of disability after his 
or her POD, we use the first date that the claimant meets both the 
statutory definition of disability and the applicable non-medical 
requirements as his or her EOD.

A. What are the non-medical requirements for entitlement and 
eligibility under the Act?

    The non-medical requirements vary based on the type(s) of claim(s) 
the claimant filed. To illustrate, we identify below the most common 
types of disability claims and some of the regulations that explain the 
non-medical requirements for that type of claim.
     Disability insurance benefits: 20 CFR 404.315, 404.316, 
404.320, and 404.321;
     Disabled widow(er)'s benefits: 20 CFR 404.335 and 404.336;
     Childhood disability benefits: 20 CFR 404.350 and 404.351; 
and
     Supplemental Security Income: 20 CFR 416.202 and 416.305.

B. How do we determine whether a claimant meets the statutory 
definition of disability and, if so, when the claimant first met that 
definition?

    We need specific medical evidence to determine whether a claimant 
meets the statutory definition of disability. In general, an individual 
has a statutory obligation to provide us with the evidence to prove to 
us that he or she is disabled.\5\ This obligation includes providing us 
with evidence to prove to us when he or she first met the statutory 
definition of disability. The Act also precludes us from finding that 
an individual is disabled unless he or she submits such evidence to 
us.\6\ The Act further provides that we:
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    \5\ To meet the statutory definition of disability, the claimant 
must show that he or she is unable to engage in any substantial 
gainful activity by reason of a medically determinable physical or 
mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which 
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not 
less than 12 months. 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(1)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(A); 20 CFR 
404.1505(a), 416.905(a).
    \6\ 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(5)(A), 1382c(a)(3)(H)(i); 20 CFR 
404.1512(a), 416.912(a).

    [S]hall consider all evidence available in [an] individual's 
case record, and shall develop a complete medical history of at 
least the preceding twelve months for any case in which a 
determination is made that the individual is not under a 
disability.\7\
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    \7\ 42 U.S.C. 423(d)(5)(B), 1382c(a)(3)(H)(i).
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In addition, when we make any determination, the Act requires us to:

    [M]ake every reasonable effort to obtain from the individual's 
treating physician (or other treating health care provider) all 
medical evidence, including diagnostic tests, necessary in order to 
properly make such determination, prior to evaluating medical 
evidence obtained from any other source on a consultative basis.\8\
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    \8\ Id.

    ``Complete medical history'' means the records from the claimant's 
medical source(s) covering at least the 12-month period preceding the 
month in which the claimant applied for disability benefits or SSI 
payments.\9\ If the claimant says his or her disability began less than 
12 months before he or she applied for benefits, we will develop the 
claimant's complete medical history beginning with the month he or she 
says his or her disability began, unless we have reason to believe the 
claimant's disability began earlier.\10\ If applicable, we will develop 
the claimant's complete medical history for the 12-month period

[[Page 49615]]

prior to the month he or she was last insured for disability insurance 
benefits,\11\ the month ending the 7-year period when the claimant must 
establish his or her disability if he or she applied for widow's or 
widower's benefits based on disability,\12\ or the month the claimant 
attained age 22 if he or she applied for child's benefits under title 
II \13\ based on disability.\14\
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    \9\ 20 CFR 404.1512(b)(1)(ii), 416.912(b)(1)(ii).
    \10\ Id.
    \11\ See 20 CFR 404.130.
    \12\ See 20 CFR 404.335(c)(1).
    \13\ See 20 CFR 404.350.
    \14\ 20 CFR 404.1512(b)(1)(ii).
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    We consider all of the evidence of record when we determine whether 
a claimant meets the statutory definition of disability.\15\ The period 
we consider depends on the type of claim and the facts of the case. For 
example, a claimant who has applied for disability insurance benefits 
under title II of the Act must show that:
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    \15\ See 20 CFR 404.1513, 416.913 (describing the categories of 
evidence we consider).
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     He or she met the statutory definition of disability 
before his or her insured status expired, and
     He or she currently meets the statutory definition of 
disability,\16\ or his or her disability ended within the 12-month 
period before the month that he or she applied for benefits.\17\
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    \16\ For a disability insurance benefits claim under title II, 
an adjudicator may also determine that the claimant had a closed 
period of disability when the claimant was disabled for at least 12 
continuous months and his or her disability ceased after the month 
of filing, but prior to the date of adjudication.
    \17\ See 42 U.S.C. 416(i), 423(a)(1); 20 CFR 404.315(a), 
404.320. For title II claims, if we find that the claimant did not 
meet the statutory definition of disability before his or her 
insured status expired, we will not determine whether the claimant 
is currently disabled or was disabled within the 12-month period 
before the month that he or she applied for benefits. If, however, 
the claimant also filed a different type of claim--for example, a 
claim for SSI disability payments--we may have to consider whether 
the claimant is currently disabled to adjudicate the SSI claim.

As another example, a claimant who has applied for child's benefits 
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under title II must show that:

     He or she met the statutory definition of disability 
before he or she attained age 22, and
     He or she currently meets the statutory definition of 
disability,\18\ or his or her disability ended within the 12-month 
period before the month that he or she applied for benefits.\19\
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    \18\ For a child's benefits claim under title II, an adjudicator 
may also determine that the claimant had a closed period of 
disability when the claimant was disabled for at least 12 continuous 
months and his or her disability ceased after the month of filing, 
but prior to the date of adjudication.
    \19\ See 42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)(B), 416(i); 20 CFR 404.320, 
404.350(a)(5). For a child's benefits claim under title II, if we 
find that the claimant did not meet the statutory definition of 
disability before he or she attained age 22, we will not determine 
whether the claimant is currently disabled or was disabled within 
the 12-month period before the month that he or she applied for 
benefits. If, however, the claimant also filed a different type of 
claim--for example, a claim for SSI disability payments--we may have 
to consider whether the claimant is currently disabled to adjudicate 
the SSI claim.

As a final example--because we cannot make SSI payments based on 
disability for the month in which the application was filed or any 
months before that month--a claimant who has applied for SSI payments 
under title XVI must show that he or she currently meets the statutory 
definition of disability.\20\ If we find that the claimant meets the 
statutory definition of disability during the period under 
consideration, then we will determine when the claimant first met that 
definition. However, we will not consider whether the claimant first 
met the statutory definition of disability on a date that is beyond the 
period under consideration.
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    \20\ 42 U.S.C. 1382(c)(7); 20 CFR 416.335. For a title XVI 
claim, an adjudicator may also determine that the claimant had a 
closed period of disability when the claimant was disabled for at 
least 12 continuous months and his or her disability ceased after 
the month of filing, but prior to the date of adjudication.
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1. How do we determine when a claimant with a traumatic impairment 
first met the statutory definition of disability?
    For impairments that result from a traumatic injury or other 
traumatic event, we begin with the date of the traumatic event, even if 
the claimant worked on that date. An example of a traumatic event that 
could result in a traumatic injury is an automobile accident. If the 
evidence of record supports a finding that the claimant met the 
statutory definition of disability on the date of the traumatic event 
or traumatic injury, we will use that date as the date that the 
claimant first met the statutory definition of disability.
2. How do we determine when a claimant with a non-traumatic or 
exacerbating and remitting impairment first met the statutory 
definition of disability?
    Non-traumatic impairments may be static impairments that we do not 
expect to change in severity over an extended period, such as 
intellectual disability; impairments that we expect to improve over 
time, such as pathologic bone fractures caused by osteoporosis; or 
progressive impairments that we expect to gradually worsen over time, 
such as muscular dystrophy. Exacerbating and remitting impairments are 
impairments that diminish and intensify in severity over time, such as 
multiple sclerosis. When a claimant has a non-traumatic or exacerbating 
and remitting impairment(s), and we determine the evidence of record 
supports a finding that the claimant met the statutory definition of 
disability, we will determine the first date that the claimant met that 
definition. The date that the claimant first met the statutory 
definition of disability must be supported by the medical and other 
evidence \21\ and be consistent with the nature of the impairment(s).
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    \21\ See 20 CFR 404.1513, 416.913 (describing the categories of 
evidence we consider).
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    We consider whether we can find that the claimant first met the 
statutory definition of disability at the earliest date within the 
period under consideration, taking into account the date the claimant 
alleged that his or her disability began. We review the relevant 
evidence and consider, for example, the nature of the claimant's 
impairment; the severity of the signs, symptoms, and laboratory 
findings; the longitudinal history and treatment course (or lack 
thereof); the length of the impairment's exacerbations and remissions, 
if applicable; and any statement by the claimant about new or worsening 
signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings. The date we find that the 
claimant first met the statutory definition of disability may predate 
the claimant's earliest recorded medical examination or the date of the 
claimant's earliest medical records, but we will not consider whether 
the claimant first met the statutory definition of disability on a date 
that is beyond the period under consideration.
    If there is information in the claim(s) file that suggests that 
additional medical evidence relevant to the period at issue is 
available, we will assist with developing the record and may request 
existing evidence directly from a medical source or entity that 
maintains the evidence. We may consider evidence from other non-medical 
sources such as the claimant's family, friends, or former employers, if 
we cannot obtain additional medical evidence or it does not exist 
(e.g., the evidence was never created or was destroyed), and we cannot 
reasonably infer the date that the claimant first met the statutory 
definition of disability based on the medical evidence in the file.
    At the hearing level of our administrative review process, if the 
ALJ needs to infer the date that the claimant first met the statutory 
definition of disability, he or she may call on the services of an ME 
by soliciting testimony or requesting responses to written 
interrogatories (i.e.,

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written questions to be answered under oath or penalty of perjury). The 
decision to call on the services of an ME is always at the ALJ's 
discretion. Neither the claimant nor his or her representative can 
require an ALJ to call on the services of an ME to assist in inferring 
the date that the claimant first met the statutory definition of 
disability.
    The Appeals Council may review the ALJ's finding regarding when the 
claimant first met the statutory definition of disability, or any other 
finding of the ALJ, by granting a claimant's request for review or on 
its own motion authority.\22\ The Appeals Council may also exercise its 
removal authority and assume responsibility of the request for hearing. 
The Appeals Council will review a case if there is an error of law; the 
actions, findings, or conclusions of the ALJ are not supported by 
substantial evidence; there appears to be an abuse of discretion by the 
ALJ; or there is a broad policy or procedural issue that may affect the 
general public interest.\23\ The Appeals Council will also review a 
case if it receives additional evidence that meets certain 
requirements.\24\ If the Appeals Council grants review, it will issue 
its own decision or return the case to the ALJ for further proceedings, 
which may include obtaining evidence regarding when the claimant first 
met the statutory definition of disability. If the Appeals Council 
issues a decision, it will consider the totality of the evidence 
(subject to the limitations on Appeals Council consideration of 
additional evidence in 20 CFR 404.970 and 416.1470) and establish the 
date that the claimant first met the statutory definition of 
disability, which is both supported by the evidence and consistent with 
the nature of the impairment(s).
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    \22\ 20 CFR 404.969, 416.1469.
    \23\ 20 CFR 404.970, 416.1470.
    \24\ 20 CFR 404.970(a)(5), (b) and 416.1470(a)(5), (b).
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3. How do we determine when a claimant with more than one type of 
impairment first met the statutory definition of disability?
    If a claimant has a traumatic impairment and a non-traumatic or 
exacerbating and remitting impairment, we will consider all of the 
impairments in combination when determining when the claimant first met 
the statutory definition of disability. We will consider the date of 
the traumatic event as well as the evidence pertaining to the non-
traumatic or exacerbating and remitting impairment and will determine 
the date on which the combined impairments first caused the claimant to 
meet the statutory definition of disability.

II. What are some special considerations related to the EOD?

A. How does work activity affect our determination of the EOD?

    We consider the date the claimant stopped performing substantial 
gainful activity (SGA) when we establish the EOD. SGA is work that 
involves doing significant and productive physical or mental duties and 
is done (or intended) for pay or profit.\25\ If medical and other 
evidence indicates the claimant's disability began on the last day he 
or she performed SGA, we can establish an EOD on that date, even if the 
claimant worked a full day. Generally, we may not determine a 
claimant's EOD to be before the last day that he or she performed SGA.
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    \25\ 20 CFR 404.1510, 416.910.
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    We may, however, determine a claimant's EOD to be before or during 
a period that we determine to be an unsuccessful work attempt (UWA). A 
UWA is an effort to do work that discontinues or reduces to the non-SGA 
level after a short time (no more than six months) because of the 
impairment or the removal of special conditions related to the 
impairment that are essential for the further performance of work.\26\
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    \26\ 20 CFR 404.1574(a)(1), (c) and 416.974(a)(1), (c).
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B. May we determine the EOD to be in a previously adjudicated period?

    Yes, if our rules for reopening are met \27\ and the claimant meets 
the statutory definition of disability and the applicable non-medical 
requirements during the previously adjudicated period.\28\ Reopening, 
however, is at the discretion of the adjudicator.\29\
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    \27\ 20 CFR 404.988, 404.989, 416.1488, 416.1489.
    \28\ See also Program Operations Manual System (POMS) DI 
25501.250.A.5 (explaining when a period of disability may begin 
during a previously adjudicated period).
    \29\ 20 CFR 404.988, 416.1488 (stating that ``[a] determination, 
revised determination, decision, or revised decision may be reopened 
. . .'') (emphasis added).
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III. When is this SSR applicable?

    This SSR is applicable on October 2, 2018. We will use this SSR 
beginning on its applicable date. We will apply this SSR to new 
applications filed on or after the applicable date of the SSR and to 
claims that are pending on and after the applicable date. This means 
that we will use this SSR on and after its applicable date, in any case 
in which we make a determination or decision. We expect that Federal 
courts will review our final decisions using the rules that were in 
effect at the time we issued the decisions. If a court reverses our 
final decision and remands a case for further administrative 
proceedings after the applicable date of this SSR, we will apply this 
SSR to the entire period at issue in appropriate cases when we make a 
decision after the court's remand.

[FR Doc. 2018-21368 Filed 10-1-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4191-02-P