Top 18 Reasons the Appeals Council Remands
From http://oig.ssa.gov/sites/default/files/audit/full/pdf/A-12-13-13084.pdf
Appendix D– TOP 18 CITED REASONS FOR REMAND ON APPEALS COUNCIL REQUEST FOR REVIEW
1. Residual Functional Capacity – mental limitations inadequately evaluated
2. New evidence presented upon administrative appeal/review
3. Mental disorder not adequately considered
4. Treating source – opinion not identified or discussed
5. Claimant credibility – failed to discuss appropriate credibility factors
6. Failure to Appear Dismissal – other
7. Treating source – opinion rejected without adequate articulation
8. Residual Functional Capacity – exertional limitations inadequately evaluated
9. Residual Functional Capacity – non-mental non-exertional limitations inadequately evaluated
10. Obesity impairment not adequately considered
11. Past work was not substantial gainful activity
12. Non-examining source – opinion not identified or discussed
13. Failure to Appear Dismissal – notices sent to wrong address
14. Consultative examiner – opinion not identified or discussed
15. Vocational Expert Not Obtained – mental limitations warrant Vocational Expert evidence
16. Consultative examiner – opinion rejected without adequate articulation
17. Incomplete/inaccurate record – lost/inaudible recording
18. Impairment improperly found “not severe”
