Earlier this month Social Security released changes to the musculoskeletal listings, which is used to determine severity of physical impairments for a Social Security disability claim. The new listings are over 100 pages long, so it would take quite a long time to read them, but here are some of the highlights from the Federal Register where they are posted. “These proposed revisions reflect our adjudicative experience, advances in
medical knowledge and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, and recommendations from medical experts,” according to the Federal Register.
The last time changes were made to the listing was in November of 2001. There are too many changes Social Security is offering to count, but the language used in the Federal Register indicates there will be changes to the adult and child musculoskeletal listings.
“We propose to revise both the content and the structure of the adult and
childhood musculoskeletal disorders listings and introductory texts as follows:
- Provide uniform and specific severity criteria for evaluating the effects of a musculoskeletal disorder on a person’s functioning;
- Revise the introductory texts in 1.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders and 101.00 Musculoskeletal Disorders to provide guidance on the specific severity criteria.
Social Security is requesting comments to these proposed changes and asks that comments be submitted no later than July 6, 2018. Below are various ways people can submit comments to the listings.
- Internet: We strongly recommend that you submit your comments via the internet. Please visit the Federal eRulemaking portal at http:// www.regulations.gov. Use the Search function to find docket number SSA– 2006–0112. The system will issue you a tracking number to confirm your submission. You will not be able to view your comment immediately because we must post each comment manually. It may take up to a week for your comment to be viewable.
- Fax: Fax comments to (410) 966–2830.
- Mail: Address your comments to the Office of Regulations and Reports
Clearance, Social Security Administration, 107 Altmeyer Building, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235–6401.
