Social Security Administration February 2, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This final rule extends for 2 years the date on which the Musculoskeletal System Listing of Impairments will no longer be effective. We use the body system listings at the third step of the sequential evaluation process when we evaluate your claim for benefits based on disability under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act. Other than extending the effective date of the listings, we have not revised the musculoskeletal listings. This extension will ensure that we continue to have the medical evaluation criteria in the listings to adjudicate disability claims involving disorders of the musculoskeletal body system at the third step of the sequential evaluation process.