601.What is a “medically determinable” impairment?

A “medically determinable” physical or mental impairment (see §507) is an impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities, which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by by objective medical evidence from an acceptable medical source. Objective medical evidence is signs, laboratory findings, or both. We will not use your statement of symptoms, a diagnosis, or a medical opinion to establish the existence of an impairment(s).

Last Revised: Apr. 19, 2017