WAC 182-508-0035 How severity ratings of impairment are assigned.

1.  "Severity rating" means a rating of the extent of the individual's incapacity, and how severely it impacts the individual's ability to perform the basic work activities.  Severity ratings are assigned in Steps II through IV of the PEP.  The following chart provides a description of levels of limitations on work activities and the severity ratings that would be assigned to each.

(2)  The agency or the agency's designee uses the description of how the individual's condition impairs their ability to perform work activities given by the medical evidence provider to establish severity ratings when the impairments are supported by, and consistent with, the objective medical evidence.

(3)  A contracted doctor reviews the individual's medical evidence and the ratings assigned to the individual's impairment when there is at least a moderate severity rating and the individual's  impairment has lasted, or is expected to last, twelve months or more with available treatment.

(4)  The contracted doctor reviews the individual's medical evidence, severity ratings, and functional assessment to determine whether:

(a)  The medical evidence is objective and sufficient to support the findings of the provider;

(b)  The description of impairments is supported by the medical evidence; and

(c)  The severity rating and assessment of functional limitations assigned by the agency or the agency's designee are consistent with the medical evidence.

(5)  If the medical evidence provider's description of the individual's impairments is not consistent with the objective medical evidence, the agency or the agency's designee takes the following action:

(a)  Assigns a severity rating and functional limitations consistent with the objective medical evidence;

(b)  Clearly describes why the agency rejected the medical provider's opinion; and

(c)  Identifies the medical evidence used to make the determination.