I-3-9-30.Reopening for Any Reason Within 12 Months

Last Update: 7/27/15 (Transmittal I-3-121)

The Appeals Council (AC) may reopen an initial, revised, or reconsidered determination or a decision or revised decision under title II or title XVI for any reason within 12 months from the date of the notice of the initial determination (see 20 CFR 404.988(a) and 416.1488(a)).

However, reopening within 12 months is not automatic. The AC can deny a request to reopen within 12 months if there is no reason to revise the prior determination or decision.

NOTE:

This does not mean the claimant has to submit a reason for revising the prior determination or decision. Rather, the AC will evaluate whether the record demonstrates a reason for revising the prior determination or decision.