Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Symptoms in Disability Claims: Assessing the Credibility of an Individual's Statements

In accordance with 20 CFR 422.406(b)(1), the Commissioner of Social Security gives notice of Social Security Ruling 96-7p. This Ruling clarifies when the evaluation of symptoms, including pain, under 20 CFR 404.1529 and 416.929 requires a finding about the credibility of an individual's statements about pain or other symptom(s) and its functional effects; explains the factors to be considered in assessing the credibility of the individual's statements about symptoms; and states the importance of explaining the reasons for the finding about the credibility of the individual's statements in the disability determination or decision. This Ruling also incorporates and elaborates upon the policy interpretation and procedures in SSR 95-5p, ``Titles II and XVI: Considering Allegations of Pain and Other Symptoms in Residual Functional Capacity and Individualized Functional Assessments and Explaining Conclusions Reached'' (published in the Federal Register on October 31, 1995, at 60 FR 55406). Consequently, this Ruling supersedes SSR 95-5p.