(1) "Severity rating" is a rating of the extent of your impairment and how it impacts your ability to perform the basic work activities detailed in WAC 388-447-0001. Severity ratings are assigned in Steps II through IV of the progressive evaluation process (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) We use the description of how your condition impairs your 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 your medical evidence and the ratings assigned to your impairment when:

(a) The medical evidence indicates functional limitations consistent with at least a moderate physical or mental impairment; and

(b) Your impairment has lasted, or is expected to last, nine months or more with available treatment.

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

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

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

(c) The severity rating, duration, and assessment of functional limitations assigned by DSHS are consistent with the medical evidence.

(5) If the medical evidence provider's description of your impairments is not consistent with the objective medical evidence, we will:

(a) Assign a severity rating, duration, and functional limitations consistent with the objective medical evidence;

(b) Clearly describe why we rejected the medical provider's opinion; and

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