Last Update: 9/08/05 (Transmittal I-3-36)
Reopening and revision of a prior favorable determination or decision may be warranted when the Appeals Council reaches a conclusion on a current claim which adversely affects a claimant's entitlement, earnings record, insured status, etc.
For example, the Appeals Council may find that the claimant does not have earnings from self-employment for deduction purposes, and that, furthermore, they are not earnings for entitlement purposes. In this event, the prior award must be reopened and revised to disallow the claim or to reduce the amount of monthly benefits, whichever is appropriate.