---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 C.F.R. § 220.14"
title: "20"
number: "220.14"
heading: "Weighing of evidence."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/20/220.14"
---

# §220.14. Weighing of evidence.

- (a) **Factors which support greater weight.** Evidence will generally be given more weight if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
  - (1) The residual functional capacity evaluation is based upon functional objective tests with high validity and reliability;
  - (2) The medical evidence shows multiple impairments which have a cumulative effect on the employee's residual functional capacity;
  - (3) Symptoms associated with limitations are consistent with objective findings;
  - (4) There exists an adequate trial of therapies with good compliance, but poor outcome;
  - (5) There exists consistent history of conditions between treating physicians and other health care providers.
- (b) **Factors which support lesser weight.** Evidence will generally be given lesser weight if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
  - (1) There is an inconsistency between the diagnoses of the treating physicians;
  - (2) There is inconsistency between reports of pain and functional impact;
  - (3) There is inconsistency between subjective symptoms and physical examination findings;
  - (4) There is evidence of poor compliance with treatment regimen, keeping appointments, or cooperating with treatment;
  - (5) There is evidence of exam findings which is indicative of exaggerated or potential malingering response;
  - (6) The evidence consists of objective findings of exams that have poor reliability or validity;
  - (7) The evidence consists of imaging findings which are nonspecific and largely present in the general population;
  - (8) The evidence consists of a residual functional capacity evaluation which is supported by limited objective data without consideration for functional capacity testing.

## Notes

### Amendments

[63 FR 7542, Feb. 13, 1998]

### Authority

Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231a; 45 U.S.C. 231f.

### Source

Source: 56 FR 12980, Mar. 28, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[63 FR 7542, Feb. 13, 1998]