WAC 388-447-0070. Progressive evaluation process step V—How does the department determine the impact of a mental impairment on my ability to function in a work environment?

If you have a mental impairment, we evaluate your cognitive and social functioning in a work setting. "Functioning" means your ability to perform typical tasks that would be required in a routine job setting and your ability to interact effectively while working. (1) We evaluate cognitive and social functioning by assessing your ability to: (a) Understand, remember, and persist in tasks by following very short and simple instructions. (b) Understand, remember, and persist in tasks by following detailed instructions. (c) Perform activities within a schedule, maintain regular attendance, and be punctual within customary tolerances without special supervision. (d) Learn new tasks. (e) Perform routine tasks without special supervision. (f) Adapt to changes in a routine work setting. (g) Make simple work-related decisions. (h) Be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions. (i) Ask simple questions or request assistance. (j) Communicate and perform effectively in a work setting. (k) Complete a normal workday and workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms. (l) Set realistic goals and plan independently. (m) Maintain appropriate behavior in a work setting. (2) We approve incapacity when we have objective medical evidence that demonstrates you are: (a) At least moderately impaired in your ability to understand, remember, and persist in tasks following simple instructions, and at least moderately limited in your ability to: (i) Learn new tasks; (ii) Be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; and (iii) Perform routine tasks without undue supervision; or (b) At least moderately impaired in your ability to understand, remember, and persist in tasks following complex instructions; and at least markedly limited in your ability to: (i) Learn new tasks; (ii) Be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions; and (iii) Perform routine tasks without undue supervision. (3) We approve incapacity when you are moderately impaired in your ability to: (a) Communicate and perform effectively in a work setting; and (b) Markedly impaired in your ability to maintain appropriate behavior in a work setting.