Rice V. Chater

Claimant's failure to seek treatment is not evidence of medical improvement where claimant didn't seek treatment for 2.5 years prior to initial disability finding. Whether claimant continues to meet a listing is not dispositive in determining medical improvement. ALJ erred in finding medical improving based on claimant no longer meeting listing. In order to show medical improvement, there must be a decrease in the medical severity of the impairment based on changes in the symptoms, signs and laboratory findings associated with the impairment. Claimant's failure to seek treatment is not evidence of medical improvement where claimant didn't seek treatment for 2.5 years prior to initial disability finding.