What must Bob demonstrate to reopen a prior claim decision if it has exceeded 12 months?

To successfully reopen a prior claim decision that has exceeded 12 months, Bob needs to demonstrate both an error in the prior determination and present new material evidence. This requirement is rooted in the principles that govern the reconsideration of decisions made by authorities like the Social Security Administration or similar bodies that handle claims.

An error in the prior determination suggests there was a mistake made in the previous decision—be it factual, legal, or procedural—that would warrant a reevaluation of Bob's claim. This could include clear misinterpretations of the law or oversight of critical facts that were significant to the decision at hand.

New material evidence, on the other hand, is evidence that was not available at the time of the original decision but could potentially impact the outcome if it had been considered. This evidence must be relevant and supportive of Bob's position regarding the claim.

Combining both elements is crucial because just showing one may not suffice to warrant reopening a decision. The requirement ensures that there's substantive justification, both in correcting prior errors and introducing significant new information, before a past decision can be revisited. This dual requirement protects the integrity of the claims process while also ensuring that individuals are afforded the opportunity to present their cases fairly and thoroughly.