Mail the SSA-562-U3 and any enclosed materials in a window envelope. Use airmail only for addresses outside the continental United States. Do not include a franked return envelope with letters to addresses outside the U.S.

Tickle the pending file for 20 days with the following exceptions:

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  Requests for information from VA facilities—35 days; subsequent followups, 35 days.

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  Request to VARO in Manila — 60 days; subsequent followups — 30 days.

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  Requests for information from military service departments or record centers — 90 days.

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  Requests to FBU in Athens — 60 days; subsequent followups — 30 days.

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  Request to FSP in Mexico — 45 days; subsequent followups — 30 days.

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  For diary periods on requests in OIO for foreign contacts, refer to GN 00904.245.

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  See GN 00904.105A. for a complete listing of diary periods.Additional time for transmitting may be added where the requesting and assisting FO's are widely separated.

If you have not received a reply by the diary date, send the third copy of the SSA-562-U3 to the assisting office (i.e., FO, VA or FSP). Retain a photocopy for file.

If you receive the requested evidence from a source other than the assisting FO or when you determine that the requested evidence is not necessary, cancel the SSA-562-U3 immediately. The SSA-562-U3 can be canceled by memorandum, the third copy (or photocopy) of the SSA-562-U3, marked “CANCEL,” or telephone when appropriate with FO procedures.