If needing evidence or information that is not available in an electronic record,
contact the claimant or the claimant’s representative and request only the information
that is not available. Assist the claimant in obtaining the necessary documents or
information. Pay any charges for obtaining evidence that the claimant previously provided.
For information on paying for evidence, see GN 00301.215.
If we obtained a signed application originally, do not request another signed application
for folder reconstruction. Record a statement on the Report of Contact (RPOC) screen
in MCS, Report of Contact page in Consolidated Claims Experience (CCE), or paper form
SSA-5002, whichever is appropriate, that we previously obtained a signed application.
a. Claimant refuses to cooperate
If the claimant refuses to take part in the reconstruction efforts:
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•
explain to the claimant that cooperating in the reconstruction effort should result
in a more accurate and speedier decision;
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•
reconstruct as much evidence as possible from MCS, MSSICS, EVID screens, and other
SSA records;
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•
document efforts made to complete development electronically on the RPOC screen or
Report of Contact page, whichever is appropriate;
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•
forward available material immediately to the requesting office unless regional procedures
direct otherwise; and
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•
notify the RO when completing these actions if the RO is tracking the reconstruction
progress.
If the claimant subsequently cooperates, proceed immediately with the reconstruction
action.
To develop the claimant’s address follow the procedures in GN 02605.055. If efforts to locate the claimant are unsuccessful, reconstruct as much evidence
as possible without the claimant's participation. Document all efforts to contact
the claimant on the RPOC screen or Report of Contact page, whichever is appropriate.
When completing the reconstruction, forward the material to the requesting office.
For claims selected for quality review, notify the requesting assessment office if
you suspend benefits.