Age is a material factor in the evaluation of disability claims on medical-vocational
grounds. Age of the claimant can be a critical decisive factor in the disability determination.
The DDS normally will base its decision on the date of birth shown on the SSA 831-U3.
Therefore, when the date of birth is not the established date of birth and there is
an age discrepancy (other than the day within the month), the discrepancy must be
called to the attention of the DDS on a Report of Contact (excluding DWB and SSI Childhood
Claims). Include this R/C in the folder being transmitted to the DDS (see DI 11010.010). If the DDS considers an age discrepancy in file to be material to its disability
determination, it will immediately telephone the FO and request the necessary development.
The DDS will confirm this request with an SSA-883-U3. Since the DDS cannot complete
its determination until the discrepancy is resolved, the FO must expedite its age
development and determination.
Telephone the DDS with the results of the age development and confirm by completion
of the SSA-883-U3. Also, the DDS may become aware of an age discrepancy in its development
of medical evidence. There may be instances, therefore, where the FO will be asked
by the DDS to undertake proof of age development when the FO was not aware of a discrepancy.
The above procedures should be followed in these instances.
If the claim requires a disability determination by OCO/ODO, DPB, or OCO/OIO; the
FO will prepare an RC advising them of any age discrepancy.