Most individuals who meet the requirements for EXR also meet the requirements to file
a new initial claim. As explained in DI 13050.020, DI 13050.045, and DI 13050.050, the FO should conduct a thorough discussion with the individual to inform him or
her of the ramifications of requesting EXR versus filing a new initial application.
The individual must decide which avenue he or she wishes to pursue.
The process of requesting and processing EXR and initial claim actions is expected
to be a sequential process. The individual should file under the process that will
be the most advantageous and then possibly pursue the other avenue if the first approach
is denied. However, an individual may wish to file for both approaches immediately.
If an individual wishes to file a request for EXR and an initial claim, explain that
only one action can be processed to completion. If the individual files both and requests
provisional benefits (and Medicare in the provisional period), the initial claim can
only be processed to allowance if the individual withdraws the EXR request and refunds
benefits and Medicare payments in accordance with normal withdrawal policy and procedures.
The DDS makes medical determinations on both the initial claim and the EXR request.
If a favorable medical determination is made on both, the FO must contact the claimant
for a decision on which action he or she wants to continue processing before processing
either award action.