The Disability Determination Services (DDS) often receives medical evidence, evidence
of work activity, auxiliary applications, or other documents after releasing a disability
claim and following adjudication. This is known as trailer material. It is the responsibility
of the DDS to evaluate trailer material, determine if it affects the determination,
and, if necessary, consider the rules for reopening or revision.
Whenever trailer material is received in the DDS, check eView to see if the folder
is a Certified Electronic Folder (CEF). How to handle trailer material will depend
on whether the folder is a CEF or paper. All new evidence received as trailer material
for electronic cases must be added to the CEF. General instructions for disposition
of trailer material in a CEF are located in Trailer Material DI 81020.140.
NOTE: For paper folders, the claimant’s Social Security Number (SSN) or Number Holder’s
(NH) SSN (for Child Disability Beneficiary/Disabled Widow(er) Benefits (CDB/DWB) claims)
must be clearly displayed on all trailer material before it is forwarded to the appropriate
office. When necessary, write the appropriate SSN on the upper right hand corner of
all trailer material.