Accept properly certified hospital records as preferred evidence for claims purposes
or alternative evidence for enumeration.
The FO should, however, at its own discretion, and based on its own experience, question
the validity of certain records. There may be factors that could raise a question,
including:
-
a.
Entries that have apparently been altered;
-
b.
Entries that were apparently added at a later date (shown by use of a different typewriter,
ink, and/or handwriting);
If a document’s validity is questionable, do whichever of the following is most expeditious:
-
•
Verify the record with the hospital by telephone (through the parallel FO when appropriate)
and document the folder and/or SS-5 to show that the record was verified;
-
•
Have the claimant request proof of age from the custodian of the record; or
-
•
Obtain other evidence of age;
The FO should also question records that appear to have been issued blank or partially
completed (souvenir certificates). See GN 00301.050D.3. for instructions about these
documents.
If you are unsure whether a hospital birth certificate is a souvenir (or other alternative) record,
or a properly certified record, evaluate it using the guidelines in GN 00301.050D.3.