When the FO manager authorizes reconstruction, the Hearing Office (HO) must be notified
immediately and given an anticipated completion date. The FO should complete all necessary
development within the timeframe shown in the chart in GN PHI03105.040C. Tight control of this development is essential to minimize further delay and hardship
for the claimant.
Hearing offices in our region report that claimant representatives have, on many occasions,
been able to supply portions of missing folders. When the FO notifies the HO that
folder reconstruction is being initiated, the FO should request information concerning
the claimant's representative (in some cases the hearing office may have new or updated
information concerning the representative) and any evidence the representative may
have submitted to the hearing office.
If the current claim under appeal at the hearing level is located, but a prior file cannot be located, advise the hearing office (HO) of any pertinent information
you have about the prior file. Do not attempt to reconstruct the prior file unless
the ALJ has requested it.