If the claimant is unable to obtain medical evidence, document this fact on Form SSA-5002
(Report of Contact) in the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS), or on a paper
Form SSA-5002 for EDCS exclusion claims, with the remark, “No medical evidence available
for reasons beyond the claimant’s control” and provide the reason(s) the claimant
cannot obtain the medical evidence.
NOTE: When a claimant is unable to obtain or provide access to medical evidence due to
circumstances beyond his or her control, a third-party contact may be helpful in securing
the necessary evidence. Document claimant-supplied third-party contact information
on the disability report form (SSA-3368 (Disability Report - Adult) or i3368).