Based on the claimants allegation(s), information, or evidence obtained during or after the claims interview, determine if a finding of PD/PB applies or is likely based on the categories in DI 11055.231.

If a claimant meets one of the criteria as a potential PD/PB claim, do the following:

• •

  document the PD/PB findings on the Report of Contact page or Form SSA-5002 (Report of Contact);

• •

  schedule an appointment within 3 workdays of claimant contact or referral from the 800 number;

• •

  initiate PD/PB payment;

• •

  file any evidence received from the medical source in the folder for forwarding to disability determination services (DDS); and

• •

  enter disability information into the Electronic Disability Collect System (EDCS) and transfer the case to the DDS within 2 workdays for certified electronic folders (CEF), or within 7 workdays for non-certified electronic folders.

If evaluation of medical evidence of record (MER) is needed, e.g., to determine listing-level severity, request MER from the medical source. For FO evaluation of MER for certain PD/PB categories, see A.2. in this subsection.

When the claimant does not meet one of the PD/PB categories in DI 11055.231 and you cannot make a PD/PB finding, you must document why the:

• •

  alleged impairment is not observable; or

• •

  observations are inconsistent with the allegations; and

• •

  PD or PB payments are not being made.

Take the following actions prior to DDS case transfer:

1. 1. 

   Record the information on the Report of Contact page.

2. 2. 

   Document on the Remarks screen of the Form SSA-3367-F5 (Disability Report Field Office) in EDCS: FO could not make PD/PB finding. See PD/PB flag remarks for additional information; and

3. 3. 

   Add the PD/PB flag to the CEF and document in the Remarks section how you came to that conclusion.

   NOTE: 

   For claims excluded from EDCS, attach Form SSA-408 (Route Slip) to the paper MDF. Annotate Expedite FO PD (or PB) finding could not be made.

Prior to DDS case transfer, document a PD/PB finding by following the procedures:

1. 1. 

   Check blind or low vision on the Disability Clearance page.

2. 2. 

   Check Presumptive disability or blindness on the Disability Clearance page and enter the date when PD/PB was established in the presumptive onset date field on the Disability Clearance page. Examples to assist in determining the correct date for PD/PB are provided in DI 23535.010C.

   REMINDER: 

   Do not enter a PD or PB onset earlier than the month in which the claimant filed his or her application.

3. 3. 

   Select the PD/PB category on the SSA-3367 in EDCS.

   • •

     Include payment status (i.e., non-medical eligibility factors met/not met).

   • •

     If the FO determined that the claimant meets the non-medical eligibility factors, initiate the PD/PB payment immediately.

   • •

     If the FO has not yet determined if claimant meets the non-medical eligibility factors, expedite the outstanding development and initiate the PD/PB payment upon completion, if applicable.

4. 4. 

   Add the Presumptive Disability/Blind or Presumptive Disability flag in EDCS and include information about the PD/PB finding in the Remarks section provided.

   NOTE: 

   Add a terminal illness (TERI) flag in addition to the Presumptive Disability flag if the case meets the criteria listed in The Disability Interview Identifying Terminal Illness (TERI) Cases in DI 11005.601C.

Complete the following steps prior to DDS case transfer when a case is excluded from electronic processing.

Take the following actions if a financial emergency exists:

1. 1. 

   Transmit PD/PB data on the Disability page;

2. 2. 

   Initiate an EAP, see DI 11055.245; and

3. 3. 

   Process the EAP via the Emergency Advance Payment (UPEP) screen in MSSICS, MSOM BUSSR 003.008.