DI 20505.015
The FO must determine if an individual filing an initial claim has previously filed
for any type of SSA benefit. The FO must also provide documentation of prior claims
activity (or the lack thereof), and attach the prior folder if it is housed in the
same FO. If the prior folder is housed in another FO, the FO must request that the
folder be shipped to DDS, and must notify DDS in case the prior folder arrives before
the current folder.
If the prior folder is housed in any other location than an FO, the DDS must determine
if the prior folder is needed. If so, the DDS must request it. Detailed DDS procedures
for locating and requesting prior folders can be found in DI 20505.015 and SM 01201.205 - SM 01201.235.