Combined initial and reconsideration determinations occur when a claimant files a related claim (DIB-CDB, DIB-DWB, DWB-CDB, DIB-DI, etc.), involving the same issue, while a reconsideration request is pending; escalate the newly filed claim to the reconsideration level. Combined determinations prepared under these instructions are reconsideration determinations.

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  Prepare a combined initial and reconsideration determination on the related claim with the heading: Combined Initial and Reconsideration Determination.

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  Prepare a reconsideration determination on the pending claim.

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  Indicate in the discussion of technical issues the reason for the combined determination.

The other elements of the rationale as outlined in DI 27020.005 remain unchanged.