Evidence from a previously processed case may have adjudicative significance to the evaluation and determination of the current case. Specific documents that are stored in a prior paper or electronic folder may be added into the current Certified Electronic Folder (CEF) through scanning, or Document Management Architecture (DMA) document manipulation.

For instructions on processing reopenings, see Processing Reopenings - DI 81020.115.

The DDS adds a copy of the evidence from a prior folder to the current CEF if the evidence is relevant to making a determination on the current CEF, but will not result in a reopening of the prior application or disability determination.

When adding a copy of the relevant evidence from a prior folder to the current CEF:

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  Ensure the Paper Folder Indicators (PFI) correctly show there is a prior paper folder associated with the current CEF (see Paper Folder Indicators (PFI) - DI 81020.010).

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  Document the Case Development Summary Worksheet to show which evidence from the prior folder is being added to the CEF.

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  Use the document type code 0006 PFLDRMED (Prior Folder Medical Evidence) for prior medical evidence (e.g., medical evidence of record, Consultative Examination (CE) reports).

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  Use the document type code 0007 PFLDRDRE (Prior Folder Disability Related Evidence) for all other prior folder non-medical evidence (e.g., Childhood Function Report, Teacher Questionnaire).

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  If the prior folder is a paper Modular Disability Folder (MDF), return the paper document(s) to the paper MDF after scanning.