Contact with another PC should only be made if the following conditions are met:

1. 1. 

   Based on the PCACS or Evidence Portal (EP) query, the claims folder is physically located in the other PC or the other PC has a pending action in question; and

2. 2. 

   One of the “high priority” criteria listed below is met:

   • •

     award and disallowance situations;

   • •

     start and stop payment actions;

   • •

     appeal situations;

   • •

     congressional inquiries; or

   • •

     public relations problems; and

3. 3. 

   All systems records for the related claim lack information which is needed to take a current claims or post-adjudicative action; and

4. 4. 

   The adjudicator believes that the examination of the related folder or action will:

   • •

     Permit the completion of the current claims action; or

   • •

     Substantially reduce efforts to obtain the needed evidence; or

   • •

     Avoid the need to redevelop evidence involving sensitive issues or public relations concerns.

Destruction of a prior folder will apply, GN 01070.205.

Additional information on the MBR, SM 00510.000.