If the claimant has limited English proficiency, requests language assistance, or it is evident that the claimant requires language assistance, follow the procedures in DI 23040.001.

When completing initial medical development, follow the procedures in DI 22505.001 and DI 24501.002. You are encouraged to make doctor-to-doctor contact by telephone where possible.

NOTE: When following up by letter or telephone, use the existing procedures in DI 22505.035. You may allow additional time for correspondence to and from Mexico due to potential mail delays.

Utilize translation services to translate any medical evidence received in Spanish according to the procedures in DI 23040.001.

If medical evidence is not available or insufficient, schedule a CE. The claimant’s own medical source is the preferred CE source. However, if you cannot use the claimant’s own medical source, schedule the CE in the United States (U.S).

NOTE: Due to mail delivery issues in Mexico, you may schedule the CE at least 21 days from the date of the notice.

If the claimant fails to attend the scheduled CE appointment, follow the guidelines in DI 22510.016D. For when to make a determination based on the evidence in the file, see DI 23007.015.

NOTE: It is the claimant’s responsibility to attend the CE. If the claimant states that he or she cannot return to the U.S. for a CE, transfer the claim to OIO to arrange the CE through the Foreign Service Post.