An oral inquiry must be documented when received.

EXCEPTION: If an earlier protective filing date exists and a closeout notice was not issued, the earlier protective filing date is open. Therefore, there is no need to document a subsequent oral inquiry.

The FO uses the enhanced Leads and Appointment System (eLAS) to document the oral inquiry.

The TSC uses eLAS or Administrative Message to document the oral inquiry.

1. a. 

   If there is no record of an eLAS Worksheet, Claims Referral Screen or Administrative Message, other evidence can be accepted that an oral inquiry occurred on a particular day, e.g.,

   • •

     written documentation of a CS's or CSR's recollection,

   • •

     Consolidated Modernized Development Worksheet entry,

   • •

     copy of a closeout notice,

   • •

     copy of a teleclaim application, or

   • •

     copy of an appointment confirmation notice.

2. b. 

   If evidence of an earlier protective filing date exists in another FO and no systems record exists, the servicing FO must contact that FO to obtain the paper documentation.

SI 00601.015C. contains the policy on retaining protective filing documentation.