When additional records (e.g., from a follow-up medical exam, test, or procedure)
are available from a medical source that previously provided records, and the new
evidence could be material to the determination, request the updated medical records.
EXAMPLE: Helen alleged disability due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Disability
Determination Services (DDS) requested medical records from Helen’s treating physician
and received the records on 3/3/2012. On 3/8/2012, Helen called the DDS to report
that she underwent a pulmonary function test (PFT) at her treating physician’s office
on 3/7/2012. In this situation, request additional medical records from Helen’s 3/7/2012
office visit, including the notes from her office visit and the results and tracings
from her PFT.