The German agencies require medical evidence for all claims for German disability benefits filed by U.S. residents. We have agreed to provide copies of all medical evidence in SSA's records that is less than 2 years old, regardless of where it is housed. This is an exception to the general rule on sending only disability evidence housed in DIO (see GN 01704.810).

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  In all initial claims packages for German disability benefits or requests for medical evidence from German agencies, send any medical evidence which was submitted with the claim or which is in SSA's records and is less than 2 years old regardless of which program service center houses the records.

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  If the evidence of record is in the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, inform the German agency that medical evidence will be delayed and diary for 6 months to obtain the evidence.

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  If there is no medical evidence in SSA's records or the evidence is more than 2 years old, inform the German agency of that fact. If they later ask for that evidence, obtain it and send it to them.

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  If the German agency has requested a medical examination, refer to GN 01708.315.