Pre-1957 MS wage credits may be granted without contacting another Federal agency
if the claimant states that no other benefit has been or may be determined payable,
and the known facts support this allegation. Normally, the statement of the veteran
or a close relative who would have knowledge of the veteran's affairs may be accepted,
provided there is nothing in the file which casts any doubt upon it. Resolve any doubt
by obtaining further information from the claimant or from the agency involved.
If the claimant is not the veteran, the file must show the basis for assuming the
claimant has personal knowledge of whether another benefit is payable. If the claimant
is not a close relative, or is a close relative who is not in a position to know of
the veteran's personal affairs, more detailed development is required.
Try to obtain information from close relatives or close friends. In this type of case,
a more detailed RC should be prepared (primarily in survivor claims) giving the basis
for the knowledge of the person(s) contacted and a summary of the information obtained.