Reconstruction of the prior evidence may be appropriate when the DDS discovers that
some or all of the evidence used in making the CPD is unreadable, unintelligible,
or missing (e.g., a piece of evidence referred to in the rationale is no longer in
file).
To determine if it is appropriate to reconstruct a folder, the DDS will consider:
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The potential availability of old records in light of their age,
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Whether the source of the evidence is still in operation, and
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Whether reconstruction efforts will yield substantial evidence of the basis for the
most recent favorable medical decision.
The DDS must document a reason for not reconstructing a prior folder. The documentation
can be on Form SSA-5002, or similar document. For more information, see DI 28035.025B.