In January 2004, SSA began implementing an electronic disability claims process which
            includes using an electronic disability folder to store case related data and images.
            Initially, the paper Modular Disability Folder (MDF) will be the official Agency file
            for disability cases. All paper evidence, forms and case processing documents will
            continue to be filed in the applicable sections of the paper MDF following current
            operating procedures. However, once SSA meets all of the requirements set forth by
            the National Archive and Records Administration (NARA) for the retention and security
            of the electronic records, the electronic folder (EF) will become the official file
            and all information needed to document the disability case will be stored and maintained
            in an electronic format.