Basic (03-86)
DI 11010.510 Evidence in Claimant's Possession
Where a claimant possesses evidence or information relating to the disabling condition
(e.g., a letter or statement from a physician, employer, insurance company, or welfare
agency), it should be accepted, photocopied (where the claimant insists on keeping
the original), and made a part of the disability file. Although such evidence may
not contain the clinical findings or specific information needed for a disability
determination, it may help establish a proper onset date or suggest sources that can
furnish medical reports. Submitting this evidence, however, does not relieve the claimant
of the responsibility for assisting the FO, the DDS, or ODO in developing additional
evidence.
A former serviceman who has been
discharged on the basis of a disability may have a complete transcript
of the disability discharge proceedings. Encourage the claimant
to submit this evidence.