The adjudicator will:

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  Place copies of all pre-determination notices in the official case folder.

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  Document all subsequent contacts with the individual or auxiliaries on an SSA-5002, Report of Contact, or similar document.

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  For electronic processing instructions, see DI 81010.090 and DI 81020.050.

The adjudicator will:

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  Set appropriate diary controls and take action to finalize the determination.

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  Not process the case before 15 days (10 days, plus five days for mailing time) expires unless the adjudicator receives a written statement from the individual stating that he or she will not submit additional evidence.

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  Complete the determination if there is no response in 15 days. The DDS does not follow up with an individual who fails to respond to the letter.

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  Transfer electronic folders to the field office (FO) of record.

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  Send paper folders to the Office of Disability Operations (ODO) or the appropriate program service center (PSC). For CDR routing instructions, see DI 32010..001 through DI 32010.085.

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  If the individual responds with a request for more time to get additional evidence, the DDS may allow an additional 10 days. To verify that the individual is actively pursuing the evidence in question, the adjudicator will ask the individual for the nature of the evidence, identification of sources, etc.

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  The adjudicator will not follow up with an individual who fails to respond within the second 10-day period. However, there may be unusual circumstances that require the DDS to extend the response time beyond the second 10-day period.

  NOTE: These instances should be rare and granted only when, in the adjudicator's judgment, reasonable circumstances precluded the individual from obtaining the evidence (e.g., the doctor is out of town for an extended period).

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  If there is no response within the second 10 days, the adjudicator will complete the determination on the 25th day from the date of the original pre-determination notice to the individual.