An individual may file a new application or request reconsideration of an initial
denial at the same time they request reconsideration of a disability cessation, or
while such a request is pending. When common issue exists, the field office (FO) escalates
the new claim to the disability determination services (DDS) and the DDS processes
the new claim with the reconsideration. A reconsideration of an initial denial is
handled in the same manner as a new application.