BASIC (10-07)

In order to avoid duplication in the development of medical evidence, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) agrees to furnish its medical evidence to Great Lakes Program Service Center-Disability Processing Branch (GLPSC-DPB) upon request.

A. FO Responsibilities in Developing Medical Evidence for Railroad (RR) Cases

1. Career RR Employee Files a Disability Application

Accept any medical evidence offered by the applicant, and obtain the required number of signed and dated SSA-827s (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

2. Career RR Employee Alleges a Disability Application Filed with the RRB

When the claimant states there is pertinent medical evidence in RRB, review the MCS EC and/or ICERS to determine if medical evidence is available.

In DIB-freeze cases when the RR earnings are shown in EC or ICERS, the RRB indicates that medical evidence is available when the records include a RRB claim number, and shows that the NH has at least 120 months of RR service after 1936 (or at least 60 months of RR service after December 31, 1995) and is considered a career RR worker.

B. GLPSC-DPB Actions in Developing Medical Evidence for Railroad (RR) Cases

Upon receipt of the claim, GLPSC-DPB verifies jurisdiction of the claim.

1. If the Claim is not GLPSC-DPB Jurisdiction

GLPSC-DPB returns jurisdiction over the case to the originating FO.

2. If the Claim is GLPSC-DPB Jurisdiction

GLPSC-DPB contacts the RRB in Chicago and requests a copy of all medical, vocational, and any other pertinent evidence from the RRB file.

If evidence is insufficient to adjudicate the current disability claim(s), GLPSC-DPB develops the medical evidence of record (MER) directly from the treating sources listed on the EDCS 3368 (Adult Disability Report), including any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities.

GLPSC-DPB contacts the appropriate State DDS for assistance prior to adjudicating the claim if a consultative examination (CE) is needed. See Processing Disability Cases Involving Railroad (RR) Service, Changed Identity, Emergency Clause Agreements, or Unresolved Jurisdiction Cases, DI 20101.040A.3.