Initial claim already filed on one title

Reconsideration already filed on one title

Hearing request already filed on one title

Appeals Council Request for review filed on one title

New claim filed a on other title

New claim filed on other title

New claim filed on other title

New claim or Request for Reconsideration filed on either title

If common issue exists, send the new claim to DDS to associate with the claim already there

If common issue exists, send the new claim to DDS to associate with the reconsideration already there

Call the ALJ for his/her decision regarding the common issue. If the ALJ agrees a common issue exists, he/she will request the claims be joined.

Send the new claim or reconsideration to DDS to be processed independently of the claim at the Appeals Council (AC) regardless of the title(s) or common issue

Notify DDS that the new claim will be adjudicated with the first claim

Claimant will receive an initial determination

Notify DDS that the new claim will be adjudicated with the first claim

Claimant will receive a reconsidered determination

If the claims are joined, send the new claim to the HO to associate with the first claim

Claimant will receive a hearing decision

If the ALJ does not join the claims, send the new claim to DDS for normal processing and an initial determination