TN 2 (03-04)

A. Policy

In general, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will not develop medical evidence in claims for foreign disability benefits. However, where medical evidence is being developed in connection with a concurrent title II or title XVI claim or is readily available from an existing title II or title XVI file, include copies of the medical evidence, and determination if available, with the foreign claim when you forward it to the Office of International Operations (OIO).

B. Procedure

1. No concurrent or existing Title II/XVI claim

When an applicant files for foreign disability benefits and there is no concurrent or existing title II or title XVI claim, accept any medical evidence the applicant wishes to offer. Include the evidence with the claim when it is forwarded to OIO at the address shown in GN 01702.310C. Advise the applicant that if the foreign country needs any additional medical evidence, it will contact him or her either directly or through SSA. When a foreign country requests additional medical development through SSA, the request will go to OIO which will then develop the evidence through the appropriate disability determination services (DDS) office.

2. Concurrent Title II/XVI claim

When an applicant for foreign benefits also concurrently files an application for title II or title XVI disability benefits and medical evidence is being developed in connection with the title II or title XVI claim, hold the claim for foreign benefits until the medical evidence is developed. When development is complete, include a copy of the evidence with the foreign claim when it is forwarded to OIO at the address in GN 01702.310C.

3. Existing Title II/XVI claim

When an applicant files for foreign disability benefits and an existing title II or title XVI folder with medical development already exists in the field office (FO), photocopy the medical evidence and include it with the foreign claim when you forward it to OIO at the address in GN 01702.310C. If a title II or title XVI folder exists but it is not in the FO, do not recall the folder to obtain the medical evidence. Advise the applicant that if the foreign country needs any additional medical evidence, it will contact him or her either directly or through SSA. When a foreign country requests additional medical development through SSA, the request will go to OIO which will then develop the evidence through the appropriate DDS.