TN 19 (05-07)

The following are examples when DOTEL is not the appropriate method of contacting the processing centers.

A. Disability claims

If the new claim is subject to deferral for development of nondisability items, the DOTEL call should be deferred until notification of a medical allowance, as with other nondisability development areas.

B. Supersede national policies

Do not use these instructions and guidelines in any way to modify or supersede national policies governing the acceptability and evaluation of evidence in the adjudicative process.

C. Prior information was destroyed

Assume the folder was destroyed if:

1. All entitlements on the SSN were terminated 5 years ago (10 years ago in DIB claims) and no overpayment was pending; or

2. The prior claim was a lump sum, disallowance, or a withdrawal, processed 10 or more years ago; or

3. The MBR shows “NIF”.

D. Open applications

If the prior claims folder was destroyed, and the notice of the initial determination on the prior claim was before February 1, 1979, assume that the prior application is open. (See GN 00204.025 and GN 01070.224). If all information available is online and accessible a telephone contact will not be necessary.

E. Routine requests

Routine requests are any situations not defined in GN 01070.200B. Routine requests are sent via Modernized Development Worksheet (MDW). (Refer to MSOM MDW-001-001 for instructions on this procedure or here for MDW instructions for inter-component development requests (see GN 01070.228A.3).