TN 11 (05-98)

A. Background

The earlier an FO is notified of a DDS allowance, the sooner the FO can prepare a claim for payment. Therefore, procedures for early notification of allowances have been developed. The procedures apply to both deferred and simultaneous development claims and are used for applications, reconsiderations, and reopenings/revisions.

B. Definitions

There are two separate procedures established for early notification.

1. DDS early alert notification

The DDS Early Alert Notification procedure is used when the disability reviewer has determined that the claimant is disabled. (This procedure is a regional option.)

2. Representative payee alert

The Representative Payee Alert is the early alert of an opinion or potential opinion of incapability. (This procedure is described in DI 23001.001.)

C. Description of notification

Notification is in the form of a:

• telephone call,

• fax,

• teletype,

• E-Mail message, or

• mail.

D. Procedure

NOTE: These procedures are general. Refer to regional instructions for the DDS Early Alert Notification if your region employs this procedure.

1. Development

CAUTION: Do not indicate to a claimant that his/her claim has been allowed and do not input the determination. The claim may be subject to Disability Quality Branch (DQB) review, and the decision may change.

a. Deferred development claims

When you receive a DDS early alert notification on a deferred development claim, conduct a PERC per SI 00603.033 and SI 00603.035.

b. Simultaneous development claims

When you receive a DDS early alert notification on a simultaneous development claim, proceed as follows depending on whether the 120-day time limit after which a PERC must be done has expired (see SI 00603.031B. for an explanation of the 120-day time limit.).

• If the alert is received after the 120-day time limit, expedite any outstanding development (including representative payee development, if applicable) and conduct a PERC if required per SI 00603.031 and SI 00603.032. Follow procedures in SI 00603.033 - SI 00603.034 and SI 00603.036 to conduct the PERC.

• If the alert is received before the 120-day time limit, expedite any outstanding development (including representative payee development, if applicable).

  NOTE: Even though the alert is received within the time period, a PERC may still be necessary if the allowance determination is posted or received after expiration of the time period.

2. DQB returns claim to DDS

If the DQB must return a claim to the DDS for additional development or reversal, the DQB will notify the FO by phone or other means. Follow the appropriate instructions below depending on the reason for return.

• If the DDS must do additional development, continue nondisability development.

• If the DQB recommends reversal,cease nondisability development.