If return to Step 3. yes, If proceed to the next step. no, 10 Attempt to contact the claimant the records custodian by and telephone. Follow the instructions in the table below. 11 Did the records custodian respond within 10 days? If return to Step 3. yes, If no, prepare a final-attempt letter as shown in M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii,1.C.2.e allow the claimant 10 days to respond, and then proceed to the next step. For documenting the unavailability of VA records, Exception: see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.4.f. 12 Did the claimant respond to the letter? If review the response to determine if any additional action yes, should be taken. If decide the once all other development actions are no, complete. For more information about submitting requests for records to References: SSA, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.3.l, and M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 3.A, or Federal and State agencies, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 4.
If yes, return to Step 3. If no, proceed to the next step. 10 Attempt to contact the claimant and the records custodian by telephone. Follow the instructions in the table below. 11 Did the records custodian respond within 10 days? If yes, return to Step 3. If no, prepare a final-attempt letter as shown in M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii,1.C.2.e allow the claimant 10 days to respond, and then proceed to the next step. Exception: For documenting the unavailability of VA records, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.4.f. 12 Did the claimant respond to the letter? If yes, review the response to determine if any additional action should be taken. If no, decide the once all other development actions are complete. References: For more information about submitting requests for records to SSA, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 1.C.3.l, and M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 3.A, or Federal and State agencies, see M21-1, Part III, Subpart iii, 4.
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