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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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narrative letter or contact the indicated party by telephone.<br />

(3) Conferences. In certain situations, conferencing may be necessary to develop the<br />

facts (see <strong>FECA</strong> PM 2-0500). For example:<br />

(1) The evidence clearly shows the claimant cannot communicate in writing.<br />

(2) The agency challenges the claimant's allegations and provides conflicting<br />

factual evidence.<br />

(3) The agency has not responded to a written request, or its submission requires<br />

clarification.<br />

(4) Attempts to obtain clarification or evidence by telephone or in writing are<br />

unsuccessful.<br />

d. Lack <strong>of</strong> Response. The CE should allow at least 30 days for full replies to all letters.<br />

(1) Where the agency fails to respond to a request for comments on the claimant's<br />

allegations, the CE may accept the claimant's statements as factual.<br />

(2) Where the claimant fails to respond, the CE will need to decide whether to adjudicate<br />

the claim without the requested information. Often the CE can continue to develop a claim<br />

and reach conclusions on the five basic requirements even when some evidence is lacking.<br />

For example, in a claim filed for mental stress due to factors <strong>of</strong> employment, the attending<br />

physician diagnoses depression and states that the claimant was hospitalized for depression<br />

three years ago. The CE asks the claimant to submit medical records for the prior<br />

hospitalization, but the claimant does not do so.<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 230

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