Last Update: 9/2/05 (Transmittal I-2-62)
If the ALJ decides at or after the hearing that additional evidence is needed for a full and fair inquiry into the matters at issue, the ALJ will direct the HO staff to undertake the necessary development and inform the claimant of the evidence that is being developed. The ALJ will also inform the claimant that he or she will be given an opportunity to examine and comment on, object to, or refute the evidence by submitting other evidence, requesting a supplemental hearing, or if required for a full and true disclosure of the facts, cross-examining the author(s) of the evidence.
A claimant may waive the right to examine additional evidence. However, the ALJ must neither encourage nor discourage waiver. If a claimant decides to waive such right, the waiver must be made either on the record at the hearing or in writing. (See I-2-6-1, Hearings-General.)
If a claimant has waived the right to examine additional evidence, the ALJ may enter it into the record without proffering it. However, if the ALJ believes the claimant should examine it, the ALJ should proffer it notwithstanding the waiver. (See I-2-7-35, Entering Posthearing Evidence.)