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• If the visual information is not received within 20 days from the date of application, the caseworker should check the notice history (CNHS) to make sure the "Initial Letter to Blind Applicant" has been sent to the applicant to remind him that determination of eligibility cannot be made without the necessary visual information. CM08 is the code on CNHS for the 20-day initial letter. • If the applicant contacts the local office after receiving the initial letter, the caseworker should advise him to personally contact the doctor. The caseworker should also immediately contact the doctor by letter or telephone. • If the visual information has not been received within 30 days from the date of application, the caseworker should check CNHS to ensure that the "Follow-up Letter to Blind Applicant" has been sent to the applicant. CM09 is the code on CNHS for the 30-day follow-up letter. • If the applicant responds within the time specified in the follow-up letter, the caseworker must: Personally, contact the doctor or, as a last resort, refer the applicant to another eye doctor. If the applicant does not respond to the follow-up letter by the specified date, the application is to be denied.

2412.15.15 DECISION OF MEDICAL REVIEW TEAM (MED 1) The policy stated in this section only applies to the MA B and MA R categories of assistance.

The MRT will make one of the following decisions regarding the applicant's blindness and enter the decision in the eligibility system: • The applicant meets the definition of blindness and further re-examinations of eyesight are waived. • The applicant meets the definition of blindness, and a re-examination of eyesight is needed at a future specified date. • The applicant does not meet the definition of blindness; or • Additional visual information is required to decide as to whether the applicant meets the definition of blindness. If additional medical information is needed from the eye doctor due to omissions or inconsistencies on the eye report, the MRT will secure the requested information directly from the doctor. If a consultative examination is needed to clarify diagnosis, the MRT will contact the applicant to arrange the examination and obtain the eye report.

As of June 1, 2014, a positive determination of blindness made by MRT is no longer considered effective when the SSA has determined blindness for an individual. If MRT determines a person to be blind and a later determination is made by SSA that agrees with the MRT decision, there is no change regarding the determination of blindness for that individual. If MRT determines a person to be blind and the SSA later determines the person is not blind, the person will no longer