Background

This transmittal updates the instructions contained in HALLEX I-5-1-17 to incorporate the new Findings Integrated Template, designed specifically for bench decision.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-5-1-17I and I-5-17II have been updated to remove language, no longer needed since the bench decision is not a process.

I-5-1-17III contains new instructions on completing a bench decision using the Findings Integrated Template (FIT) format, which will become available in the June 2007 FIT release. The text changes are minor and mirror the process for creating a FIT decision.

I-5-1-17V adds the requirement to store digital recordings for all bench decisions rendered for EDCS claims.

I-5-1-17 Attachment 2 includes the new checksheet, which mirrors much of the content in the previous one but makes it available in the FIT format.

Date: July 3, 2007