(a) An applicant for benefits under an agreement shall submit the evidence needed to establish entitlement, as provided in subpart H of this part. Special evidence requirements for disability benefits are in subpart P of this part.

(b) Evidence submitted to the competent authority or agency of a country with which the U.S. has concluded an agreement shall be considered as evidence submitted to SSA. SSA shall use the rules in §§ 404.708 and 404.709 to determine if the evidence submitted is sufficient, or if additional evidence is needed to prove initial or continuing entitlement to benefits.

(c) If an application is filed for disability benefits, SSA shall consider medical evidence submitted to a competent authority or agency, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, and use the rules of subpart P of this part for making a disability determination.