(1)

If an effective claim is made, the Secretary must determine the claim in accordance with this section and sections 16 to 19. If a claim is not effective, it is taken not to have been made.

Information to be taken into account

(2)

The Secretary is to make the determination:

(a)

having regard only to the information in the claim (and any accompanying documents or information required by the Secretary); or

(b)

having regard to the things in paragraph (a) and also to any other information or documents (whether or not provided by the claimant).