An application filed in a manner and form acceptable to the Board is officially filed with the Board on the earliest of the following dates:

1. (a) On the date it is received at a Board office.
2. (b) On the date it is delivered to a field employee of the Board as described in § 217.15.
3. (c) On the date it is received at any office of the U.S. Foreign Service.
4. (d) On the date the application was mailed, as shown by the postmark, if using the date it is received will result in the loss or reduction of benefits.
5. (e) On the date the Social Security Administration considers the application filed, if it is filed with the Social Security Administration or the Veterans Administration.