VA Claims Reference

Evidence sequence

Request, track, document, reassess

Identify evidence for each issue and theoryFor every contention, identify the facts still needed and the likely custodian: VA, other Federal agency, private provider, employer, claimant, or another source.

Request relevant VA and other Federal recordsUse the Federal-records procedure, continue efforts as required, and record the request and response status. Do not treat an initial negative response as the end of every Federal search.

Request identified private or non-Federal recordsSecure the needed authorization or invite the claimant to provide records, then follow the applicable initial-request and follow-up procedure unless an exception applies.

Develop information held by the claimantRequest the specific facts, releases, treatment details, stressor information, or other material needed to complete the record; avoid generic requests when a targeted request is possible.

Track each outstanding request and responseKeep evidence requests visible until receipt, documented nonexistence, futility, expiration, withdrawal, or another authorized endpoint.

Make the required unavailable-record decision and noticeWhen records cannot be obtained, document the effort and provide the required notice under the controlling procedure before treating the development as complete.

Review newly received evidence for every affected issueNew evidence can change scope, trigger an exam or opinion, raise a special issue, or affect an earlier development decision.

Hand off to exams or decision only when the record is readyUse the exam module when medical evidence is still insufficient; otherwise proceed through the appropriate claim lane and quality closeout.Open exam/opinion module →Open decision and quality closeout →