M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.A
Veteran status
Establish the claimant's qualifying status before deciding entitlement.
Identify the service on which the benefit is based and determine whether the person meets the definition of Veteran for that purpose. Do not assume an application, a DD-214 fragment, or a prior system entry resolves every status question.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.B
Service verification
Verify the service facts that control this benefit and issue.
Confirm relevant service periods, character, component, duty status, dates, and any other eligibility fact. Use acceptable evidence or the required verification path; a general statement of service may not answer the specific question the claim raises.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 1.C
Approved civilian groups
Some civilian service can count—but only under the defined recognition rules.
When civilian service is asserted, determine whether the group and service fit an approved category and whether the required proof is present. Do not treat civilian employment near the military as qualifying service without the governing authority.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.A
Development responsibilities
Build only the development needed to decide the actual issue.
Identify the benefit, theory, disputed facts, and evidence needed for each issue. Take the required assistance actions, avoid premature decisions, and keep development proportionate to what could materially affect the outcome.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.B
5103 notice
Tell the claimant what information or evidence is needed when notice is required.
Choose the notice that fits the claim lane and benefit. Explain the missing material, what VA will try to obtain, what the claimant should provide, and any time-sensitive response information; document that the correct notice was issued.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.C
Duty to assist—records
Pursue relevant records through the right channel and document the outcome.
Map the known or reasonably identified sources, distinguish Federal, VA, private, and claimant-held records, make required follow-ups, and give the appropriate notice if records cannot be obtained. One unsuccessful request is not always the stopping point.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.D
Evidence from the claimant
Ask for the specific facts or releases that will move development forward.
Request targeted details such as provider name, dates, locations, identity information, stressor facts, employment information, or a signed release when those details are material. A vague request is less useful than a clear explanation of what is missing and why.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.E
Relevance
Develop evidence that could change a material fact.
For each issue, ask whether the record has a reasonable possibility of helping establish or disprove a necessary element. Relevance can differ by issue; do not demand evidence that cannot affect the decision, and do not skip an identified lead that can.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart i, 2.F
Development-record maintenance
Make the claim record show what was requested, received, and still pending.
Associate evidence and correspondence correctly, preserve dates and source information, update controls, and make development status understandable to the next person who opens the file. A decision should not have to guess what happened to an evidence request.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.A
Federal records
Use the Federal-record procedure and keep following up when required.
For service department, VA, SSA, or another Federal custodian, make a specific request, track responses, pursue alternate leads where appropriate, and conclude unavailability only under the applicable rule. Document the search and provide any required claimant notice.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.B
SSA information
Request only the SSA information that matters to the claim.
When SSA records or data may be relevant, use the dedicated SSA process, identify the needed material, associate the response, and assess it issue by issue. SSA findings can be evidence, but they are not automatically controlling VA findings.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 1.C
Other Federal agencies
Send the right request to the right agency and preserve the answer.
Use the identified agency's procedure and request the particular records or information needed. Track the response, follow up as required, and assess whether the response resolves the evidence lead or points to another custodian.
Read the captured Part III source →M21-1, Part III, Subpart ii, 3
Private health providers
Get a usable release, make a focused request, and close the loop.
Identify the provider, treatment period, and condition; obtain any required authorization; request the records; complete required follow-up; and document or notify the claimant if the records cannot be obtained. Do not let a private-record lead disappear without a recorded result.
Read the captured Part III source →