U.S. Code » Title 38 » Part PART IV— GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › Chapter CHAPTER 51— CLAIMS, EFFECTIVE DATES, AND PAYMENTS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER I— CLAIMS

38 U.S.C. § 5103A

Duty to assist claimants

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(a)Duty To Assist.—(1) The Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.(2) The Secretary is not required to provide assistance to a claimant under this section if no reasonable possibility exists that such assistance would aid in substantiating the claim.(3) The Secretary may defer providing assistance under this section pending the submission by the claimant of essential information missing from the claimant’s application.(b)Assistance in Obtaining Private Records.—(1) As part of the assistance provided under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to obtain relevant private records that the claimant adequately identifies to the Secretary.(2)(A) Whenever the Secretary, after making such reasonable efforts, is unable to obtain all of the relevant records sought, the Secretary shall notify the claimant that the Secretary is unable to obtain records with respect to the claim. Such a notification shall—(i) identify the records the Secretary is unable to obtain;(ii) briefly explain the efforts that the Secretary made to obtain such records; and(iii) explain that the Secretary will decide the claim based on the evidence of record but that this section does not prohibit the submission of records at a later date if such submission is otherwise allowed.(B) The Secretary shall make not less than two requests to a custodian of a private record in order for an effort to obtain relevant private records to be treated as reasonable under this section, unless it is made evident by the first request that a second request would be futile in obtaining such records.(3)(A) This section shall not apply if the evidence of record allows for the Secretary to award the maximum benefit in accordance with this title based on the evidence of record.(B) For purposes of this paragraph, the term “maximum benefit” means the highest evaluation assignable in accordance with the evidence of record, as long as such evidence is adequate for rating purposes and sufficient to grant the earliest possible effective date in accordance with section 5110 of this title.(4) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary—(A) shall encourage claimants to submit relevant private medical records of the claimant to the Secretary if such submission does not burden the claimant; and(B) in obtaining relevant private records under paragraph (1), may require the claimant to authorize the Secretary to obtain such records if such authorization is required to comply with Federal, State, or local law.(c)Obtaining Records for Compensation Claims.—(1) In the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under this section shall include obtaining the following records if relevant to the claim:(A) The claimant’s service medical records and, if the claimant has furnished the Secretary information sufficient to locate such records, other relevant records pertaining to the claimant’s active military, naval, air, or space service that are held or maintained by a governmental entity.(B) Records of relevant medical treatment or examination of the claimant at Department health-care facilities or at the expense of the Department, if the claimant furnishes information sufficient to locate those records.(C) Any other relevant records held by any Federal department or agency that the claimant adequately identifies and authorizes the Secretary to obtain.(2) Whenever the Secretary attempts to obtain records from a Federal department or agency under this subsection, the efforts to obtain those records shall continue until the records are obtained unless it is reasonably certain that such records do not exist or that further efforts to obtain those records would be futile.(d)Medical Examinations for Compensation Claims.—(1) In the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical examination or obtaining a medical opinion when such an examination or opinion is necessary to make a decision on the claim.(2) The Secretary shall treat an examination or opinion as being necessary to make a decision on a claim for purposes of paragraph (1) if the evidence of record before the Secretary, taking into consideration all information and lay or medical evidence (including statements of the claimant)—(A) contains competent evidence that the claimant has a current disability, or persistent or recurrent symptoms of disability; and(B) indicates that the disability or symptoms may be associated with the claimant’s active military, naval, air, or space service; but(C) does not contain sufficient medical evidence for the Secretary to make a decision on the claim.(e)Applicability of Duty to Assist.—(1) The Secretary’s duty to assist under this section shall apply only to a claim, or supplemental claim, for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary until the time that a claimant is provided notice of the agency of original jurisdiction’s decision with respect to such claim, or supplemental claim, under section 5104 of this title.(2) The Secretary’s duty to assist under this section shall not apply to higher-level review by the agency of original jurisdiction, pursuant to section 5104B of this title, or to review on appeal by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.(f)Correction of Duty to Assist Errors.—(1) If, during review of the agency of original jurisdiction decision under section 5104B of this title, the higher-level adjudicator identifies or learns of an error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction to satisfy its duties under this section, and that error occurred prior to the agency of original jurisdiction decision being reviewed, unless the Secretary may award the maximum benefit in accordance with this title based on the evidence of record, the higher-level adjudicator shall return the claim for correction of such error and readjudication.(2)(A) If the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, during review on appeal of an agency of original jurisdiction decision, identifies or learns of an error on the part of the agency of original jurisdiction to satisfy its duties under this section, and that error occurred prior to the agency of original jurisdiction decision on appeal, unless the Secretary may award the maximum benefit in accordance with this title based on the evidence of record, the Board shall remand the claim to the agency of original jurisdiction for correction of such error and readjudication.(B) Remand for correction of such error may include directing the agency of original jurisdiction to obtain an advisory medical opinion under section 5109 of this title.(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to imply that the Secretary, during the consideration of a claim, does not have a duty to correct an error described in paragraph (1) or (2) that was erroneously not identified during higher-level review or during review on appeal with respect to the claim.(g)Regulations.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.(h)Rule With Respect to Disallowed Claims.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to readjudicate a claim that has been disallowed except when new and relevant evidence is presented or secured, as described in section 5108 of this title.(i)Other Assistance Not Precluded.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as precluding the Secretary from providing such other assistance under subsection (a) to a claimant in substantiating a claim as the Secretary considers appropriate.(Added Pub. L. 106–475, § 3(a), Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2097; amended Pub. L. 112–154, title V, § 505(a), (b), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1192; Pub. L. 115–55, § 2(c), (d), Aug. 23, 2017, 131 Stat. 1105; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, § 926(a)(51), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3830.)Editorial NotesAmendments

2021—Subsecs. (c)(1)(A), (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “air, or space service” for “or air service”.

2017—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–55, § 2(d)(2), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (g).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–55, § 2(d)(2), added subsec. (f). Former subsec. (f) redesignated (h).

Pub. L. 115–55, § 2(c), substituted “readjudicate” for “reopen” and “relevant” for “material”.

Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 115–55, § 2(d)(1), redesignated subsecs. (e) to (g) as (g) to (i), respectively.

2012—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–154, § 505(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

“(1) As part of the assistance provided under subsection (a), the Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to obtain relevant records (including private records) that the claimant adequately identifies to the Secretary and authorizes the Secretary to obtain.

“(2) Whenever the Secretary, after making such reasonable efforts, is unable to obtain all of the relevant records sought, the Secretary shall notify the claimant that the Secretary is unable to obtain records with respect to the claim. Such a notification shall—

“(A) identify the records the Secretary is unable to obtain;

“(B) briefly explain the efforts that the Secretary made to obtain those records; and

“(C) describe any further action to be taken by the Secretary with respect to the claim.

“(3) Whenever the Secretary attempts to obtain records from a Federal department or agency under this subsection or subsection (c), the efforts to obtain those records shall continue until the records are obtained unless it is reasonably certain that such records do not exist or that further efforts to obtain those records would be futile.”

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 112–154, § 505(b), amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (b) shall include obtaining the following records if relevant to the claim:

“(1) The claimant’s service medical records and, if the claimant has furnished the Secretary information sufficient to locate such records, other relevant records pertaining to the claimant’s active military, naval, or air service that are held or maintained by a governmental entity.

“(2) Records of relevant medical treatment or examination of the claimant at Department health-care facilities or at the expense of the Department, if the claimant furnishes information sufficient to locate those records.

“(3) Any other relevant records held by any Federal department or agency that the claimant adequately identifies and authorizes the Secretary to obtain.”

Statutory Notes and Related SubsidiariesEffective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–55 applicable to all claims for which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides notice of a decision under section 5104 of this title on or after the later of 540 days after Aug. 23, 2017, or 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to Congress a certification of certain capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out the new appeals system established by Pub. L. 115–55 and to address appeals of decisions on legacy claims, with provision for early applicability of the new appeals system to certain claims, see section 2(x) of Pub. L. 115–55, set out as a note under section 101 of this title, and bracketed note thereunder.

Effective Date of 2012 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–154, title V, § 505(c), Aug. 6, 2012, 126 Stat. 1193, provided that:“(1)In general.—The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 6, 2012] and shall apply with respect to assistance obligations of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on or after such date.“(2)Construction.—Nothing in this section [amending this section] or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to require the Secretary to carry out assistance in accordance with requirements of section 5103A of title 38, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date established in paragraph (1) on or after such effective date.”

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 1,352 cases (89 in the last 5 years), 2000–2026 · leading case: Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013).
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Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). · cites it 61× “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Dingess - Hartman v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 473 (Vet. App. 2006). · cites it 12× “" That assistance includes, but is not limited to, obtaining service medical records and additional medical treatment records, providing a medical examination where necessary, and prescribing regulations to carry out the duty to assist.”
Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (Vet. App. 2002). · cites it 17× “§ 5103 (“Notice to claimants of required information and evidence”) and added 38 U.S.C. § 5103A (“Duty to assist claimants”).”
Pedro P. Duenas v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 512 (Vet. App. 2004). · cites it 30× “See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c) (2003).”
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). · cites it 10× “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
William Shade v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 110 (Vet. App. 2010). · cites it 10× “Explaining how it intended to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A to claims to reopen based on new and material evidence, VA stated that under the revised regulations, "VA will not, however, provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion in an attempt to reopen a previously…”
Larry A. Pelegrini v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 112 (Vet. App. 2004). · cites it 6× “§ 5103A(f), and concluded that the VCAA "has not modified the longstanding requirement" that new and material evidence be presented to reopen a claim. R. at 10. The Board determined, inter alia, that the April 1994 RO decision was final and that none of the VA medical records…”
Wood v. Peake, 520 F.3d 1345 (Fed. Cir. 2008). · cites it 22× “Because the Veterans Court committed legal error by failing to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a) in reviewing the VA's denial of her request for assistance, and we cannot decide whether the error was harmless without exceeding our jurisdiction, we vacate and remand.”
Golz v. Shinseki, 590 F.3d 1317 (Fed. Cir. 2010). · cites it 9× “Because the Veterans Court properly interpreted 38 U.S.C. § 5103A and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c), we affirm.”
Euzebio v. McDonough, 989 F.3d 1305 (Fed. Cir. 2021). · cites it 9× “8 While 38 U.S.C. § 5103A was enacted after Bell, see Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, Pub.”
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). · cites it 11× “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
Beasley v. Shinseki, 709 F.3d 1154 (Fed. Cir. 2013). · cites it 8× “Beasley argued that the Secretary’s refusal to allow the DVA treating physician to provide a medical opinion in light of his newly submitted lay evi- dence breached the DVA’s duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1). The CAVC denied the petition, noting that Mr.”
Show all 1,352 citing cases →
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(1) — 1 case
Carolyn Stump v. Greenfield Banking Co., 774 F.3d 1117 (7th Cir. 2014).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(2) — 1 case
10-25 599 (Board of Vet. App. 2014).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(2)(B) — 2 cases
11-00 485 (Board of Vet. App. 2013).
13-05 004 (Board of Vet. App. 2014).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a) — 67 cases
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Wood v. Peake, 520 F.3d 1345 (Fed. Cir. 2008). “Because the Veterans Court committed legal error by failing to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a) in reviewing the VA's denial of her request for assistance, and we cannot decide whether the error was harmless without exceeding our jurisdiction, we vacate and remand.”
Pedro P. Duenas v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 512 (Vet. App. 2004). “See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c) (2003).”
William Shade v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 110 (Vet. App. 2010). “Explaining how it intended to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A to claims to reopen based on new and material evidence, VA stated that under the revised regulations, "VA will not, however, provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion in an attempt to reopen a previously…”
Angel S. Nieves-Rodriguez v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 295 (Vet. App. 2008).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1) — 43 cases
Beasley v. Shinseki, 709 F.3d 1154 (Fed. Cir. 2013). “Beasley argued that the Secretary’s refusal to allow the DVA treating physician to provide a medical opinion in light of his newly submitted lay evi- dence breached the DVA’s duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1). The CAVC denied the petition, noting that Mr.”
Euzebio v. McDonough, 989 F.3d 1305 (Fed. Cir. 2021). “8 While 38 U.S.C. § 5103A was enacted after Bell, see Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, Pub.”
Bufkin v. Collins, 604 U.S. 369 (2025).
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
William E. Frasure , Jr. v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 379 (Vet. App. 2004).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(2) — 67 cases
Wensch v. Principi, 15 Vet. App. 362 (Vet. App. 2001).
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
William Shade v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 110 (Vet. App. 2010). “Explaining how it intended to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A to claims to reopen based on new and material evidence, VA stated that under the revised regulations, "VA will not, however, provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion in an attempt to reopen a previously…”
Michael H. Jones v. Eric K. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 382 (Vet. App. 2010).
Barrett v. Nicholson, 466 F.3d 1038 (Fed. Cir. 2006).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(l) — 36 cases
Beasley v. Shinseki, 709 F.3d 1154 (Fed. Cir. 2013). “Beasley argued that the Secretary’s refusal to allow the DVA treating physician to provide a medical opinion in light of his newly submitted lay evi- dence breached the DVA’s duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1). The CAVC denied the petition, noting that Mr.”
James P. Barr v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303 (Vet. App. 2007).
Wood v. Peake, 520 F.3d 1345 (Fed. Cir. 2008). “Because the Veterans Court committed legal error by failing to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a) in reviewing the VA's denial of her request for assistance, and we cannot decide whether the error was harmless without exceeding our jurisdiction, we vacate and remand.”
Arthur Bernklau, Claimant-Appellant v. Anthony J. Principi, Sec'y of Vets. Affairs, 291 F.3d 795 (Fed. Cir. 2002).
Rizzo v. Shinseki, 580 F.3d 1288 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b) — 59 cases
Angel S. Nieves-Rodriguez v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 295 (Vet. App. 2008).
Herman L. Loving , Jr. v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 96 (Vet. App. 2005).
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
Robert L. McGee v. R. James Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 472 (Vet. App. 2006).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(1) — 15 cases
Charles L. Breedlove Brenda Breedlove v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 7 (Vet. App. 2010).
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
Clyde McKinney, Jr. v. Robert A. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 15 (Vet. App. 2016).
Herman L. Loving , Jr. v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 96 (Vet. App. 2005).
James E. Savage v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 259 (Vet. App. 2011).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(2) — 43 cases
James R. Cook, Claimant-Appellant v. Anthony J. Principi, Sec'y of Vets. Affairs, 318 F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2003).
Clyde McKinney, Jr. v. Robert A. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 15 (Vet. App. 2016).
Brambley v. Principi, 17 Vet. App. 20 (Vet. App. 2003).
Juliet T. Tagupa v. Robert A. McDonald, 27 Vet. App. 95 (Vet. App. 2014).
Glover Norvell v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 194 (Vet. App. 2008).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(2)(A) — 1 case
Conley F. Monk, Jr. v. Robert L. Wilkie (Vet. App. 2018).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(2)(B) — 2 cases
11-32 274 (Board of Vet. App. 2016).
10-42 878 (Board of Vet. App. 2018).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(3) — 11 cases
McGee v. Peake, 511 F.3d 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2008).
Skoczen v. Shinseki, 564 F.3d 1319 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
10-22 712 (Board of Vet. App. 2017).
Theodore J. Segars v. Erik K. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 290 (Vet. App. 2009).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(c)(3) — 1 case
Woods v. Gober, 14 Vet. App. 214 (Vet. App. 2000).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(l) — 11 cases
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
Clyde McKinney, Jr. v. Robert A. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 15 (Vet. App. 2016).
Thomas P. Chotta v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 80 (Vet. App. 2008).
Glover Norvell v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 194 (Vet. App. 2008).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c) — 62 cases
Dwayne A. Moore v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 211 (Vet. App. 2007). “Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1), "[t]he Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant's claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”
Golz v. Shinseki, 590 F.3d 1317 (Fed. Cir. 2010). “Because the Veterans Court properly interpreted 38 U.S.C. § 5103A and 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c), we affirm.”
Moore v. Shinseki, 555 F.3d 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
Thomas P. Chotta v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 80 (Vet. App. 2008).
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(1) — 8 cases
McGee v. Peake, 511 F.3d 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2008).
Kisor v. McDonough, 995 F.3d 1347 (Fed. Cir. 2021).
Leonard Beraud v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 313 (Vet. App. 2013).
Kisor v. Wilkie, 969 F.3d 1333 (Fed. Cir. 2020).
Richard C. Raugust v. Eric K. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 475 (Vet. App. 2010).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(1)(B) — 3 cases
Jones v. Wilkie, 918 F.3d 922 (Fed. Cir. 2019).
Robby Turner v. David J. Shulkin (Vet. App. 2018).
Germany v. McDonough (Fed. Cir. 2021).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(1)(C) — 1 case
Terry L. Hamilton v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2024).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(2) — 15 cases
David R. Gagne v. Robert A. McDonald, 27 Vet. App. 397 (Vet. App. 2015).
Herman L. Loving , Jr. v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 96 (Vet. App. 2005).
Molitor v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 397 (Vet. App. 2017).
Hime v. Dept. Of Vets. Affairs, 439 Fed. Appx. 895 (Fed. Cir. 2011).
11-11 604 (Board of Vet. App. 2016).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(3) — 5 cases
Herman L. Loving , Jr. v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 96 (Vet. App. 2005).
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
Denver Sizemore v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 264 (Vet. App. 2004).
10-31 890 (Board of Vet. App. 2016).
07-03 436 (Board of Vet. App. 2011).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(4) — 1 case
190305-5618 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(l) — 6 cases
Moore v. Shinseki, 555 F.3d 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
Glover Norvell v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 194 (Vet. App. 2008).
Paul W. Hyatt v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 390 (Vet. App. 2007).
Leonard Beraud v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 313 (Vet. App. 2013).
Molitor v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 397 (Vet. App. 2017).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(l)(A) — 1 case
Odis C. Stowers v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 550 (Vet. App. 2014).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(c)(l)(B) — 1 case
Sullivan v. McDonald, 815 F.3d 786 (Fed. Cir. 2016).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d) — 233 cases
Pedro P. Duenas v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 512 (Vet. App. 2004). “See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c) (2003).”
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Barney O. Padgett v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 133 (Vet. App. 2005).
Dingess - Hartman v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 473 (Vet. App. 2006). “" That assistance includes, but is not limited to, obtaining service medical records and additional medical treatment records, providing a medical examination where necessary, and prescribing regulations to carry out the duty to assist.”
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(1) — 23 cases
Dingess - Hartman v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 473 (Vet. App. 2006). “" That assistance includes, but is not limited to, obtaining service medical records and additional medical treatment records, providing a medical examination where necessary, and prescribing regulations to carry out the duty to assist.”
Rick K. Kahana v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 428 (Vet. App. 2011).
Euzebio v. McDonough, 989 F.3d 1305 (Fed. Cir. 2021). “8 While 38 U.S.C. § 5103A was enacted after Bell, see Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, Pub.”
Clyde McKinney, Jr. v. Robert A. McDonald, 28 Vet. App. 15 (Vet. App. 2016).
Beasley v. Shinseki, 709 F.3d 1154 (Fed. Cir. 2013). “Beasley argued that the Secretary’s refusal to allow the DVA treating physician to provide a medical opinion in light of his newly submitted lay evi- dence breached the DVA’s duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1). The CAVC denied the petition, noting that Mr.”
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(1)(a) — 2 cases
James E. Savage v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 259 (Vet. App. 2011).
James E. Savage v. Eric K. Shinseki (Vet. App. 2010).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2) — 81 cases
James P. Barr v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 303 (Vet. App. 2007).
Michael H. Jones v. Eric K. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 382 (Vet. App. 2010).
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
Stanley J. Palczewski v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 174 (Vet. App. 2007).
Dale S. Horn v. Eric K. Shinseki, 25 Vet. App. 231 (Vet. App. 2012).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(A) — 9 cases
Pedro P. Duenas v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 512 (Vet. App. 2004). “See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c) (2003).”
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (Vet. App. 2002). “§ 5103 (“Notice to claimants of required information and evidence”) and added 38 U.S.C. § 5103A (“Duty to assist claimants”).”
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Thomas P. Chotta v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 80 (Vet. App. 2008).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(B) — 18 cases
Lawrence Delisio v. Eric K. Shinseki, 25 Vet. App. 45 (Vet. App. 2011).
Pedro P. Duenas v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 512 (Vet. App. 2004). “See 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159 (c) (2003).”
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
William Shade v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 110 (Vet. App. 2010). “Explaining how it intended to apply 38 U.S.C. § 5103A to claims to reopen based on new and material evidence, VA stated that under the revised regulations, "VA will not, however, provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion in an attempt to reopen a previously…”
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2)(C) — 6 cases
McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79 (Vet. App. 2006). “McLendon argues that the Board erred in its evaluation of the evidence and that the Secretary failed to provide him with a VA medical examination pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 5103A. Appellant’s Brief (Br.”
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (Vet. App. 2002). “§ 5103 (“Notice to claimants of required information and evidence”) and added 38 U.S.C. § 5103A (“Duty to assist claimants”).”
Stanley J. Palczewski v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 174 (Vet. App. 2007).
James E. Savage v. Eric K. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 259 (Vet. App. 2011).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2012) — 1 case
190626-10385 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(l) — 19 cases
Woehlaert v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 456 (Vet. App. 2007).
Brian J. Hart v. Gordon H. Mansfield, 21 Vet. App. 505 (Vet. App. 2007).
Angel S. Nieves-Rodriguez v. James B. Peake, 22 Vet. App. 295 (Vet. App. 2008).
Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (Vet. App. 2002). “§ 5103 (“Notice to claimants of required information and evidence”) and added 38 U.S.C. § 5103A (“Duty to assist claimants”).”
Beasley v. Shinseki, 709 F.3d 1154 (Fed. Cir. 2013). “Beasley argued that the Secretary’s refusal to allow the DVA treating physician to provide a medical opinion in light of his newly submitted lay evi- dence breached the DVA’s duty to assist under 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1). The CAVC denied the petition, noting that Mr.”
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(e) — 9 cases
Holliday v. Principi, 14 Vet. App. 280 (Vet. App. 2001).
Robert L. Trafter v. Eric K. Shinseki, 26 Vet. App. 267 (Vet. App. 2013). “38 U.S.C. § 5103A Under section 5103A(d), titled "Medical examinations for compensation claims," part (d)(1) clarifies that "[i]n the case of a claim for disability compensation, the assistance provided by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall include providing a medical…”
Herman L. Loving , Jr. v. R. James Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 96 (Vet. App. 2005).
Monk v. Wilkie, 978 F.3d 1273 (Fed. Cir. 2020).
Paralyzed Vets. of Am. v. Sec'y of Vets. Affairs, 345 F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2003).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(e)(1) — 3 cases
Moore v. Shinseki, 555 F.3d 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
Wendell Andrews v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2021).
James M. Kernz v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2023).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(e)(2) — 4 cases
Wendell Andrews v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2021).
201223-128535 (Board of Vet. App. 2021).
191115-47343 (Board of Vet. App. 2021).
Marvin L. Loyd v. Douglas A. Collins (Vet. App. 2025).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(e)(l) — 2 cases
McGee v. Peake, 511 F.3d 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2008).
Molitor v. Shulkin, 28 Vet. App. 397 (Vet. App. 2017).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(f) — 14 cases
Larry A. Pelegrini v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 112 (Vet. App. 2004). “§ 5103A(f), and concluded that the VCAA "has not modified the longstanding requirement" that new and material evidence be presented to reopen a claim. R. at 10. The Board determined, inter alia, that the April 1994 RO decision was final and that none of the VA medical records…”
Charles v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 370 (Vet. App. 2002). “§ 5103 (“Notice to claimants of required information and evidence”) and added 38 U.S.C. § 5103A (“Duty to assist claimants”).”
Paralyzed Vets. of Am. v. Sec'y of Vets. Affairs, 345 F.3d 1334 (Fed. Cir. 2003).
Arthur Bernklau, Claimant-Appellant v. Anthony J. Principi, Sec'y of Vets. Affairs, 291 F.3d 795 (Fed. Cir. 2002).
John A. Cooper v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2024).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(f)(1) — 1 case
190227-7755 (Board of Vet. App. 2019).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(f)(2) — 2 cases
Larry D. Edwards v. Denis McDonough (Vet. App. 2023).
Alan Keith Gladish & Joseph W. Burwell v. Douglas A. Collins (Vet. App. 2025).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(f)(2)(A) — 6 cases
200130-59119 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
190617-56821 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
200309-68423 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
200204-60785 (Board of Vet. App. 2020).
200323-187505 (Board of Vet. App. 2021).
— 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(g) — 13 cases
Dingess - Hartman v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 473 (Vet. App. 2006). “" That assistance includes, but is not limited to, obtaining service medical records and additional medical treatment records, providing a medical examination where necessary, and prescribing regulations to carry out the duty to assist.”
Sullivan v. McDonald, 815 F.3d 786 (Fed. Cir. 2016).
Larry A. Pelegrini v. Anthony J. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 112 (Vet. App. 2004). “§ 5103A(f), and concluded that the VCAA "has not modified the longstanding requirement" that new and material evidence be presented to reopen a claim. R. at 10. The Board determined, inter alia, that the April 1994 RO decision was final and that none of the VA medical records…”
Setsuko Daves v. R. James Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 46 (Vet. App. 2007).
Smith v. Shinseki, 647 F.3d 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2011).
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