Revised May 10, 2007
VI.iii.3.B.1.aDeveloping Claims Simultaneously
Develop the claims of all contesting parties simultaneously, giving all interested parties every opportunity to submit all available evidence.
VI.iii.3.B.1.bVarying Development Procedures
Development procedures vary with each case, depending on
- the nature of the contest
- the evidence of record
- the availability of evidence, and
- other factors.
Note: Developing the facts in a contested claim often presents problems that cannot be resolved by applying a specific formula or rule.
VI.iii.3.B.1.cProviding Assistance to Claimants
To assist a claimant
- furnish him/her with the substance of the allegations of contesting claimants and any information in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records that may help him/her obtain the evidence required to complete the claim
- advise him/her of possible sources where the evidence may be obtained, and
- ask him/her to tell VA if he/she cannot furnish the required evidence and the reason why.
VI.iii.3.B.1.dClaimant’s Responsibility to Provide Adequate Evidence to Support the Claim
The claimant must either
- supply acceptable proof of the validity of a claim, or
- present an adequate explanation of his/her inability to supply any evidence that is lacking.
VI.iii.3.B.1.eDeciding When a Field Examination Is Warranted
Request a field examination only if there is still doubt as to how to decide the case after reviewing all the available evidence from both claimants. In any request for a field examination, show the
- sources consulted, and
- efforts made, as reported by the claimant.
Reference: For more information on field examination requests, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart v, 1.E.
VI.iii.3.B.1.fResolving Domestic Relations Questions
Follow the procedures in M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 2 and 3 to resolve any domestic relations questions involving the validity and legal effects of
- marriage (ceremonial or otherwise)
- divorce
- ostensible marriage
- void marriage, and
- adoption or legitimacy of children.
Reference: For information on contested claims involving a deemed valid marriage, see M21-1, Part VII, Subpart i, 2.D.9.
2Time Frames for Determining Entitlement and Submitting Evidence
This topic contains information on the time frames for determining entitlement and submitting evidence, including
- determining entitlement at the earliest date
- establishing control for receiving evidence, and
- taking action within the one year time limit for submitting evidence.
Revised May 10, 2007
VI.iii.3.B.2.aDetermining Entitlement at the Earliest Date
Make every effort to determine entitlement at the earliest date. If additional evidence is required from a contesting claimant, notify him/her of the evidence necessary to complete the claim and advise him/her using the following language: “ This evidence should be submitted as promptly as possible, preferably within 30 days. If you are unable to obtain the evidence, please state the reason and send us any proof you do have. Failure to furnish the evidence requested within 1 year from the date of this letter may preclude the payment of any benefits on the basis of this claim.”
VI.iii.3.2.bEstablishing Control for Receiving Evidence
Establish a 30-day control. Reference: For more information on maintaining controls for the response to the follow-up, see
VI.iii.3.B.2.cTaking Action Within the One-Year Time Limit for Submitting Evidence
Even though the time limit for submitting evidence is one year, it does not prevent a claim from being denied at any time within this period if entitlement of the other claimant is established.
End of Part VI, Subpart iii, Chapter 3, Section B