According to VA regulations, what must be done when an application for benefits is incomplete?

When an application for benefits is incomplete, VA regulations mandate that the claimant must be notified of the specific information that is needed to complete their application. This process is essential to ensure that claimants have a fair opportunity to provide the necessary information to support their claims and to avoid unnecessary delays in the adjudication process. By notifying the claimant, the VA fosters an environment of transparency and encourages collaboration, allowing the claimant to enhance their application with the missing details.

Disregarding an application altogether would be unfair as it hampers the claimant's chance to formalize their request for benefits. Automatically denying the claim without giving the claimant a chance to rectify the deficiencies would also contradict the VA’s principles of aiding veterans and their families. Asking for further legal documentation may be part of this communication process, but it is not the primary requirement when dealing with an incomplete application. The focus remains on ensuring that claimants are aware of what is lacking so they can fulfill their application requirements appropriately.