What happens if the requested evidence is not furnished within one year?

When requested evidence is not submitted within one year, the claim is categorized as abandoned. This means that the claim is effectively set aside due to the lack of necessary information required for processing. The one-year timeframe is critical because it establishes a clear deadline for claimants to respond to requests for additional documentation that supports their claim.

In the context of VA claims, it is essential for claimants to understand that not responding within this timeframe can lead to the termination of their claim. This policy encourages timely submission of relevant evidence so that the claims process can progress efficiently. Therefore, if the required evidence is not provided, the VA assumes that the claimant is no longer pursuing the claim, leading to the abandonment of that claim.

It's also worth noting that while claimants can generally request to reopen their claims or submit new evidence later, the failure to act within the one-year period directly leads to the claim being abandoned at that time.