Duty to assist. Final rule.

This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjudication regulations to implement the provisions of the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (the VCAA), which was effective on November 9,2000. The intended effect of this regulation is to establish clear guidelines consistent with the intent of Congress regarding the timing and the scope of assistance VA will provide to a claimant who files a substantially complete application for VA benefits or who attempts to reopen a previously denied claim.