Under which circumstance does the VA not have a duty to assist?

The correct answer highlights that there are certain circumstances under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not have a duty to assist with claims. In this case, both provided scenarios indicate valid reasons for the VA's lack of obligation to assist.

When an applicant is not a veteran, they are ineligible for the benefits and services that the VA provides, as these are specifically tailored for those who have served in the military. Therefore, without veteran status, the VA has no duty to assist the individual.

Additionally, receiving an unsigned application also results in the VA not having a duty to assist. An unsigned application is incomplete, and the VA cannot process claims without proper submissions. Therefore, the lack of a signature indicates a failure to comply with submission requirements and eliminates the VA's obligation to provide assistance on that application.

Together, these scenarios illustrate that the VA's duty to assist is contingent upon both the eligibility of the applicant as a veteran and the completeness of the application submitted for claims assistance.