When a veteran fails to sign an authorization for release of records, how does that affect their claim?

When a veteran fails to sign an authorization for release of records, it affects their claim in that no duty to assist is established. The Veterans Affairs (VA) is obligated to assist veterans in developing their claims, but this assistance is contingent upon the veteran providing necessary information, including authorization to obtain relevant medical records or other documentation. Without the signed authorization, the VA cannot access critical information that may substantiate the claim, thereby limiting its ability to assist the veteran further.

The lack of authorization means that the VA is unable to fulfill its duty to assist the veteran in gathering evidence needed to substantiate the claim, which can significantly hinder the evaluation process. The other options do not accurately reflect this situation: the claim is not automatically denied as a result of the lack of authorization, nor does the VA proceed with the claim without those records, as they cannot fully assist the veteran without them. This understanding highlights the importance of the veteran's role in the process and the requirement of consent for accessing crucial records.