Claim Raven explanation
What this means
This statute authorizes VA to request information from other federal agencies for benefit eligibility, payment amounts, or verification. The agency providing the information bears the specified cost.
The provision supports information sharing but does not mean VA automatically has every federal record relevant to a claim. Identifying the agency and records can still be important under the evidence-development process.
How this helps your claim
If a relevant federal record is missing, identify where it is held and why it matters to the disputed issue. Then check the file for the request and response.
What to check in your records
Use your decision, examination reports, and relevant records to check the following points.
- Identify the federal agency holding the relevant records.
- Provide enough dates and record details for a focused request.
- Check whether VA obtained the information or documented why it was unavailable.
Identify the federal record rather than assuming it is present
Information sharing can support eligibility and payment decisions, but the statutory authority does not prove that every relevant federal record has already reached the claims file. Identify the agency, type of record and approximate period when the information may matter.
Compare VA's evidence list and request history with that source. A record held by another agency may serve a different purpose from a VA medical report, even if both concern the same event. Keep those distinctions clear when assessing what information is missing.
Does this mean I never need to identify federal records?
No. Identifying relevant records can still be important under the evidence-development provisions. The statute authorizes requests; it does not establish automatic possession of every file. Clear source information helps distinguish an unavailable record from a record that has not yet been reasonably identified.
Official statutory text
38 USC § 5106
OLRC release through Public Law 119-102 (July 12, 2026). Layout and spacing are adapted for reading. The statutory text is shown here; publisher source credits and editorial notes remain in the linked official release.
§ 5106. Furnishing of information by other agencies
The head of any Federal department or agency shall provide such information to the Secretary as the Secretary may request for purposes of determining eligibility for or amount of benefits, or verifying other information with respect thereto. The cost of providing information to the Secretary under this section shall be borne by the department or agency providing the information.
Related references
- 38 USC § 5107: Benefit of the doubt in VA claims
- 38 CFR § 3.159: VA duty to assist: records and examinations
Ready to review your own document? Start your free claim review.