Under 38 U.S.C. 5102, what must the VA notify the claimant about upon receipt of an incomplete application?

The requirement outlined in 38 U.S.C. 5102 specifies that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must inform the claimant what information is necessary to complete their application upon its receipt being deemed incomplete. This is a critical step in the VA's process to ensure that claimants have the opportunity to provide all required details, which directly impacts the outcome of their claims for benefits.

By notifying claimants about the specific information needed, the VA helps facilitate the completion of their applications, ensuring that claimants can address any missing elements without having to start the process from scratch. This aligns with the VA's commitment to assisting veterans and their beneficiaries in navigating the claims process effectively. Providing this guidance is essential for maintaining transparency and promoting fairness in the application processes.

The other options involve aspects of the overall claims process, but they do not align with the specific requirements outlined in the legislation regarding incomplete applications. For instance, the decision-making process and rules about automatic denials do not address the immediate concern of helping claimants complete their applications effectively.