What condition must be met for a claim to be processed under the FDC Program?

To process a claim under the Fully Developed Claims (FDC) Program, the requirement of simultaneous submission of all additional forms is crucial. The FDC program is designed to expedite the claims process by ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has all the necessary information and documentation up front. When all required forms, evidence, and information are submitted at the same time, it minimizes the need for follow-up requests for additional information, thereby speeding up the evaluation and adjudication of the claim.

This approach helps prevent delays that often occur when claims are submitted piecemeal, as missing documents or forms typically require the VA to reach out to the claimant for further information. Thus, timely and complete submissions under the FDC Program lead to quicker decisions on claims, making it essential that all additional forms are provided simultaneously when filing for benefits.