What is the general consequence of a Duty to Assist error found before a Record of Decision?

The general consequence of a Duty to Assist error found before a Record of Decision is that it necessitates sending the claim back to the Regional Office (RO). This is because when a Duty to Assist error is identified, it indicates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has not fulfilled its obligation to help the claimant obtain necessary information or evidence to adequately process the claim.

In such instances, the process must be corrected to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered and considered prior to making a final decision. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the claims process, as it helps ensure that veterans receive fair evaluations of their claims.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect how the claims process functions. For example, while a Duty to Assist error may lead to complications, it does not inherently invalidate the claim or result in an automatic denial. It is more about ensuring that the appropriate steps are taken to address the error and properly assist the claimant before moving forward with a decision.