Which organization does NOT have a Duty to Assist but is required to send claims back if errors are found?

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) does not have a Duty to Assist claimants in developing their cases as part of its appellate review function. BVA primarily focuses on evaluating appeals from veterans regarding the decisions made by lower entities. When it finds errors in the cases presented, instead of directly developing the claim further, BVA remands cases back to the appropriate agency — usually the Regional Office (RO) — for correction or additional information. This remanding process is important for ensuring that veterans' appeals are handled properly and that all necessary considerations are made.

In contrast, organizations such as the Higher-Level Review (HLR) and Regional Offices (RO) have a Duty to Assist, meaning they are responsible for helping claimants gather evidence and develop their claims. Similarly, Claims Processing Centers play an active role in the initial evaluation and processing of claims, including reaching out for additional information when needed. The lack of a Duty to Assist at BVA underscores its specific role in the appeals process, focused more on legal standards and decision-making based on the established record rather than on assistance in gathering evidence.