Title 38 — Veterans' BenefitsRelease 119-73
§5124 Acceptance of claimant’s statement as proof of relationship
Title 38 › Part PART IV— - GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS › Chapter CHAPTER 51— - CLAIMS, EFFECTIVE DATES, AND PAYMENTS › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - PAYMENT OF BENEFITS › § 5124
Summary
The Secretary may accept a claimant’s written statement as proof that a family relationship exists when deciding benefits. It covers marriage, divorce, a child’s birth, and a family member’s death. The Secretary can still ask for documents if the claimant lives outside a State, the statement looks doubtful, records disagree, or fraud is suspected.
Full Legal Text
Title 38, §5124
Veterans' Benefits — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)For purposes of benefits under laws administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may accept the written statement of a claimant as proof of the existence of any relationship specified in subsection (b) for the purpose of acting on such individual’s claim for benefits.
(b)Subsection (a) applies to proof of the existence of any of the following relationships between a claimant and another person:
(1)Marriage.
(2)Dissolution of a marriage.
(3)Birth of a child.
(4)Death of any family member.
(c)The Secretary may require the submission of documentation in support of the claimant’s statement if—
(1)the claimant does not reside within a State;
(2)the statement on its face raises a question as to its validity;
(3)there is conflicting information of record; or
(4)there is reasonable indication, in the statement or otherwise, of fraud or misrepresentation.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
38 U.S.C. § 5124
Title 38 — Veterans' Benefits
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73