
From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 23, 2000]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 23, 2000 and December 4, 2001]
[CITE: 38USC5124]

 
                      TITLE 38--VETERANS' BENEFITS
 
               PART IV--GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
 
            CHAPTER 51--CLAIMS, EFFECTIVE DATES, AND PAYMENTS
 
                   SUBCHAPTER III--PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
 
Sec. 5124. Acceptance of claimant's statement as proof of 
        relationship
        
    (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.

(Added Pub. L. 103-446, title III, Sec. 301(a), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 
4657.)
