Klekar v. West

As we have long held, the adjudication of claims by VA involves “chronological obligations.” Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet.App. 49, 55 (1990). “The initial burden is on the shoulders of the veteran or the claimant” to submit a well-grounded claim. Murphy v. Derwinski, 1 Vet.App. 78, 81-82 (1990). As the majority acknowledges, Mr. Dillon, a handwriting expert, noted “substantial significant differences with respect to line quality, proportionality and individual letter formations” and opined that it is “highly probable” that the signature on the note submitted to VA is not that of the veteran.…