Which is the following statements best describes when the VA's duty to assist a claimant ends?

The statement that best describes when the VA's duty to assist a claimant ends is that it concludes when the merits of the claim and the evidence of record indicate there is sufficient evidence to make a decision. This is because the VA's obligation is to help claimants by gathering the necessary evidence to support their claims. Once the evidence on record is robust enough to allow for a decision to be made—without needing further information—the duty to assist is fulfilled.

The rationale behind this is that the VA's responsibility is to ensure a fair evaluation of claims based on the evidence available. If the existing evidence—including any records obtained during the assistance phase—is adequate for rendering a judgment, the process can conclude. This focus on sufficiency allows the VA to manage resources effectively while ensuring claimants receive fair treatment.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the point at which the VA's duty ends. For instance, merely submitting a complete application does not automatically conclude the VA's assistance; it is only one part of a larger process. Informing a claimant of missing information is certainly part of the duty to assist but does not define its limits either. Furthermore, making just one attempt to obtain private treatment records does not determine the end of the VA's duty—the