# 38 C.F.R. § 20.1102 (2026): Rule 1102. Harmless error

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1102

## Section

- **Citation:** 38 C.F.R. § 20.1102 (2026)
- **Heading:** Rule 1102. Harmless error
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 38 CFR: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief / Chapter I: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS / Part 20: BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE / Subpart L: Finality / § 20.1102: § 20.1102   Rule 1102. Harmless error.

## Text

An error or defect in any decision by the Board of Veterans' Appeals which does not affect the merits of the issue or substantive rights of the appellant will be considered harmless and not a basis for vacating or reversing such decision.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 7103)

## Nearby sections

- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1100 (2026) § 20.1100   Rule 1100. Finality of decisions of the Board.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1100.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1102 (2026) § 20.1102   Rule 1102. Harmless error.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1102.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1103 (2026) § 20.1103   Rule 1103. Finality of determinations of the agency of original jurisdiction where issue is not appealed.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1103.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1104 (2026) § 20.1104   Rule 1104. Finality of determinations of the agency of original jurisdiction affirmed on appeal.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1104.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1105 (2026) § 20.1105   Rule 1105. Supplemental claim after promulgation of appellate decision.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1105.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.1106 (2026) § 20.1106   Rule 1106. Claim for death benefits by survivor—prior unfavorable decisions during veteran's lifetime.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1106.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_1102. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.