38 CFR § 20.1102 - Rule 1102. Harmless error.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t38/s20.1102"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "38 CFR § 20.1102 - Rule 1102. Harmless error."
title_number: 38
title_name: "Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief"
section_number: "20.1102"
section_name: "Rule 1102. Harmless error."
chapter_name: "DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS"
part_number: "20"
part_name: "BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "38 U.S.C. 501(a) and as noted in specific sections."
regulatory_source: "57 FR 4109, Feb. 3, 1992, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "20"
---


# 20.1102 Rule 1102. Harmless error.

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)