Section 17 — Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986: Investigation by the Secretary

(1) Where a claim is made for a pension under subsection 14(1), or an application is made for an increased pension under subsection 15(1) or for a pension under subsection 15(2), the Secretary shall cause an investigation to be made into the matters to which the claim or application relates. (2) The Secretary shall, upon completion of the investigation in respect of a claim or application, cause the claim or application to be submitted to the Commission for its consideration and determination. (3) A claim or application submitted to the Commission under subsection (2) shall be accompanied by: (a) any evidence furnished by the claimant or applicant in connection with the claim or application; and (b) the documents relevant to the claim or application that are under the control of the Department, including any evidence or documents relevant to the claim or application obtained in the course of the investigation of the claim or application under subsection (1).