Opinion ID: 794840
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Attorney Error

Text: 15 It is clear that counsel's failure to submit corroborating medical evidence constituted representation below the level of reasonably competent counsel and was an error. The BIA has stated in numerous cases that an applicant's failure to provide corroborating evidence of torture, where reasonably available, is fatal to an asylum claim. Matter of M-D, 21 I. & N. Dec. 1180, 1181 (BIA 1998); Matter of S-M-J, 21 I. & N. Dec. 722, 725 (BIA 1997); see also Dorosh v. Aschroft, 398 F.3d 379, 382 (6th Cir.2004) (upholding the BIA's rule requiring corroborating evidence). In particular, the BIA has stated that an applicant should provide documentary support for material facts which are central to [the applicant's] claim and easily subject to verification, such as . . . documentation of medical treatment.  Matter of S-M-J, 21 I. & N. Dec. at 725 (emphasis added). Petitioner's counsel had an obligation to be aware of this well-known rule. Additionally, had Petitioner's attorney taken the time to speak with her, he would have realized that Petitioner was receiving medical treatment and could easily obtain a report. Thus, Petitioner's attorney erred in failing to obtain medical reports from Petitioner and submit them to the IJ.