> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://rawctx.gitbook.io/rawctx-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://rawctx.gitbook.io/rawctx-docs/help-center/a-proof-remains-pending-or-fails.md).

# A proof remains pending or fails

Answer creation and signed checkpoint publication are asynchronous. A new leaf may return a pending proof shell until a later checkpoint includes it.

## Triage order

1. Fetch the newest proof bundle.
2. Verify it offline and stop on any failed local binding.
3. Retry after the next checkpoint if inclusion is not yet available.
4. Verify online when external anchor or witness policy matters.
5. Escalate `INVALID`, a long-lived `PENDING`, a missing required witness, or an unsupported signature that your policy requires to be verified.

`BITCOIN_OBSERVED_PENDING_CONFIRMATION` is not `ANCHORED`. It reports an observed attestation that has not yet reached required confirmation.

## Reconciliation failed

Inspect exact finding types. Missing and duplicate records normally require an application or source-export investigation; late findings require timing and checkpoint review; unexpected records require confirming the selected source and `include_unexpected` policy.

Reconciliation is only as independent and complete as the supplied reference set. It cannot detect decisions omitted from both systems.


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