BVA Hearings: What Not To Do
Appeal Hearings can drive a veteran crazy with all the delays and procedure. The process often makes a veteran feel like a criminal on trial, or that no one cares.
The process in not getting easier or more timely or even better. But there are a few things you can avoid on your end to help speed the process.
1. Don't represent yourself.
Use a service organization to represent you. They have trained personnel to assist with claims. VA reps, although having good intentions, work for the VA. They can only do so much when going up against their employer. Use an outside rep.
2. Don't submit material that doesn't have anything to do with your claim.
If you are already service-connected for PTSD, don't send additional combat evidence, or statements from friends, etc.
3. Don't add additional issues such as hearing loss, Agent Orange, etc.
This will cause the claim to be sent back to the Regional Office for more work. The claim probably won't be settled until all the issues are resolved.
4. Don't submit evidence directly to the BVA.
Unless, you include a statement saying that you want to bypass the Regional Office and want the BVA to see the evidence without the Regional Office seeing it. If you don't use the statement, the case may be sent back to the Regional Office, causing more delays.
5. Don't request a last minute change for the type of Hearing or location.
This will almost always cause additional delays.
6. Don't miss a scheduled VA exam or Hearing.
This causes real delays.(from the S-2 Report Newsletter)
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