DONT DO DRO IF VSO ASKS

[paulcolrain]

SO MIAN POINT WAS ,,, DO NOT DO A DRO REVIEW IF YOUR SERVICE VET REP SAYS GO FOR APPEAL.  THIS IS REAL BIG.... THIS MEANS IM SAYING TO ALL VETS TO SKATE  OUT OF THE DRO REVIEW ... NOW,,, IF SOMEONE TOLD YOU THAT YOU CAN WIN WITH THE DRO THEN OK BUT,,,, YOU ARE ONLY SMART TO TO SIGN THE I9 PUSHING IT TO BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS., REASON IS,,,, ONCE YOU DO THAT THE RO WILL SAY OH xxxx,,,, THEN THEY WILL PUSH FOR ALL OF TYPES OF HEARINGS BUT AT SAME TIME KEEP YOUR PLACE ON DOCKET. SO,, SAY F-U TO DRO REVIEW THEN FILE YOUR FORM 9 AND LET THE RO DEAL WITH YOU AS YOU ASK FOR A PRINT OUT OF YOUR SUBSTANTIATED APPEAL. THIS WORKS FOLKS.. THATS WHY IM SAYING IT... THE ABSOLUTE MAIN POINT FOR BEGINERS IS THAT YOU REALLY WANT YOUR DOCKET NUMBER NOT YOUR DRO REVIEW. IM JUST TRYING TO HELP.!

[63Charlie]

Agreed.

I want a fresh set of eyes to look at my appeals(BVA).NOT a person at the VARO since it seems there is an inherent reading comprehension problem in St. Petersburg

I will prevail at the BVA level when my appeals go in front of them.

All I'd get from the VARO is more delays, unfavorable decisions, if I chose the option for a DRO review.

Total waste of time for me.

If you want a clear drink of water, go to the head of the stream.

[waccamawwild]

I disagree. I won at DRO. The DRO review gives a "Fresh Eyes" look at evidence. It also gives you one extra attempt at success. Mine took 2 years start to finish. All time paid in retro check.

[Buck52]

DRO Hearings has its pros & cons  in my opinion

I think it matters a great deal in what type of DRO the veteran gets. Is it the Luck of the Draw? Yes IN MY OPINION IT IS JUST THAT.

 All DRO's are not alike although they are suppose to be unbiased and go through intense training.

Attitude/ Personality makes a world of difference when Adjudicating claims and making decisions.

One thing I remember the DRO mention in his BASES AND REASONS SECTION in my Award packet

He mention :

''Although a propose reduction was mention in this veterans records by a VA Medical Dr that his disability was not as as bad as he claims and as shown improvement, this reduction action will not be taken, with a DRO and a Qualified Rating Specialist present at his hearing  it is  obvious this veteran condition of his disability is Real & has shown to worsen and a increase is awarded and not a reduction, expedited of this veteran claim will be used in today's Hearing'' TDIU P&T  granted and disability is as nature / chronic  with no future exams scheduled.

When you have a Physical S.C. Disability, you can face them face to face,  this is physical evidence to facts found''.

This  was in 2002 I surely believe the DRO knew what this VA Dr tried to do to me  and the DRO Took it upon himself to rebut this VA Dr. using my new & material evidence and seeing my S.C. Disability first hand.

Then they are the predetermine DRO's and with an attitude that looks for reasons to deny and not award & they are common sense DRO's That want to help us.

pro & con?  sure.

 its unfortunately its like this  & hopefully this will change in the  near future.

The thing is why not elect a DRO Hearing and take that chance  rather than getting in the BVA waiting game..if your DRO Hearing don't work out   then there's always the BVA  Train & your EED Stays.

Edited January 24, 2017 by Buck52

[pwrslm]

The equvalent of the DRO review will always be done after you elect traditional appeal anyway.  They will do the same no matter before you get the SOC, which is done by a Sr. rating member.  If they find the error that you are appealing valid, they can correct it on the spot and approve your claim.  A few cases might benefit from a face to face, but the majority it is nothing more than spinning your wheels. Selecting the DRO is not doing much more than adding months or a year + before you get in the appeal line.  

[Buck52]

If you think your chances is greater and faster At the BVA and your fairly sure you will win..Why not select the DRO process instead of getting in the BVA Appeal line? 

DRO Hearings and Reviews Are a lot faster , & yes I agree with some veterans that has selected a DRO Review or Hearing  only to be burned by the DRO.  & Naturally turned off with the DRO Process

When you have the evidence to back up your claim at a DRO Review  or Hearing  why not take the chance and get your claim Adjudicated  sooner rather than later going to the BVA.

Thats what I would do  common sense wise.

[saxman]

My one and only DRO review was a partial success with the correction of a lowball rating which went from 60% to 80%.  The other contentions were continue denied.  So, it goes both ways depending on the additional evidence you have or if you point out their mistake like I did.  My VSO didn't even catch it. 

JMO

 

Edited January 25, 2017 by saxman