ESA1968

I submitted a NOD in May of 2018. My appeal is for IU. Requested an informal review. My attorney actually completed that without me. Two weeks ago I received forms in the mail to complete. One was a request for IU and the other was a request for employment verification references. I’m curious as to why they would wait this long to request the forms be completed, and is it good or bad that the DRO requested the forms? I’m past the national average of 353 days for completion of an appeal. This hurry up and wait program is wearing me out!!!