Form 9 ?

[LeroyJohnson]

When you receive form 9 do you have to fill it out and return it or can you continue to NOD the decisions you are getting at the local level.I have filled out form 9 before but that was 3 years ago it is still at the local level on another claim that I have going. I am told that it will take about 2 years before this claim goes to the BVA can't see filling out form 9 just so they can let it set in a corner for 2 or 3 years before they send it off so it can sit another year or so before it comes up for review before the board.

[Pete53]

Every time you are denied the clock starts ticking again. A denial means the ball is back in your Court. If it has sat at the RO's office for 3 years you should be asking what's up and why?

Good Luck

[free_spirit_etc]

They don't quite have the deadlines that we do. But filling out that official form and "perfecting" your appeal is VERY important. Your case can be closed if you don't do that on time. If you fill it out timely (EACH TIME YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO) and you get granted service connection - you get retro pay for all that time you waited.

If you don't fill it out. You have to reopen your claim -and if granted - you only get back to the last filing date.

Free

[Vike17]

Leroy,

Before the claims folder can go to the BVA all open issues (claims) need to be decided first. Believe me, your claim isn't just sitting in a corner collecting dust.

Vike 17

[Berta]

Leroy-I have put some tips here under the search feature about filing the 1-9 form.

The VA last year sent me a letter saying they would accept a response I sent to an SSOC as my formal I-9-

and I wrote back NO WAY with the I-9 form enclosed-

somewhere here I attached the first page of my I-9 and you will see what I mean-

I should have raised the lack of VCAA letter-a prejudicial error- on the first page but had no room and did that in additional attached statement-

I suggest that if any vet does NOT get a legal VCAA letter and election notice -raise this issue in the Appeal-

and try to put it on first page.

I typed my appeal in Word and then Cut it and scotch taped the first page stuff on the form and then scanned it.

I say hit them hard right away on the first page-of the I-9 form as to whatever they did wrong.

[Berta]

Better yet- here is page one of my I-9 attached-

The statement as to the preserving of errors, etc is advise that NVLSP recommends.

I told Ron Abrams I used it and he was delighted.

Even more delighted that I got a remand and never got on the docket- due to VCAA violation

Copy_I_9__Mine_.doc