Video, Travel Board Or Stand On The Evidence

[danang_1969]

Hadit elders and others, those who have been there and done that, please advise me on selecting my choice of hearing to the BVA, which kind or none. Travel Board, Video conference or send it on and let it rip.

I know the video hearing is faster than the travel board but time, in my case, is definitely an important factor. I am leaning toward the choice of, send it on with the evidence already submitted, due to the that fact, or the main reason being, that some days I would not be physically up to driving or riding a 100 miles to do a video conference. The other reason, although I could probably further shed light on my claim, I feel as though I have submitted enough evidence to be granted what I requested, if it is going to be granted at all by the BVA. If the BVA denies me, I can still go with the Pro Bono lawyers later. That's my thoughts, but I would like to hear others experinces on this.

Advice Please.

Danang_1969

[luvHIM]

I can't comment on the video or rate per what's on record. But I can tell you that a trvel board hearing IS NOT the way to go, obviously. I am still waiting for one. Although, my POA did request either a video conference or travel board hearing. The RO placed me on the list for travel board hearings. Still don't know why. And, I agree about the driving. I am not able and cannot sit for prolonged periods, either. Best regards.

[cloudcroft]

Do the video conference.

It's a last chance to make your case and IMO, it's more personal and effective when you interact with the BVA judge, and although via video, it's still face-to-face like an in-person (traveling) board hearing but of course, without the long-distance travel.

If you have a VSO, he/she will (should) be included in the conference (3-way) but don't count on him/her to make your case, especially if they seem unprepared, disinterested and/or just aren't saying much or the stuff you want heard for the record...YOU do it.

Good luck,

-- John D.

Edited November 16, 2007 by cloudcroft

[carlie]

Myself, I have no faith or belief in any of it. Even when I friggin had my BVA Hearing in person with a judge, most of my issues ended up being remanded to either the RO or the AMC.

jmho,

carlie

[Josephine]

I picked up on this one, "time, in my case, is definitely an important factor.".

How about writing a letter to the BVA to advance on the docket.

It worked for me. It took me about a good month of getting my thoughts together and putting them on a piece of paper, so that the BVA could feel what I was saying. Of course, I would get a New lawyer and have been remanded to the AMC, but if you advance one place you will at the other.

Of course, I didn't have the common sense to fax the AMC a copy of that important piece of paper. I thought surely they would have a little sense. I found out differently.

I realized this and faxed this to the AMC this past August, making me at the AMC 18 months. Not much for advancement there. I have this one ironed out though.

I would make sure that the Regional Office had everything in your file when it leaves for the BVA and if you feel that there is something of importance, that may be left out, be sure to sent this to the BVA.

I noticed that several of my important papers were not listed by the R. O and sent them to the BVA myself.

My claims file went to the BVA February 2006 and was out of there in April 2006.

If I can assist you, please sent me a message.

Always,

Josephine

[john999]

Did you get a DRO Hearing on your issues? This would be a lot quicker than 2-3 years waiting on the BVA. If you did have a DRO then I would vote for the video hearing. They usually do get remanded back to your VARO.