Hows This Work

[yoggie2]

I have a DRO Review Hearing coming up in mid JAN. I need to know from those who have attended these Hearings to tell me what to expect and how they operate at these things do they take command or am I suppose to, hows it start? I pretty much got things in order and tweaking things as well but I am little lost on how they operate, any input would be greatly appreciated. How the dress code for this hearing,,, Thanks R

[john999]

Rich

It is very informal, but a recording of the hearing should be made by the DRO. If you are by yourself the DRO will probably just start the hearing on the record, and ask you some questions. At some point you would probably want to make your case. I would write something I could read from because it goes into the record. If you have a VSO he could read the statement. Just dress normally. If you have a spouse that can verify what you say about symptomology she can testify as a witness. It is not adversarial at least not at the hearing. The DRO won't make a decision on the spot. He will take the evidence and make some kind of decision later. You should get a copy of the hearing from the DRO a few days later.

[bobbyq]

It is just like a court hearing. Have all you evidence in order: I usually put exhibit 1 Dr Schmuck report, Exhibit 2, VAMC report dated 100406, and so on. When you are explaining something you can say, look at exhibit 2, the VAMC report. On October 4, 2006 I was seen by VAMC and they said this and that. The reason it helps to list your evidence that way is that it makes it easier to present, you are not shuffling through all the paperwork and you are on point. It makes you look more efficient.

The hearings are lax but it is just like a court hearing in that you tell them why you come to the conclusions you came to and how. I have diabetes, I was in Vietnam 6-66 to 7-67 here is my DD214 that proves I was there, and here is the VAMC report which shows diagnosis of diabetes. The burden of proof rests with you. You can not go in there and say I have this and that without having the medical reports to back it up. Also you have to prove service connection and if you have your personnel file that helps. It might be in you VA C file, it would behoove you to get the C file and read it before the hearing and see what is in there. Why are they denying you and what have you got to prove they are wrong. Clean each issue up before going on to the other. Stay in order

They will ask questions but you will be given the opportunity to say your piece. Just remember you have to make sure you answer on point about each issue, and that you have the evidence to back it up. Could go on but I do not want to confuse you.............good luck Bobby Q

[yoggie2]

Thanks guys so much, this is basically what I needed to hear. I have things together but your responses has reminded me of some other evidence I needed to support the evidence I have. if that make any sense. I will keep reading this post to remind me,,,Rich

[yoggie2]

Rich

It is very informal, but a recording of the hearing should be made by the DRO. If you are by yourself the DRO will probably just start the hearing on the record, and ask you some questions. At some point you would probably want to make your case. I would write something I could read from because it goes into the record. If you have a VSO he could read the statement. Just dress normally. If you have a spouse that can verify what you say about symptomology she can testify as a witness. It is not adversarial at least not at the hearing. The DRO won't make a decision on the spot. He will take the evidence and make some kind of decision later. You should get a copy of the hearing from the DRO a few days later.

I found some stuff dealing with Mental Health and the Alcohol Classes in 92 and 94 I sought treatment for the later and was sent to the first and I see where I was depressed and in little letters is says I am only to see notes on a need to know basis, lol I guess when they denied my claim saying I had received no MH treatment while in service, the VA never gave up these records so's I could prove my claim.. I guess they figured I didn't need to know.he,he..

[Guest Vietnam Tanker]

Good Luck with the hearing Yoggi, we are praying for your good outcome.

[Josephine]

Rich,

Don't let them intimidate you in any way. Just from my own experience,

I can be intimidated in my home.

If they say something you don't understand, ask them to rephrase.

The Best to You!

Betty