diabetes Dro Hearing Next Week

[johnjjr]

I am in need of advice as to how to handle a developing situation. My local VSO and I both think I have a strong case on two NODs. One is for PN secondary to sc diabetes type 2. The other for CAD secondary to sc diabetes. This past Monday my VSO called to say he wouldn't be going with me to the hearing. He said that I had been assigned a VSO from their office located at the VARO. Today, I got a call from that VSO. After talking to him for ten minutes, I got the feeling he was working for the VA. According to the letter about the hearing I received,he will present my case for me. I have two thick folders for each NOD. One for the DRO, tabbed and highlighted, and one for me, so I don't forget anything. My concern is that this new VSO won't present my case the way I want it presented. Do I have to allow him to present the case or am I allowed to present it myself? If I have to let him present and he dosen't follow my outline can I stop him and interject pertinent information? All thoughts and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[johnjjr]

Is there a form I should use to request a transcript of my hearing or can I just type one?

[carlie]

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-4138-ARE.pdf

[johnjjr]

Well, the hearing is over and I'm rather pleased with the results. Didn't start off at all good though.

The VSO that was supposed to go to the hearing with me, passed me off to another VSO who knew nothing about my NODs. So it was decided that I would present my own case. On my PN claim, the DRO ask only one question and agreed that I was correct. He said that the PN claim would be sent back to be re-worked on an expedited basis. Then on to the DM2/CAD NOD. A little more difficult on this one in that he seemed more than a little irritated when I said the VA had failed to assist in the development of my original claim. It became a tug-o-war for a while. But his tune changed when my better half suggested to me that I request a full BVA hearing and file a malpractice suit. After a ten minute discussion of the records I provided him, he informed me that if I can provide medical records for a two day hospital stay during which an angiogram was done, he sees no obstacles in granting my claim. (They will be hand delivered Monday morning) When the hearing was over, I handed him my request for a copy of the transcript of the hearing. He read it, excused himself and returned minutes later with a stamped copy for me. All in all, a day well spent I think.