Need Information On Dro Procedure

[Rockhound]

I have a DRO hearing in the not so distant future and not having gone through one, I would like to know more about what goes on in such a hearing. I am told that my previous AMVET SO had requested an informal hearing. What is the difference from and informal hearing and a formal hearing? I was asked by my Replacement SO whether or not if I wanted a recording of the hearing and I opted to have one, I hope this is what I should request, it just seems logical that I should. Anyway it might help my nurves if I know as much as I can about this type of hearing.

Any help and or experiences you might have, s gratfully and egerly appreciated.

Rockhound Rider :)

[halos2]

Rock,

My DRO hearing was not intimidating at all...just let the person (DRO) know if you need to stop the tape and get a signal ready before it starts, ie raise hand up if you become emotional/upset talking about a specific issue/diagnosed aliment/disease, etc. Also yes you do want a transcript of the hearing, but don't be surprised if it takes almost 7 months and find alot of the verbal info you present is not included. As Berta stated, copies for all including your's as you present your case. Probably good idea to meet with POA prior to hearing. Even if a few minutes before to go over sequences of claim.

Make sure you have correct allotted time to present your issues/valid evidence. Usually they set up one hour for one issue. I had more so I requested more time immediately when I got my letter stating date/time/place, they granted more time for my presentation upon my initial call too.

Internet searches are good too, but they ignore previously granted VA claims as evidence. :)

[carlie]

rock,

You will most likely meet with your VSO a bit prior to the DRO hearing.

They will tell you that the hearing is non-adversarial, that you and any

witnesses you might bring will be sworn in and the hearing will be recorded.

Hopefully they will also talk about what the issues are and clarify anything

that isn't on their list.

It will be in a regular little room at your VARO probably sitting at a

conference table.

Take copies you can leave of anything you feel hasn't been considered.

Ask for a date stamped copy of whatever it is, and the DRO might get

someone to do this for you.

Do not be shy - if your VSO is not asking you the things you want on record

speak up about your concerns.

Try not to feel rushed, try to speak clearly and a bit slowly because the

hearing will be transcribed.

If you want, you are allowed to read into the record, exactly what you want to say-

like from a prepared draft of your concerns, evidence and rebuttal.

At the end of the hearing the DRO will ask if you feel you were able to

discuss all of your issues.

If you weren't - say so.

Try to be sure at the very beginning of the hearing that any and all

issues you are concerned with are going to be included.

Example:

1) Disabling conditions: I would also state diagnostic codes.

2) Percentage you are requesting - the highest allowed by the medical evidence

3) Effective dates

4) Any secondary conditions related to something already SC'd

5) Medical evidence/opinions that hasn't been addressed, has been ignored,

or needs to be rebutted with newer/additional medical evidence you may have and is

not yet of record, etc...

I feel it's of importance to try and keep emotions out and stay focused on the medical evidence.

I would go over the prior rating decisions (the ones you filed NOD's on and requested the DRO)

with a fine toothed comb and concentrate on the reasons for denial or lowballed percentage

and hammer home with medical evidence and 38 CFR why they should be granted

or receive a higher percentage.

Hope this helps a vet.

carlie

[3 years to retire]

Are U allow to bring your own recorder and record the DRO meeting at the same time the VA is recording the meeting?

Do U have to pay for the written transcript the Va supplies?

Thanks

[carlie]

Are U allow to bring your own recorder and record the DRO meeting at the same time the VA is recording the meeting?

Answer : NO

Do U have to pay for the written transcript the Va supplies?

Answer : NO

Thanks