Should I Waive The Bva Hearing?

[justrluk]

I've been searching the forums and can't quite seem to pin this down:

I received a letter confirming that the BVA was ready to schedule my video telecon. At the bottom of the letter were checkboxes. 1. Appear in person. 2. Have the requested traveling board. 3. Switch to a video telecon (thought I had already requested this change) 4. Waive the hearing all together and have the case reviewed.

I'm considering option 4. Things are getting worse, and if this is approved (they rated me at 40% for knees, reduced to 20% due to it being a pre-existing condition .... it's NOT; occurred while in service), it could push me to 100% schedular. In short, I have a lot riding on the outcome of this decision, but sooner would be better than later.

Has anyone else out there done this? If so, what were your results? Any help would really be helpful.

[justrluk]

Carlie,

The form 9 was submitted years ago (2009). I'm sure I received the SOC/SSOC's, but haven't had a chance to pull them out of the files for this claim. It's been so long, I haven't really looked at it because it hasn't budged (shame on me, I know). I thought the DRO hearing was already off the table as I could swear I've already had a DRO review. Are they the same?? The more I read below, the more I'm getting confused. All great feedback, but I need to spend a minute looking at the file for this claim.

[vetwife]

We waved the BVA hearing, just had file sent straight to them. - result = BVA granted 2 of the claim & remanded 2.

It was the best choice for my husband.