Traditional Appeal Choice Vs Dro Process

[deanbrt]

I chose the traditional appeal process to get my appeal for IU to BVA rather than keep it at the VARO with the DRO Process. Yesterday I received a letter from the VARO that I had chosen the traditional appeal process and the next step was a Post-Decision Review Process at the VARO that looks much like the DRO Process. Is this normal? Is there anything I should be doing?

[Teac]

I chose the traditional appeal process to get my appeal for IU to BVA rather than keep it at the VARO with the DRO Process. Yesterday I received a letter from the VARO that I had chosen the traditional appeal process and the next step was a Post-Decision Review Process at the VARO that looks much like the DRO Process. Is this normal? Is there anything I should be doing?

To my understanding , it was best to keep an appeal at the local level. In the past it took about a year for a De Novo review, (DRO) to be decided. However I presently have a De Novo review that has be pending over a year at Houston. I now think it depends on what regional office is handling the veterans claim. If it is Houston, I suspects it makes more sence to get it to the BVA, because Houston has a real slow turnaround, at another office it might make more sence to keep it local.....

The normal process......I think most would argue for a DRO review and then if denied to take it to the BVA.

Like I stated above it may depend on how much time it takes your regional office to decide the DRO. I think in my case BVA would have been very close to a decision if I had not requested a de novo at the local level.

It is a decision you need to make based on your cercumstances....

[Gulfvet45]

Yes it is.

Has your VSO or agent stated just why your claim should have been granted? What gegulation was not followed, what evedent not used?

I am not shure why you did not use the DRO first, but that is okay, your pick.

Good luck

[deanbrt]

My belief is the faster you get it to BVA, the better. When I read that a de novo review could be a year, I am satisfied with my choice. I had thought my declining the de novo review would send it to BVA...

[Bigred122]

To my understanding , it was best to keep an appeal at the local level. In the past it took about a year for a De Novo review, (DRO) to be decided. However I presently have a De Novo review that has be pending over a year at Houston. I now think it depends on what regional office is handling the veterans claim. If it is Houston, I suspects it makes more sence to get it to the BVA, because Houston has a real slow turnaround, at another office it might make more sence to keep it local.....

The normal process......I think most would argue for a DRO review and then if denied to take it to the BVA.

Like I stated above it may depend on how much time it takes your regional office to decide the DRO. I think in my case BVA would have been very close to a decision if I had not requested a de novo at the local level.

It is a decision you need to make based on your cercumstances....

My VARO is Portland and they just told me recently their DROs are running around 16 months before they happen.31Mike20

[deanbrt]

"My VARO is Portland and they just told me recently their DROs are running around 16 months before they happen.31Mike20 "

And you have already been denied there or you would not be appealing......

[john999]

If you have the evidence using the DRO has worked for me. I learned to always get more evidence when I was denied at the VARO. I have not had great luck at the BVA, but I think you can win both places. Evidence is what wins claims.