Va Form: Va 646

[Fat]

Just escorted a buddy to see his VSO in the greater Washington D.C. area.

The veteran returned his Form 9 for the claim to be certified to the Veteran Board of Appeals.

He asked about the timeline of the VSO receiving the 646 from the regional office and to both of our astonishments the VSO stated,

"I dont know what that is".

"I am finished with this process when I file the form 9".

This is crazy because several HADIT members (Berta, Asknod, etc) have specifically reported to be cognizant of your VSO filing this piece of paper in.

Failing to file the paper in could delay your appeal being forwarded/certified/given case docket number to the VBA in a timely manner.

The veteran printed the VA 646 form and is going to forward it to the VSO so he can investigate the matter.

The VSO is genuinely perceived to be a good guy whom wants to help veterans, but I guess sometime even VSO's don't know everything.

[carlie]

Here's a link with some additional info and explanation.

http://www.va.gov/vetapp14/Files4/1426510.txt

"REMAND

As stated above, in August 2013, the Veteran submitted a VA Form 21-22a, which appointed Christopher Loiacono of the National Veterans Disability Advocates, LLC as his representative. Since his appointment, the representative has not submitted any statements or a VA Form 646 (Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed Case), pertaining to the issue on appeal. The Veteran is entitled to representation at all stages of an appeal. See 38 C.F.R. § 20.600. The AOJ must afford the representative the opportunity to execute a VA Form 646, prior to certification of the appeal to the Board "in all instances." 38 C.F.R. § 20.600; VA Adjudication Procedure Manual, M21-1, Part I, Chapter 5, Section F, Para. 27 (Aug. 4, 2009). While the record reflects that the representative was provided with a copy of the claims file in May 2014, the Veteran's representative must be provided the opportunity to offer written argument on his behalf."

[Fat]

Good information Carlie...............