DRO?

[DevilDog12]

I have an Appeal/NOD filed, and it was in the "Gathering of Evidence" stage on EBenefits.  Last week, it totally disappeared from the site.  Then on December 24th I got a call from Philadelphia VAMC, I missed call, and they didn't leave a message.  I am not treated in Philly, I am treated at the Lebanon, PA VAMC, but the Regional Office is in Philly.  Could it have been the DRO calling me for more info?  Otherwise, I'm not sure who would be calling from there.

[mike6113]

To expidite your claim they may have sent it to another VA to handle the case load. I guess I would call the 800 number and see what if any information they need from you.

[DevilDog12]

Yeah, I'm confused.  My previous claims were not handled by my regional office in Philly.  They were decided by the Togus, Maine office.  Would Togus be the one who also handles the NOD?  Not sure why I would get a call from Philly VAMC.  And totally confused as to why my appeal would disappear from Ebenefits.  My new claim still shows, but appeal just disappeared.  Wish I knew what the heck was going on.  Called the 800 number, and they said your appeal has yet to be reviewed.  I'm lost.  A few others on here said their appeal disappeared right before claim was decided.  

[Gastone]

Did you request a DRO Review or DRO Hearing?

DROs are located at VAROs, not VMCs. Good luck tracking down who called from the VMC. Just an idea, check your MHV account for Future and past appointments, maybe - maybe not.

A friend  had a DRO Hearing 09/15 and is waiting for the Decision. I think it was early 12/15, he missed a call from someone at the RO who didn't leave a name or real message. He called the RO and after about 10 min, the clerk confirmed the call, but no other info was available as to who or why the call was originated. Very strange, appears in the call log but no associated info, tight operation.

No VSO Rep? If not, call the different VSOs located at your VARO. When you find one that has a fully staffed office M -Fri, ask them to get involved. You probably should have a VSO DRO Specialist accompany you to your Hearing.

Semper Fi

[DevilDog12]

I have a VSO with the DAV, but as of date, been unable to get in touch with.  I elected a DRO review.  Do I get a hearing, or will they just review and decide?  No one at the Philly VAMC is unable to confirm the call, or does not know who, or why called.

[jfrei]

I had the same experience it was most likely the manager who was given your claim to work with the DRO. He or she is in charge of the hearing being scheduled and has nothing to do with the decision but leaves a message usually to say why he or she called and sometimes they don't. They wont decide your claim if you elected a DRO hearing until the have sat with you at the RO and even then usually they review all the facts before issuing a decision.

[DevilDog12]

Great info!  Thanks!