NOD and DRO process

[Joe1766]

I recently received a rating on several disabilities 4 of which I have submitted as part of the NOD/DRO process.  When they review the claim does the DRO confine himself/herself to the issues that are listed on the NOD (4 items in question) or is it a de novo review of all the disabilities originally submitted?  I know that the DRO can downgrade a rating(s) as well which is concerning.......what is the risk/benefit analysis when it comes to submitting an appeal?

Edited July 10, 2016 by Joe1766

[Navy4life]

Just now, Joe1766 said:

Navy4life,

Then it took only three months for your new claim to be decided, correct?  I will just go ahead and submit the new claim, and take the information from the VSO with a grain of salt.

Joe

Yes. Now that doesn't mean your new claim will be the same results as mine. I'm just saying that you should not put a new claim on hold. In fact I just put in my ITF for a new claim today. I plan to file next week for a secondary contention to an already S/C and my NOD is still awaiting the DRO decision from my hearing back in February 2016. 

 

[Joe1766]

My previous new claim took just about 4 months to complete....so hoping for that time frame this next go around.  Regarding the NOD, it seems clear that can take quite a bit of time.