Saturday Morning Call From DRO

[gs106]

I received a telephone call from a DRO this morning....unfortunately I was at Walmart and had a hard time hearing her so I didn't ask her many questions.  She said they had combined all three appeals and should make a decision within a week.  She said it looked like I did a good job submitting evidence and she didn't think she needed anything else unless I wanted to submit something else.  I asked her if she had the nexus letter from my doctor reference sleep apnea and she said she did. I have read a lot about DRO hearings on this and other sites.  Is it unusual not to have a hearing?  Do they usually call the veteran directly and not go through the VSO?

[Buck52]

Its not unusual to get a call from a DRO ..especially the good DRO's that care & veteran friendly.

in my opinion this is favorable to your claim.

[gs106]

Thanks Buck, I hope so.  So, it's not unusual not to have a hearing?

[Buck52]

Well usually the veteran request the DRO Hearing  after his denial  in NOD.

and the VA sends you a letter letting you know you were granted the Hearing and date & time place to attend.

Did you get a DRO HEARING WITHOUT REQUESTING ONE?

if you did maybe the DRO is looking at all your probative evidence and you need not to be present at the hearing

there are video hearings  for the veteran in to bad shape to travel  but other than the DRO Making an  decision after he/she reads your evidence  they have the authority to make a decision on your claim right then.,,and expedite the claim.

I have been to a DRO Hearing at my RO and the DRO and a Rating specialist were both present along with my Rep.

[gs106]

No, I didn't request a hearing.  I didn't know that was an option.  The VSO didn't mention it.  He just said to check DRO review box.  Oh well, I guess I'll know by the end of next week if I have to appeal to BVA.

[Navy4life]

Unless you request a DRO hearing, all NOD's are reviewed by the DRO w/o the Veteran unless the DRO needs to have a hearing to clarify any issues the DRO might have.

Did she state to you why she called?  Sounds like she called to update you which is great b/c most don't.

[gs106]

She just said she wanted to know if I had any other evidence to submit.  When I asked her if she needed anything else I told her no.

I see that you claimed 5th metatarsal fracture.  I was just awarded 10% for the same thing and an additional 10% for nerve damage in the foot which I didn't file a claim for.  The C&P examiner said I had nerve damage when she completed the DBQ.