All Vets (in appeals) can now do RAMP

[broncovet]

According to the CCK law firm's website, as of April 1, 2018, any Vet in appeals can now opt in for RAMP.  

https://cck-law.com/news/rapid-appeals-modernization-program-ramp-open-to-all-veterans-april-

Thanks, new hadit member,  Jroocan, for this heads up!!!

 

[Buck52]

Just to add this for vets that don't know.

First, this is what you need to know about the VA’s new plans for streamlining appeals.

The legacy process for appeals — which split jurisdiction between the Veterans Benefits Administration and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals — resulted in average wait times between three years through VBA, and seven years through the boardThe new appeals process offers a total of five options for appealing a disability claim decision:

• A higher-level review done at the VA office where the initial decision was made. This involves bringing in a new set of eyes to look at the claim — though no new evidence can be submitted.
• A “supplemental claim” lane allows a veteran to submit additional evidence, and is also done at the original office where the claim was filed.

• A direct review through the Board of Veterans Appeals is possible if the veteran doesn’t want to submit additional evidence.

• An evidence submission, if a veteran doesn’t want a hearing, but does want to provide new information to support their appeal with the board.

• And a hearing, for those vets who want to testify before a veterans law judge and submit additional evidence to the board.

 

Edited April 23, 2018 by Buck52

[stumpy579]

15 hours ago, Jroocan said:

I opted in (without invitation) and vets.gov has my RAMP initiation.  My legacy appeal closed (now that it's in RAMP). 

 

Supplemental lane is the route I chose. I will post updates when available. 

How did you opt in without invitation? Is there a form available online or did you call VA? I would like to opt in but don't know how. Over 153,000 ahead of me in legacy appeal so i'm willing to roll the dice.

[broncovet]

You "opt in" to Ramp by simply filling out the "opt in to ramp" form and sending it in.   Maybe someone can find a link to this downloadable ramp opt in form.  

(Isnt it JUST like the VA to complain that not enough Vets opt into RAMP, but then frustrate those who want to by making the "opt in" form difficult to find, or not available at all.  Typical VA.)  

[Wayne TX]

If  you have say multiple NODs just recently denied........there's one you really feel strong about and need that one to qualify for TDIU consideration..........can you just file for that one individually and let the rest (smaller percentages) just play out by filing  a Form 9 under current BVA Hearing process backlog   In other words, where multiple denials are involved can you choose what denials to opt into RAMP or do they all have to be done together under Form 9 and not be separated?

[Richard1954]

only 2,462 veterans opting in out of the 84,546 veterans invited. That’s about a 3 percent opt-in rate, which falls well below VA’s projected 10 percent rate.

 

As I said in another thread.  I spoke with a few lawyers who recommended against opt in to ramp. They explained that the VA doesn't have a handle on how this is actually going to work.  I myself decided not to opt in because  I understand the old system. No telling how long it will actually be before anyone understands the new system.  With only 3%  opting in, that tells me that other veterans, ( and maybe lawyers) have less than favorable opinions about  this new system.  I also don't like the 43% rejection rate... How long will it be before these veterans get an accurate review, or are able  to appeal on those decisions.

[Richard1954]

On 4/9/2018 at 8:07 AM, broncovet said:

In other places, the VA has said that Vets who opt in to Ramp will be given priority at the BVA docket, so its even possible or likely that opting in to ramp could get you to the BVA earlier, also, as your Ramp would propel you above all the other "non Ramp" vets awaiting for BVA.  

Giving ramp claims  priority over those already in the system would violate the law of first in first out ...  just doesn't seem right...