DRO Hearing- Results/What to expect

[Jimmer]

Hi Everyone, I wanted to share my experience with having a informal DRO hearing and the results,  so as to help you when you have your hearing.   I had a DRO hearing  March 21, 2016.  It involved my lungs, back, spine area.  My VSO got the results on June 22, 2018, and printed the VA rating Decision letter for me.  I got everything I requested, and then some.  I was  give a rating for the scars on my back, sciatic nerve problems, both right and left leg, along with my lungs, back and spine.    I received my Retro Pay on February 19, 2019,  (it was over 50K) Nine different payments all on the same day, and I finally received my actual BBE from the V.A March 25, 2019.   Some of you will remember my situation,  Broncovet, Buck152, Ms. Berta.  I am the guy that had a C & P exam, that was supposed to be cancelled (via R.O.) but she was transferred and couldn't notify them, and the doctor I had said "I am going to deny you, that's what I do.  I deny everyone,  that's why they like me here.  But you should appeal, because you have a really good case".  Well appeal I did!  What I did, rather then get mad, I made sure I had all my evidence.  I prepared 28 pages on information, with a table of contents, numbering everything to make it easy for the DRO.  I had my DBQ's  Nexus letters,   and credentials of the doctors.  My doctors were "Board Certified Specialists" in their field.  I went step by step over the information, and pointed how these doctors were Board Certified.   The hearing took 90 minutes, and my VSO said the DRO person I had was one of the top ones, and a really fair individual.  I cannot tell you how important the credentials of the doctors were.  The DRO constantly made reference to their being Board Certified, and how that out weighed the V.A. doctors.   I didn't waste my time being angry, frustrated, etc.  I just made sure I had the information available for the DRO.  I also made a second packet for him, which he appreciated, as I seen he was taking notes and writing things on the original packet.   Also I qualified for SMC-S, as that was indicated on the letter, and began the beginning of March.   So I hope this helps.  I made sure I hade the information needed, but didn't want to overwhelm the DRO with couple hundred pages of stuff.   

[vetquest]

Awesome news, congratulations.

[GBArmy]

Great news, Jimmer! And thanks for sharing; everyone likes encouragement and this is what someone said to me a long time ago..."you, a veteran, are to best advocate that anyone could ask for. Nobody has a greater interest in getting the best outcome. So do a good job in putting your case together." This is a great example of exactly just that. Again, great job!

[Jimmer]

GBArmy:  Thanks for the input.  I know a number of guys were wondering about the time frame of getting the results, monies, etc.  I cannot stress enough about going Prepared for the DRO hearing and being organized!  The DRO only had three questions, and I answered them quickly and he was satisfied.  I made sure I pointed out the facts, referred to the DBQ's and the "nexus letter", and the qualifications of the doctors.  It was not intimating at all.  He listened very carefully, took notes.  Making a extra copy is a big plus. especially if he writes on the first set you give him.