Form 9

[Fat]

Trying to get on top of the new appeals system.

When claim is initially denied, if you want your appeal to go directly to the BVA, do you still have to submit a Form 9?

If you choose the route where additional information is to submitted to the BVA, do you still submit the waiver of regional office consideration form?

[broncovet]

Yes, and yes.  No form 9..no appeal to the BVA.  

Waiver of regional office consideration is optional, but, since you are apparently skipping SCL, then go ahead and sign a waiver of RO consideration "even tho" this step may not be necessary.  (You dont want a remand to the VARO do you?).

[Fat]

Thanks............

[broncovet]

If you "skip" the Va form 9, the Va assumes you no longer want to appeal and you have "abandoned" your claim.  It will be closed out, with no decision.  

"Only when" you timely file the NOD AND also timely file the VA form 9 will your claim be adjuticated by the BVA.  Otherwise, if you omit either the NOD, or the form 9, the BVA wont adjuticate your claim.  

It is somewhat different with RAMP, aka AMA, but, still, the form 9 is required.  Download the form 9 (make sure its the current one, not the older ones) and follow the instructions to the letter.