What happens when your attorney drops you during an appeal?

[USMCVMO]

Hi,

I have had an appeal waiting for a judge for a couple of years now.   During this wait time my attorney closed his office and sent me an e-mail withdrawing his representation for me. 

Do I need another attorney or just wait and see what happens with the appeal?  

Thank you.

 

[brokensoldier244th]

I would definitely get another POA. Did you prior give you any thing back case related?

[USMCVMO]

Yes I am getting my file back.

[Mr cue]

Are you waiting for a decision from the judge or for a hearing.

If you already had the hearing I would just wait for the decision.

If you haven't had the hearing than yes I would look for a new lawyer.

If you are waiting on a decision.

Say you get granted back pay and you put a new lawyer. He get 20% for doing nothing.

But sitting waiting on the decision.

 

[USMCVMO]

i dont know.   It does not say if its waiting on a judge for a hearing.  My appeal was submitted for a previously denied claim. He filed the appeal a couple of years ago.  This appears to be waiting for a judge to make a decision but I have no clue.

 

 

 

[Whodat]

I agree with all. If you had no hearing, try and find another rep/lawyer. Now you might get a notification that you have a hearing within the next 90 days. You have to work hard and fast to find your right rep.

Now if you have already had your hearing with your attorney, sit back and wait for the decision. If it's a positive decision, congratulations, you don't owe your attorney.

Now my question is, does the VA knows that your attorney withdrew? We don't want your backpay flapping in the wind. 

[Whodat]

1 hour ago, USMCVMO said:

i dont know.   It does not say if its waiting on a judge for a hearing.  My appeal was submitted for a previously denied claim. He filed the appeal a couple of years ago.  This appears to be waiting for a judge to make a decision but I have no clue.

 

 

 

Is this a legacy or ama? Legacy, you should have already had a hearing. AMA, may take awhile. If your attorney withdrew, I have heard from Hadit family that some have appeared BVA without a lawyer and won. Some say that you do not need an attorney until you reach CAVC.