When you need to appeal your disability benefits, you have several options for your appeals hearing. Before you fill out your appeals form, learn more about your options and what each may mean for your claim.
Section 8 of VA Form 9 requires that you make a selection between four options regarding your hearing in front of the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). These options are:
- Not attending a BVA hearing,
- Appearing at a live BVA videoconference hearing,
- Appearing in person at the BVA office in Washington, D.C., or
- Appearing in person at your local VA office.
An experienced veterans representative like those at Vets National Advocates can help you make the right decision for your appeal. Before you send in VA Form 9, learn more about what these choices can mean for your chances of a successful appeal.
No BVA Hearing
In general, it is always a good idea to attend (or have your representative attend) a BVA hearing. While the BVA will decide your appeal without a hearing, and there is no penalty for not having a hearing, it is often a good idea to plead your case in front of actual human beings. Without a hearing, your appeal will be decided after a review of paperwork only. Showing the BVA your disabilities and how they affect your life may help them to decide in your favor.
Videoconference Hearing
A videoconference hearing is held with the BVA in their Washington, D.C. offices while you are in the office of your regional VA center, or possibly your regional VA hospital. These hearings do not require the judges to travel, and you can even video conference in witnesses who may be in a different state. Often, requesting a videoconference hearing is the quickest way to have your appeal heard.
Hearing in Washington, D.C.
A hearing in front of the BVA in its home office may get you on the schedule more quickly, but the VA will not pay for, or reimburse you for your travel expenses or the expenses of any witnesses. Unless you live near Washington, or plan to make a vacation out of your trip, this option is often the least practical for many veterans.
Local VA Office Hearing
The last option allows you to have your appeals hearing at your local VA office. The BVA judge will travel to your location to conduct the hearing. While this is more convenient for the veteran, the BVA judges have a limited traveling schedule, and your appeal may be delayed for several months while you are waiting for your hearing. If you need your appeal heard quickly, this is often not the best choice.
Whatever option you choose, it is advisable to have a representative working on your behalf to represent your interests at your hearing. Vets National Advocates will be with you every step of the way, and will make sure that your appeal goes as smoothly as possible.
For a free consultation, call 877-777-4021 or use our case evaluation form today.
