Why the OIG Did This Review The OIG conducted this review to determine whether Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) employees required disabled veterans to submit to unwarranted medical reexaminations.1 VBA employees have authority to request reexaminations for veterans “whenever VA determines there is a need to verify either the continued existence or the current … [Read more...] about Unwarranted Medical Reexaminations for Disability Benefits VA OIG 17-04966-201
VA Regional Office
Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act
The new VA appeals process explained by Matt Hill, grab a cup of coffee and a notepad, as to be expected from VA, it's not a simple straightforward line. The final rule has been published you can view it here. The VA appeals process is going through its biggest change since the 1980s. In 2017, Congress passed the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. This … [Read more...] about Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act
14 Questions about VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims
When a Veteran starts considering whether or not to file a Veterans Affairs Disability Claim, there are a lot of questions that he or she tends to ask. Over the last 10 years, the following are the 14 most common basic questions I am asked about when it comes to filing Veterans Affairs Disability Claims. [Reprinted here with permission from Veterans Law Blog] 1. … [Read more...] about 14 Questions about VA Disability Compensation Benefits Claims
Total Disability Ratings Based on Individual Unemployability (IU) – VA Training Letter 10-97 Rescinds Training Letter 07-01
VA TL 10-07 below Rescinds VA TL 07-01 | September 14, 2010 | SUBJ: Adjudication of Claims for Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) PURPOSE Our purpose in issuing this training letter is to revise and clarify our policies and procedures concerning the adjudication of TDIU decisions in order to restore the original intention of the TDIU evaluation – … [Read more...] about Total Disability Ratings Based on Individual Unemployability (IU) – VA Training Letter 10-97 Rescinds Training Letter 07-01
3 Things You Want Out Of a DRO Review – VA DRO Hearings (Decision Review Officer)
[Reprinted here with permission from Veterans Law Blog] A de novo review is your other option. de novo, which means “new,” or “fresh look,” is a Latin term used by lawyers. In a de novo review, a DRO, who is a senior-level, highly experienced claim processor, looks at all the evidence of record (your entire claims file, including any new evidence you’ve submitted). The DRO … [Read more...] about 3 Things You Want Out Of a DRO Review – VA DRO Hearings (Decision Review Officer)
Records, Veterans, Dept of Veterans Affairs, VA claims
Request a copy of your C-File (Claims Folder) - If you have been denied disability, you will want to obtain a copy of your VA Claims file to obtain information that will help you in filing your appeal. Request it from the VA Regional Office where you submitted your claim for benefits. If you do not receive it in a timely manner, make a Freedom of Information Act … [Read more...] about Records, Veterans, Dept of Veterans Affairs, VA claims
VA Disability Claims Process
What VA Does after It Receives Your Claim After VA receives your Application for Compensation, it sends you a letter. The letter explains what VA needs in order to help grant your claim. It states how VA assists in getting records to support your claim. The letter may include forms for you to complete, such as medical releases. They help VA obtain pertinent medical records … [Read more...] about VA Disability Claims Process