BVA Expands Use Of Video Hearings For Disability Benefits Appeals

In the fiscal year 2009 Report of the Chairman, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) discussed its expansion of the use of video hearings as well as its plans to further expand the use of video conferencing to expedite appeals hearings over the next two years.

The BVA plans on improving its current video hearing technology, increasing the number of video conference rooms from five to 13, and significantly increasing the number of remote locations where veterans can attend a video hearing.

After filing your Notice of Disagreement (NOD) and receiving your Statement of the Case (SOC), you may file a Substantive Appeal and ask for a hearing in front of a veterans’ appeals board member. This hearing can take place in Washington, D.C., at your local office, or through the use of video conferencing.

The BVA has decided to expand its use of video hearings and improve its current video conferencing technology for a number of reasons:

• To decrease the backlog of veterans’ disability benefits appeals.
• To reduce the amount of time veterans wait for a disability benefits appeal.
• To reduce veterans’ travel time to an appeals hearing.
• To cut down on travel time of BVA employees – and therefore increase their time spent on evaluating appeals.

While some believe that these appeals hearings are better to do in person, a video appeals hearing could be the right choice under certain circumstances, especially as the technology for such hearings continues to improve. For example, a video hearing is the fastest way to secure an appeals hearing and a video hearing is the easiest to attend for veterans.

Do you need assistance with your Notice of Disagreement (NOD) or Substantive Appeal? A Texas veterans’ disability benefits lawyer may be able to help. Contact the Houston disability attorneys at Morgan & Weisbrod today to schedule a free, private meeting.

by Paul B. Burkhalter
Managing Partner of Morgan & Weisbrod, Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law.

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