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What Disabled Veterans Should Know About VA Claim Backlogs and Delays

It is no secret that VA continues to be plagued by a large backlog of claims. Despite repeated promises and commitments for improvement, VA’s backlog has actually grown significantly over the last few years. For example, by VA’s own accounting, the Secretary’s stated goal of 125 days to reach an initial decision has gone from being met in approximately 2 out of 3 claims to only 1 in 3 claims. Worse yet, the average time for a decision by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is approaching 3 years and the time for a decision to return from an appeal to the Court can be 7 or 8 years.

There is no such thing as a “financial hardship” or “hardship” claim or any other shortcut around the backlog for initial or reopened claims. Despite widespread misinformation, there is little, if anything, that a veteran can do to “speed up” his or her initial or reopened claim at the regional office level. This does not mean that some raters will not take such circumstances into consideration if they know the claimant’s situation. But because severe financial circumstances, a terminal illness, or other hardships do not qualify a claimant for any special treatment, a claimant cannot demand such treatment. The only exception is for the claims of veterans that are or on the verge of becoming homeless. In such cases, the Secretary has directed expedited treatment of claims. Even this action is not a legal requirement, only a VA internal priority.

The Board does allow “advancement on the docket” of appeals from claimants that are “seriously ill” or “under severe financial hardship.” The Board will also consider motions from veterans over 75 years of age. Whatever the reason, veterans seeking to advance on the Board’s docket need to be very specific about why they should be able to do so and submit supporting evidence (such as a doctor’s statement or foreclosure notice) because many veterans are ill or are in financial difficulty and everyone cannot be given priority by the Board.

Other than filing a motion for advancement with the Board, attempting to “put pressure” on a VA office, the Board, or the Court is not only a waste of time, it can result in additional delay because the C-file may be removed from the line waiting for decision so that VA can respond to such attempts. This includes Congressional “inquiries,” which are often just exchanges of form letters.

There is slightly better news for claims remanded from the Board and the Court. VA is required by law to provide “expeditious treatment” of remanded claims. The Court has made clear that remands must receive higher priority development than other claims. How long VA can take to resolve a remanded claim under the “expeditious treatment” rule is not clear, but claimants can at least point to this requirement in dealing with delays in remanded claims and, if necessary, seek a Court order for VA to make a decision.

In all cases, the best thing a claimant can do is to quickly respond to each VA request with clear and to the point responses do not give VA any reason to delay making a determination.

The Secretary has a statutory obligation to expeditiously process remands from this Court.  Thus, not only must the Secretary ensure that he completes the Court-ordered task, he must do so in an expeditious manner.  38 U.S.C. §§ 5109B, 7112.  Excessive delays in the processing of remands ordered by the Court cannot help but sap public confidence and impugn the Court’s dignity, as from the outside it invariably appears that VA is ignoring the valid mandates of an institution that has express authority over it in matters related to veterans benefits.  See Erspamer v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 3 (1990) (discussing delay in administrative action and public confidence).

Furthermore, the Secretary’s obligation to process Court remands expeditiously is integral to this Court’s jurisdictional authority to remedy unreasonable delays in the processing of veterans’ claims.  See Vietnam Veterans of America v. Shinseki, 599 F.3d 654, 659–660 (D.C. Cir. 2010) (suggesting that the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims may have exclusive jurisdiction over claims concerning unreasonable delays in processing); see also Ribaudo v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 552, 557 (2007) (“With respect to matters relating to veterans-benefits claims, however, Congress adopted a very different approach to judicial review.  A decision of the Board can only be appealed to a single venue—this Court.” (citing 38 U.S.C. § 7252(a))).  Therefore, failure by the Secretary to comply with his obligation to process Court remands expeditiously, is the same as noncompliance with the remand order itself, even if the Secretary eventually complies with the substance of the order.  Harvey v. Shinseki, 24 Vet. App. 284, 288 (2011).

 “While there is no absolute definition of what is reasonable time, we know that it may encompass ‘months, occasionally a year or two, but not several years or a decade.'” Community Nutrition Institute v. Young, 773 F.2d 1356, 1361 (D.C. Cir. 1985) (quoting MCI Communications Corp. v. FCC, 627 F.2d 322, 340 (D.C. Cir. 1980).  Erspamer v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 3, 10 (1990).  When delay is alleged as the basis for a petition for writ of mandamus, a clear and indisputable right to the writ does not exist unless the petitioner demonstrates that the alleged delay is so extraordinary, given the demand on and resources of the Secretary, that it is equivalent to an arbitrary refusal to act.  Compare Costanza v. West, 12 Vet. App. 133, 134 (1999) (per curiam order) (addressing an 11–month delay and finding the petitioner did not demonstrate that he lacked alternative means of relief when he did not undertake to resolve delay prior to filing the petition), with Erspamer v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 3, 11 (1990) (addressing a three-year delay and finding petitioner had no adequate alternative means for relief when she contacted the regional office more than 30 times before filing her petition with the Court).

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision! Visit: VA-Claims.org

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What Veterans Must Know About Duty Requirements In Processing VA Disability Claims

Duty to Assist

In requiring the VA benefits system to be a “non-adversarial” process, Congress has imposed on VA a “duty to assist” claimants. The most significant VA duties are discussed below. In general, VA is required to notify a claimant of what information is required to obtain an award of the benefits requested. VA also has a duty to obtain a veteran’s service records, service medical records, VA treatment records, and any other government records (such as Social Security Administration records) that reasonably may contain information supporting the claim. These duties significantly ease the burden on claimants in assembling the evidence needed to support a claim.

The duty to assist, however, does not mean a claimant has no responsibility for his or her claim. Even if a claim satisfies the minimum threshold for the duty to assist to apply, the law requires VA only to “assist” a veteran with the development of the evidence in support of his or her claim: there are limits on what VA has to do to help a veteran. A claimant seeking a benefit, still has a responsibility to be an active participant in the claims process if he or she wants to be successful.

VA has other duties that can be helpful to claimants in certain circumstances. If an award is made, VA has a duty to look for ways to maximize the benefit paid to a claimant based on the evidence. This means that VA has to consider all the possible diagnostic codes that could apply and base an award on the code or codes that result in the highest payment. VA also has to identify and grant awards for “inferred” claims, which are claims that the evidence supports but the claimant did not specifically request. Both of these duties make it easier for veterans to receive the greatest benefit possible without having to be an expert in VA law.

A claimant also needs to keep in mind that, the duty to assist aside, VA also has responsibilities to follow the law and to prevent improper awards. As a practical matter, this means that the system eventually becomes “adversarial” when VA decides that an award cannot be granted. Further, the huge backlog of claims has strained VA’s resources and continues to result in a high rate of errors. For these reasons, claimants should remain actively involved in their claims and maintain a healthy skepticism of VA decisions throughout the process to avoid a wrongful denial.

Duty to Provide Notice

A claimant has an initial responsibility to file a substantially complete application. If he or she does not do so, VA does not have to process the application. VA does, however, have a “duty to notify” the claimant of the information needed to make the application complete enough to process.

Although exactly what makes an application substantially complete is not defined, VA usually requires at least the following minimum information for a substantially complete application: (1) claimant’s name and, if not the veteran, the relationship to the veteran upon whom the application is based; (2) the medical condition(s) claimed; and (3) the claimants signature. Pension claims also require a statement of income before VA will begin processing the claim. Whatever the reason, if VA determines that an application is not substantially complete, VA has to notify the claimant of the information that it believes is needed to complete the application.

Once a substantially complete application has been submitted, VA has a second “duty to notify.” This time VA has to tell the claimant (1) what information is needed to substantiate the claim, (2) what part of that information VA will try to obtain; and (3) what information that the claimant is responsible for providing to VA. Each time a new issue or claim arises, VA has the same duty to notify the claimant of what information is needed and who (VA or claimant) is responsible for obtaining it.

Section 5103A notification requirements cannot be met through a combination of unrelated decisional and postdecisional communications.  Mayfield v. Nicholson, 444 F.3d 1328, 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2006).  Section 5103 requires VCAA notification to be issued “prior to the initial decision of the claim, not afterwards.”  Id. at 1333. 

The Court must assess the Board’s notification analysis as a whole to adequately determine whether a factual finding regarding 38 U.S.C. § 5103(a) notification had been made by the Board in the first instance.  Prickett, 20 Vet. App. at 375-76; Yarbrough v. Nicholson, 21 Vet. App. 512 (2006).  The Court reviews the Board’s determination that VA satisfied its duty to assist under the “clearly erroneous” standard of review.  Nolen v. Gober, 14 Vet. App. 183, 184 (2000).

Duty to Obtain Records

The VA is required to make “reasonable efforts” to obtain a claimant’s military service records, VA medical records, and other pertinent federal records without being asked to do so. If a claimant requests assistance in obtaining records from private physicians and hospitals, VA is required to try to obtain those records as well. However, VA is not required to continue to request or wait for records if it determines that the records do not exist or further efforts to obtain the records would be futile. In addition, VA will not pay for obtaining private medical records.

As a practical matter, VA usually can obtain records from government agencies and the military without significant problems. There are situations, however, where VA does not properly request documents or the documents have been lost or destroyed by another agency. VA must inform a claimant of its failure to obtain relevant records. A claimant can and should submit his or her copy of relevant documents even if VA is technically responsible for obtaining the information because the lack of relevant information can result in denial of an otherwise valid claim.

“The Secretary shall make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for a benefit under a law administered by the Secretary.”  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1).  Gardner v. Shinseki, 22 Vet. App. 415, 421 (2009) (“Accordingly, the Secretary’s duty to assist applies to all claimants, regardless of whether they have established veteran status.”).  VA is statutorily required to “make as many requests as are necessary” to obtain a veteran’s relevant service records in the custody of a Federal department or agency.  38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(2); see Moore v. Shinseki, 555 F.3d 1369, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2009); see also Murincsak v. Derwinski, 2 Vet. App. 363, 373 (1992) (“There is a continuing obligation upon the VA to assist the veteran in developing the facts of his claim throughout the entire administrative adjudication.”).

Upon receipt of a complete or substantially complete application for benefits and prior to an initial unfavorable decision on a claim by an agency of original jurisdiction, the Secretary is required to inform the claimant of the information and evidence not of record that:

(1)   is necessary to substantiate the claim,

(2)   the Secretary will seek to obtain, if any, and

(3)   the claimant is expected to provide, if any, and to request that the claimant provide any evidence in his possession that pertains to the claim.  

See 38 U.S.C. § 5103(a); Pelegrini v. Principi, 18 Vet. App. 112, 119, 121 (2004); Quartuccio v. Principi, 16 Vet. App. 183, 187 (2002); 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(b). This duty includes making “reasonable efforts to obtain relevant records (including private records) that the claimant adequately identifies to the Secretary and authorizes the Secretary to obtain.”  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(1).  If the Secretary is unable to obtain all of the records sought, the Secretary must provide notice to the claimant that “identif[ies] the records that the Secretary was unable to obtain,” “briefly explain[s] the efforts that the Secretary made to obtain those records,” and “describe[s] any further action to be taken by the Secretary with respect to the claim.” 38 U.S.C. § 5103A(b)(2).  These requirements also apply to private documents. 

But, the “duty to assist in the development and adjudication of a claim is not a one-way street.”  Wamhoff v. Brown, 8 Vet. App. 517, 522 (1996).  VA’s duty to assist includes making “reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for a benefit.”  38 U.S.C. §§  5103A(a)(1), (b); cf.  The Board’s determination whether VA fulfilled its duty to assist generally is a finding of fact that the Court reviews under the “clearly erroneous” standard of review.  See Nolen v. Gober, 14 Vet. App. 183, 184 (2000); Gilbert v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 49, 52 (1990). 

Duty to Obtain Lost or Missing Records

VA’s duty in cases involving lost records is to seek out alternative sources for obtaining the lost records.  Cromer v. Nicholson, 455 F.3d 1346, 1351 (Fed. Cir. 2006).  Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. section 5103A, the Secretary is required to “make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for benefits.”  38 U.S.C. §§ 5103A(a), (b). Where a claimant’s records are lost or destroyed, VA has a “heightened” duty to assist the claimant that includes advising him that his records were lost, advising him to submit alternative forms of evidence to support his claim, and assisting him in obtaining his alternative evidence.  Washington v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 362, 370 (2005); Dixon v. Derwinski, 3 Vet. App. 261, 263 (1992). 

However, the Court cannot grant an appellant’s claim solely because his records were lost because that remedy “would amount to a judicial amendment of the statutory duty to assist-a measure beyond the power of this court.”  Id. at 1351.  A veteran bears the burden of showing error on this issue.  See Hilkert v. West, 12 Vet. App. 145, 151 (1999) (holding that the appellant bears the burden of demonstrating error); Berger v. Brown, 10 Vet. App. 166, 169 (1997) (holding that an appellant “always bears the burden of persuasion on appeals to this Court”).

When medical records are lost, it warrants a heightened duty by the Secretary and the Board to assist and explain the Board’s findings.  See Vazquez-Flores, supra; see also Cromer v. Nicolson, 455 F.3d 1346, 1351 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (“[I]n cases involving lost records, the Board has a heightened duty to explain its findings.”); Daye v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 512, 515 (2006) (where appellant’s records not available, the duty to assist and fully explain reasons and bases is heightened); Stegall, supra; see also Russo v. Brown, 9 Vet. App. 46, 51 (1996) (holding that the Court’s caselaw establishes a “heightened duty” to assist when the appellant’s medical records have been lost or destroyed); Cuevas v. Principi, 3 Vet. App. 542, 548 (1992) (holding that the Board’s duty to assist a claimant in developing his claim is heightened in cases in which the appellant’s SMRs are lost or destroyed “and includes the obligation to search for alternate medical records”); Moore v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 401, 406 (1991) (holding that VA’s duty to assist is “particularly great in light of the unavailability of the veteran’s exit examination and full Army medical records”).

Duty to Provide Medical Examination 

VA is required to schedule a compensation and pension (C&P) examination for a claimant at the nearest VA medical center unless there is a good reason for not doing so, such as when an expert is required that is not available at the nearest facility or the examination is with a VA medical contractor. VA, however, does not have to provide a medical examination in all cases. The standard for providing a medical examination is usually not difficult to meet. VA, however, can refuse to provide a VA medical examination unless there is some reasonable possibility that an examination will provide information that could be useful in deciding the claim.

In general, to obtain a C&P examination a claimant needs to show a current medical condition, some evidence of potential connection to service, and that available medical evidence is not sufficient to allow a decision on the claim. In other words, the claimant must first provide some reason for VA to believe that a medical examination would be helpful in resolving the claim. A claimant’s own statement that his or her symptoms have continued since service or a previous medical examination report can be enough of a reason.

Should VA schedule a medical examination, a claimant has a duty to report for the examination. In most cases, if the claimant does not show up for an examination, the claim(s) associated with that examination can be denied without further development. There are some reasons for failing to show for a scheduled examination, such as illness or urgent family emergency, that can be excused. Even so, claimants should make every effort to reschedule an examination in advance to avoid problems.

As part of his duty to assist, the Secretary must “make reasonable efforts to assist a claimant in obtaining evidence necessary to substantiate the claimant’s claim for a benefit” including a medical examination.  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(a)(1).  The Secretary must provide a medical examination or obtain a medical opinion “when such an examination or opinion is necessary to make a decision on the claim.”  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(1).  VA must provide a medical opinion or examination if the information and evidence of record does not contain sufficiently competent medical evidence to decide the claim, but there is:

(1)   competent evidence of a current disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability;

(2)   evidence establishing that an event, injury, or disease occurred in service or establishing certain diseases manifesting during an applicable presumptive period for which the claimant qualifies; and

(3)   an indication that the disability or persistent or recurrent symptoms of a disability may be associated with the veteran’s service or with another service-connected disability.

McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79, 81 (2006); see also 38 C.F.R. § 3.159(c)(4)(i).  The requirement that the evidence indicate that a condition “may be associated” with service establishes a “low threshold.”  McLendon, 20 Vet. App. at 83. 

When deciding whether an examination is necessary, the Secretary shall consider the evidence of record, “taking into consideration all information and lay or medical evidence (including statements of the claimant).”  38 U.S.C. § 5103A(d)(2).  “The Board’s ultimate conclusion that a medical examination is not necessary pursuant to section 5103A(d)(2) is reviewed under the ‘arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law’ standard of review.”  McLendon, 20 Vet. App. at 81.

Generally, section 5103A notice must be given on “all five elements of a claim for service connection,” which include:

 (1) veteran status;

(2)   existence of disability;

(3)   service connection of disability;

(4)   degree of disability; and

(5)   effective date of disability.  

38 U.S.C. § 5103(a); Dingess v. Nicholson, 19 Vet. App. 473, 487 (2006) (consolidated with Hartman v. Nicholson, No. 02-1506), aff’d in part sub nom. Hartman v. Nicholson, 483 F.3d 1311 (Fed.Cir.2007)); see also D’Amico v. West, 209 F.3d 1322, 1327 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (noting the five elements of a claim for service connection).

Duty to Identify Inferred Claims

Once VA has gathered all the reasonably obtainable information, including information submitted by the claimant, VA must decide whether or not to grant an award of benefits. In making that decision, VA must consider three other duties owed to the claimant: (1) duty to identify inferred claims, (2) duty to consider all reasonable legal theories, and (3) duty to maximize benefits. In other words, VA has several duties to apply the rules to the facts in a case in whatever way provides the most generous benefits allowed by the law.

These duties do not mean that VA has to look at every possible combination of rules and facts that may be even remotely possible. VA, however, has to review the entire record and apply the applicable provisions of law that are reasonably raised by the evidence. In addition, whether or not new claims are identified, VA must also review the diagnostic codes for the code or combination of codes that results in the highest benefit for the claimant.

Overall, in creating the duty to assist Congress recognized that VA raters are better trained and more experienced with the rules for obtaining benefits than the average claimant. VA must look for claims and grant awards based on all the evidence in the C-file whether or not the claimant asked for the specific benefit. This is a very good reason for claimants to provide as much information as possible when submitting applications or responding to VA requests.

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision! Visit: VA-Claims.org

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What Disabled Veterans Must Know About Non-Adversarial System of the Veterans Law

Unique Aspects of Veterans Law

The basic operation of VA is very similar to other federal agencies. The legal requirements that VA must follow are created by Acts of Congress and codified in statutes. The VA Secretary, however, has very broad powers to prescribe the many rules and regulations “necessary or appropriate” to carry out those legal requirements. And, as long as the Secretary’s actions “are consistent” with the laws enacted by Congress, a court will not interfere with VA’s decisions.

Congress, however, has long recognized that veterans have earned special consideration for their service to the country. In recognition of this service, Congress has imposed several special duties and requirements on VA to ease the burden on veterans seeking benefits. Claimants should be aware of these special considerations because they provide a veteran with significant advantages in seeking an award.

There is a “basic principle of the VA claims process that claims will be processed and adjudicated in an informal, nonadversarial atmosphere, and that to ensure a just outcome under this rubric VA will assist claimants in many ways.”  Evans v. Shinseki, 25 Vet. App. 7, 14 (2011); EF v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 324, 326 (1991) (stating that although the arguments made in a VA Form 9 appeal to the Board often frame the nature of that appeal: “there is nothing magical about the statements actually on the Form 9, given the VA’s non-adversarial process.”).  A claimant for VA benefits has avenues to seek redress before the Secretary within the non-adversarial VA system (motions for reconsideration at the Board, motions alleging clear and unmistakable error in Board or VARO decisions, requests for vacation of Board decisions based upon denial of due process, and even requests for equitable relief from the Secretary have long been available).  See 38 U.S.C. §§ 503, 5109A, 7103, 7111; 38 C.F.R. §§ 20.904, 20.1001, 20.1400.  

Unlike other federal benefits systems, such as the Social Security Administration process, the VA claims process is intended to be “non-adversarial, paternalistic, uniquely pro-claimant.” This means that VA is supposed to help claimants with obtaining an award, rather than opposing an award and forcing applicants to “prove” their claims by themselves. This does not mean that a claimant should “file and forget” a claim and expect VA to award a claim without questions, but Congress has removed or reduced many of the most burdensome aspects of obtaining federal benefits for VA claimants.

A significant advantage for veterans seeking benefits is that VA has no formal “pleading” requirements. This eliminates the need for a claimant to identify the specific benefits and the specific legal bases for an award when submitting a claim. Instead, VA claimants only have a general duty to file a “substantially complete” claim.

It is important to keep in mind that, even with the advantages provided by Congress, a VA claimant still has the responsibility to present and support a claim for benefits. This means that an application must provide enough information to allow VA to reasonably attempt to develop a claim to meet the legal requirements for an award. This is not a high threshold, but a claimant must meet it to have VA assist with a claim.

Filing an NOA under section 7266, however, demonstrates the exact opposite intent – a claimant’s intent no longer to pursue his claim for benefits through the Secretary, but instead to take the Secretary to court by seeking a legal review before the Court of the Secretary’s actions on his case.  This separation between VA and the Court was made even more emphatic when Congress passed the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act, Pub. L. No. 107-103, 115 Stat. 976 (Dec. 27, 2001), and removed from section 7266 the requirement for a veteran to “furnish the Secretary with a copy of [an NOA].”  Bobbitt v. Principi, 17 Vet. App. 547, 552-53 (2004).

Filing an appeal to the Court thus is not an action within the “non-adversarial, manifestly pro-claimant veterans’ benefits system.”  Rather, a veteran’s appeal to this Court is the first step in an adversarial process challenging the Secretary’s decision on benefits.  See Forshey v. Principi, 284 F.3d 1335, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (en banc), cert. denied, 537 U.S. 823, 123 (2002) (“The veterans’ benefits system remains a non-adversarial system when cases are pending before the Veterans’ [sic] Administration.  However, the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims’ proceedings are not non-adversarial.”).  Before the Court, the Secretary becomes a represented appellee in an appellate court adversarial proceeding.

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision! Visit: VA-Claims.org

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What Disabled Veterans Must Know About Compliance with VA Procedures

Compliance with VA Procedures

A key legal requirement for all claimants to be aware of is that VA must follow its own procedures, specifically including the M21-1MR, in deciding a claim.  The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that, “[w]here the rights of individuals are affected, it is incumbent upon agencies to follow their own procedures.  This is so even where the internal procedures are possibly more rigorous than otherwise would be required” by statute or regulation.  Morton v. Ruiz, 415 U.S. 199, 235 (1974).  This is important when VA takes a “short cut” to save time or effort and then denies a claim.

The law is that even if a regulation requires less effort than a procedure used by VA in similar circumstances, VA cannot pick and choose when to follow its own rules and when not to do so.  See Castellano v. Shinseki, 25 Vet. App. 146, 151 n.2 (2011) (“[T]he Secretary must adhere to his own policies when adjudicating veterans’ claims.” (citing Morton, 415 U.S. at 235 (1974)).  Yet, 38 C.F.R. § 19.5 states that “[t]he Board is not bound by Department manuals, circulars, or similar administrative issues.”

A claimant can and should identify any failure to follow the M21-1MR procedures that are relevant to his or her claim.  Compliance with the M21-1MR can also be reasonably raised by the record such that the Board should address the issue.  See Schafrath v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 589, 593 (1991) (Board must discuss provisions of law and regulation where they are made “potentially applicable through the assertions and issues raised in the record”).

A regional office’s failure to follow the M21-1MR and the Board’s failure to identify such issues frustrates judicial review, warranting remand.  See Tucker v. West, 11 Vet. App. 369, 374 (1998) (where “the Board has incorrectly applied the law, failed to provide an adequate statement of its reasons or bases for its determinations, or where the record is otherwise inadequate, a remand is the appropriate remedy.”); Allday v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 517, 527 (1995) (holding that the Board’s statement “must be adequate to enable claimant to understand the precise basis for the Board’s decision, as well as to facilitate review in this Court”).

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision!

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Disabled Veterans Have the Right to be Heard with their Disability Claims

“Upon request, a claimant is entitled to a hearing at any time on any issue involved in a claim within the purview of part 3 of [title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations.]”  38 C.F.R. § 3.103(c)(1).  “It is the responsibility of the [VA] employee or employees conducting the hearings to explain fully the issues and suggest the submission of evidence which the claimant may have overlooked and which would be of advantage to the claimant’s position [on appeal].”  38 C.F.R. § 3.103(c)(2).  This provision “imposes … two distinct duties on the hearing officer …:  The duty to explain fully the issues and the duty to suggest the submission of evidence that may have been overlooked.”  Bryant v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 488, 492 (2010) (per curiam).  These requirements are designed “‘[t]o assure clarity and completeness of the hearing record.'”  Thomas v. Nicholson, 423 F.3d 1279, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (quoting 38 C.F.R. § 3.103(c)(2)); see also Bryant, 23 Vet. App. at 499.

“The entire thrust of the VA’s nonadversarial claims system is predicated upon a structure which provides for notice and an opportunity to be heard at virtually every step in the process.”  Thurber v. Brown, 5 Vet. App. 119, 123 (1993); see Cushman v. Shinseki, 576 F.3d 1290, 1300 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (Due Process Clause applies to proceedings for veterans benefits); Gambill v. Shinseki, 576 F.3d 1307, 1310-11 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (same).  The Fair Process doctrine does not prohibit administrative procedures based on a claimant’s perception that they may be “unfair.”  Rather, the doctrine provides claimants with the procedural protection of requiring that they receive notice and an opportunity to be heard, not just once, but “at virtually every step in the process.”  Thurber, 5 Vet. App. at 123.

In order to follow this regulatory mandate, a hearing officer “cannot ignore a lack of evidence in the record on a material issue and not suggest its submission, unless the record (or the claimant at hearing) clearly shows that such evidence is not available.”  Bryant v. Shinseki, 23 Vet. App. 488, 493-94 (2010) (per curiam).  In regard to the duty to explain issues fully, the Court has stated that when the RO has denied a disability claim because there is no current disability, no nexus to service, or no incident in service, etc., then the Board hearing officer should explain that the claim can be substantiated only when the claimed disability is shown to exist and shown to be caused by an injury or disease in service, and the Board hearing officer’s explanation and discussion should be centered on these issues.  Bryant, 23 Vet. App. at 496.  In regard to the duty to suggest the submission of overlooked evidence, the Court in Bryant clarified that “nothing in the regulation limits the Secretary’s duties to advise the claimant to submit evidence only to those situations when the existence of such evidence is raised at the hearing;” rather, the hearing officer “must suggest the submission of evidence when testimony during the hearing indicates that it exists (or could be reduced to writing) but is not of record.” Bryant, 23 Vet. App. at 496- 97.

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision!

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How Due Process Works in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims

The entire thrust of the VA’s nonadversarial claims system is predicated upon a structure which provides for notice and an opportunity to be heard at virtually every step in the process.  The Secretary shall provide notice of a decision regarding a claim for benefits and “an explanation of the procedure for obtaining review of that decision.”  38 U.S.C. § 5104(a); see Rosler v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 241, 249 (1991).  “Each appellant will be accorded hearing and representation rights pursuant to the provisions of [38 U.S.C. Chapter 71] and regulations of the Secretary.”  38 U.S.C. § 7105(a).  The VA regional office (RO) must provide notice of the right to appeal in regular and in simultaneously contested claims.  38 C.F.R. §§ 19.25, 19.100.

In simultaneously contested claims, the VARO must provide notice of appeal to other contesting parties.  38 C.F.R. § 19.102.  It must provide notification of the filing of an administrative appeal.  38 C.F.R. § 19.52.  It must furnish a Statement of the Case (SOC) to a claimant, 38 C.F.R. § 19.30, which “must be complete enough to allow … appellant to present written and/or oral arguments before the [BVA].”  38 C.F.R. § 19.29.  In simultaneously contested claims, each interested party must be furnished with an SOC.  38 U.S.C. § 7105A; 38 C.F.R. § 19.101.

A Supplemental SOC (a “SSOC”) is required when an appellant submits additional evidence to the VARO prior to the transfer of appellant’s records to the BVA, 38 C.F.R. § 19.37(a), and when a BVA remand of a case to the VARO results in additional evidentiary or procedural development and continuation of the denial of benefits, 38 C.F.R. § 19.38; see generally 38 C.F.R. § 19.31 (“a period of 60 days … will be allowed for response”); 38 C.F.R. § 20.302(c) (but only 30 days, in the case of a simultaneously contested claim, 38 C.F.R. § 20.501(c)).

If the BVA questions the adequacy of appellant’s substantive appeal, appellant is provided “notice … and a period of 60 days … to present written argument or to request a hearing to present oral argument.”  38 C.F.R. § 20.203.  The Board shall decide an appeal “only after affording the claimant an opportunity for a hearing.”  38 U.S.C. § 7104(a).  In connection with the right to a hearing, a claimant has the right to present evidence, testimony, and argument in support of a claim.  38 C.F.R. § 20.700.

A claimant has the right to notification of the time and place of the hearing on appeal.  38 C.F.R. § 20.702(b).  A claimant has the right to notification of the certification of appeal and transfer of the appellate record to the BVA.  38 C.F.R. § 19.36.  If a “Travel Board” hearing is held, a claimant must be notified of its time and place.  38 C.F.R. § 19.76.  When a “Travel Board” hearing is requested, a claimant must be furnished with an SOC if not previously furnished.  38 C.F.R. § 19.77.

“After reaching a decision in a case, the Board shall promptly mail a copy of its written decision to the claimant.”  38 U.S.C. § 7104(e).  A claimant is entitled to a hearing if a motion for reconsideration of a final BVA decision is granted.  38 C.F.R. § 20.1003.  The BVA may vacate an appellate decision which denies “due process of law” upon the request of appellant, or on the BVA’s own motion.  38 C.F.R. § 20.904.  Thurber v. Brown, 5 Vet. App. 119, 123-24 (1993).

As written, the due process provisions of 38 C.F.R. section 3.103 apply only to benefits and relief under part 3 of title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations.  Part 3 is entitled “ADJUDICATION,” and is divided into two subparts: subpart A, which deals with compensation, pension, and DIC, and subpart B, which deals with burial benefits.  As written, section 3.103(b)(2) requires pre-termination/reduction notice only where there is a termination or reduction of an “award of compensation, pension or [DIC].”  Grovhoug v. Brown, 7 Vet. App. 209, 214 (1994).

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision!

Visit: VA-Claims.org

For Cases & Decisions that Could Save Your VA Service-Connected Claims!

Visit: VAClaims.org ~ A Non-Profit Non Governmental Agency

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VA Pension Provides Support for Qualifying Veteran Survivors

When Veterans and their family members think of VA benefits – the first thoughts that typically come to mind are VA’s educational benefits, compensation and health care benefits, or home loan benefits. Many don’t realize that VA also offers a benefit that can assist qualifying war-time Veterans and their survivors. As our country’s Veteran and surviving spouse population grows older and ailments worsen, it’s important for Veterans and their families to know about the benefits available to them from VA.

VA pension is an income-based benefit offered to qualifying Veterans and their survivors. The amount of pension payable is based on the Veteran’s or survivor’s family income. VA may be able to deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses from income, including but not limited to amounts paid to nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and for in-home care. Additionally, if VA determines a Veteran or surviving spouse is housebound or requires the aid and attendance of another person, he or she may be entitled a higher rate of VA Pension.

Qualifications

  1. With some exceptions, the Veteran must have served on active duty:
  • Veterans who served on or before September 7, 1980 must have 90 continuous days of service with at least one of those days during wartime
  • Veterans who served after September 7, 1980, must have served at least 24 months or the full period they were called up
  1. Veterans must either be:
  • age 65 or older or
  • permanently and totally disabled

***VA assumes a Veteran to be permanently and totally disabled if the Veteran is a patient in a nursing home or found disabled by the Social Security Administration. There are no disability or age criteria for survivors.

  1. Veterans and surviving spouses must meet income and net worth criteria.

Applying

Though there are various ways to apply for VA pension, the fastest way to apply is online through https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vonapp.

If you still have questions, a VA representative or Veterans service organization may be able to help. You can also comment below!

For A Complete Guide To VA Disability Claims and to find out more about your potential VA disability case and how to obtain favorable VA Rating Decision!

Visit: VA-Claims.org

For Cases & Decisions that Could Save Your VA Service-Connected Claims!

Visit: VAClaims.org ~ A Non-Profit Non Governmental Agency