VA expands access to virtual hearings
May 1, 2020, 10:51:00 AM
VA expands access to virtual hearings
Virtual hearings provide Veterans a new option to have their appeal heard
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) today announced it is expanding access to virtual hearings to all Veterans awaiting their Board hearing after successfully testing the capabilities during the last year.
Virtual hearings are a secure, confidential and convenient option for Veterans and their representatives to have their Board hearing held from a location of their choosing.
The Board moved quickly to put this option into place in response to COVID-19 and the temporary suspension of in-person hearings. For Veterans who opted to have a hearing, choosing the virtual hearing will allow the Board to decide a Veteran’s appeal more quickly.
Virtual hearings became a permanent option for Veterans, April 10, when President Trump signed the VA Tele-Hearing Modernization Act into law. To date, the Board has successfully held more than 640 virtual hearings and has the capacity to hold 250 per week. There are many openings on the virtual hearing docket for Veterans and their representatives considering this option.
“Providing Veterans the option to participate in their Board hearings from a location of their choosing is yet another way VA and the Board are continuing to modernize,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This option helps VA ensure Veterans continue to receive important benefits and services, especially in these difficult times.”
More information on virtual hearings can be found here.
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