VA is bringing virtual hearings to Veterans who have disagreed with the decision VA made on a compensation claim and who have appealed the decision to the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA, “the Board”).
If you have a cell phone, computer or tablet with Wi-Fi, you can have a virtual BVA hearing anywhere with a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ)! Virtual tele-hearings can happen wherever you are.
While the Board suspended all in-person hearings in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the Board kept working, and it issued decisions for waiting Veterans and provided hearings through virtual tele-hearings.
On April 10, 2020, President Trump signed legislation making virtual tele-hearings a permanent option for Veterans. Thanks to the Board and its partners at the Office of Information Technology, we’re proud to deliver this technology to waiting Veterans so quickly.
How does a virtual tele-hearing work?
It works similarly to VHA’s Tele-health appointment program: If you have access to Wi-fI with your cell phone, computer or tablet, you can have a virtual tele-hearing. If the technology appears daunting, you can ask a family member or caregiver to assist you. When connected, you and your representative simply talk to the Veterans Law Judge via a computer or cell phone screen. Veterans can test their equipment here.
How do I request a virtual tele-hearing?
If you have elected a hearing, the Board will reach out to you either by phone or letter to discuss your options. Make sure to contact your Veteran Service Organization or private representative and advise them that you want a virtual tele-hearing.
For more information, please go here.
