Board of Veterans’ Appeals (as of March 17, 2020)
The Board is offering a tele-hearing option. If you have a hearing scheduled and you are concerned about travel, you can contact Bridget Malone at Bridget.Malone@va.gov, who can assist with scheduling.
UPDATED March 17, 2020 from Chairman Mason:
In keeping with VA’s primary mission to care for our Veterans, effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals is suspending all video and Central Office hearings through at least May 1, 2020.
Veterans tend to be from higher risk populations (e.g., advanced age, respiratory and immunosuppressed conditions). Many of these Veterans may have been unaware that there were other options to complete their hearings that would not compromise their health, including rescheduling to a later date or choosing a virtual hearing. The health and safety of our Veterans and families is VA’s top priority.
We understand that Veterans have been waiting for these hearings and we don’t want to delay any longer than necessary. The Board will work with Veterans and VSOs and representatives to provide virtual hearings where possible. See the attached fact sheet for more information.
We are asking Veterans to work with their representatives on rescheduling hearings. Veterans who prefer to wait for Travel board, video or central office hearings to resume will receive top priority in hearing rescheduling.
Veterans’ Benefits Administration (VBA)
UPDATED March 18, 2020
We are committed to the safety of our Veterans and employees. VA has implemented an aggressive public health response to protect and care for Veterans in the face of this emerging health risk.
Due to an abundance of caution with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) regional offices will be closed to the public starting March 19.
Regional offices will remain open, but will no longer accept walk-ins for claims assistance, scheduled appointments, counseling and other in-person services.
The decision protects our older Veterans and those with underlying medical conditions as well as our employees.
Veterans can continue to get information about benefits or file a claim for benefits by visiting our website at www.va.gov. Veterans with claims specific questions may request information via the Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS) or telephone at 1-800-827-1000.
VBA benefits and services provided to Veterans, families, and survivors will continue to be delivered throughout the duration of COVID-19 impacts.
Please continue to check www.va.gov for updates. You also may follow us on Facebook and Twitter.