1.  Must be received within 1 year of our original decision.  Keep it simple.  Submit medical evidence to support a new decision  If you want a DRO hearing, please say so at the time of the NOD.

2.  New decision that also has the regulations behind why we made our prior rating decision.

3.  Form 9 is used to continue the appeal.  IMPORTANT: Time limit to file is 1 year from the date of the rating notification letter, or 60 days from the date we issued a Statement of the Case (SOC).

4.  Similar to SOC.  New decision that only addresses additional evidence submitted since the SOC.  Includes regulations pertinent to the issue on appeal/evidence furnished.

5.  Opportunity to speak to the Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) who will decide your case at BVA.  Evidence makes the difference, not just testimony.  Consider why you are asking for a hearing?  Consider the time it takes to be scheduled for a BVA hearing. 1 year minimum. Would additional evidence be a better option?

6.  Cases are certified to BVA if no hearing or additional evidence is pending for review.  Once the case is certified, any additional evidence is sent to BVA to be included in their decision. The case is no longer the jurisdiction of the local Regional Office.