Right of Representation Informs the claimant of the right to be represented, without charge, by an accredited representative of a recognized service organization. Veteran’s Explains the following to the claimant: he/she may employ an attorney to assist in prosecuting the claim, and the attorney may appear with the claimant if a personal hearing is requested. For information on powers of Reference: attorney, see M21-1, Part I, Chapter 3. Request Placed to Service Explains that VA has asked the Veteran’s Department service department for service treatment records and all available active duty personnel records. Right to Submit Explains the right to submit any Claimant’s claimant’s Evidence evidence, contention, or argument bearing on the issue. Right to a Hearing Explains the right to request a Claimant’s claimant’s personal hearing before a decision is made. Inform the claimant that VA will Note: furnish the hearing room, provide hearing officials, and prepare a transcript of the proceedings, but will not pay any other expense connected with the hearing. 60-Day Time Limit Explains that if the claimant does not reply within 60 days, VA will assume he/she has no additional evidence to submit, and does not desire additional time for presentation of his/her case, and make a decision based on the evidence available. For more information on Reference:
Right of Representation Informs the claimant of the right to be represented, without charge, by an accredited representative of a recognized Veteran’s service organization. Explains the following to the claimant: he/she may employ an attorney to assist in prosecuting the claim, and the attorney may appear with the claimant if a personal hearing is requested. Reference: For information on powers of attorney, see M21-1, Part I, Chapter 3. Request Placed to Service Department Explains that VA has asked the Veteran’s service department for service treatment records and all available active duty personnel records. Claimant’s Right to Submit Evidence Explains the claimant’s right to submit any evidence, contention, or argument bearing on the issue. Claimant’s Right to a Hearing Explains the claimant’s right to request a personal hearing before a decision is made. Note: Inform the claimant that VA will furnish the hearing room, provide hearing officials, and prepare a transcript of the proceedings, but will not pay any other expense connected with the hearing. 60-Day Time Limit Explains that if the claimant does not reply within 60 days, VA will assume he/she has no additional evidence to submit, and does not desire additional time for presentation of his/her case, and make a decision based on the evidence available. Reference: For more information on
03-10-16_Key%20Changes_M21-1III_v_1_SecA.docx