VA CLAIMS & APPEALS: COVID-19 Requesting Extensions Guidance

 VA Central Office (VACO) released the attached document which provides  additional guidance on claims and appeals processing.  This guidance is in effect from 03/01/2020 until 60 days after the conclusion of the current National State of Emergency.

·       Claimants and/or their representative may request time limit extensions on an individual claim’s basis.  These time limit extensions may be requested for the following items during this time period:

·       Filing a claim that would apply to an Intent to File (if the ITF expired during the state of emergency).

·       Filing an appeal to BVA or request of a decision review.

·       Filing documentation in response to a proposed reduction or adverse action.

·       Submitting evidence requested by VA.

·       Rescheduling a missed hearing.

·       Rescheduling a missed C&P exam.

In order for VA to grant a filing extension based on the requirements above, the representative must identify the claimant & claim action for which the extension is being requested. 

VA has also issued guidance stating that any mail or correspondence addressed to the VA during this time period will be established using the USPS Postmark Date.  Although VACO has verbally told VSOs that this contingency will also apply to mail addressed to VSOs offices within VAROs, VACO has yet provided written guidance stating that USPS Postmark Dates will also be used as VA’s date of receipt for VSO earmarked correspondence within VAROs.