The Board temporarily suspended all in-person (travel board, video and Central Office) hearings. Virtual hearings remain available. The Board continues to assess the situation in partnership with Veterans Service Organizations and representatives and will resume in-person hearings as soon as possible.
VA’s current regulations provide flexibility for VA to extend filing deadlines for good cause. The Board understands that each Veteran/appellant has unique circumstances and the current situation may create challenges for many in meeting some deadlines, therefore the Board will consider requests for good cause to: submit notices of disagreement (38 CFR 20.203(c)) and to submit substantive appeals (38 CFR 19.53). The Veteran or representative can file an extension request in advance or explain it at the time of filing the notice of disagreement or substantive appeal.