Board of Veterans Appeals (Attorney Advisor)

[Anonymous]

Does BVA work through govt shutdowns?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does BVA work through govt shutdowns?

Yes. traditionally they always say that we have secret extra money to pay salaries so BVA remains open. I have not been around for a long term shutdown though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I heard from someone in upper management that plans are being drawn up to fire as many probationary attorneys as possible. If a manager even has the slightest concern about a probationary employee’s performance, they are to recommend that person for removal. Upper management is also aware that some judges will try to protect their attorneys. So, they’re planning to look at the scores and comments that probationary attorneys receive on each draft.

"I heard from someone in upper management . . . ." That is highly unlikely because that would be a breach of protocol putting the "upper management" as risk of being fired. Unless you have a real name to put here, please don't post any speculation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard from someone in upper management that plans are being drawn up to fire as many probationary attorneys as possible. If a manager even has the slightest concern about a probationary employee’s performance, they are to recommend that person for removal. Upper management is also aware that some judges will try to protect their attorneys. So, they’re planning to look at the scores and comments that probationary attorneys receive on each draft.

"I heard from someone in upper management . . . ." That is highly unlikely because that would be a breach of protocol putting the "upper management" as risk of being fired. Unless you have a real name to put here, please don't post any speculation.

At least include a title. And, this doesn't make much sense as the backlog is ever growing. But then again, the current administration tends to act first, think later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I heard from someone in upper management that plans are being drawn up to fire as many probationary attorneys as possible. If a manager even has the slightest concern about a probationary employee’s performance, they are to recommend that person for removal. Upper management is also aware that some judges will try to protect their attorneys. So, they’re planning to look at the scores and comments that probationary attorneys receive on each draft.

"I heard from someone in upper management . . . ." That is highly unlikely because that would be a breach of protocol putting the "upper management" as risk of being fired. Unless you have a real name to put here, please don't post any speculation.

its not speculation. it is a lie posted by someone who just wants to stir everyone up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I heard from someone in upper management that plans are being drawn up to fire as many probationary attorneys as possible. If a manager even has the slightest concern about a probationary employee’s performance, they are to recommend that person for removal. Upper management is also aware that some judges will try to protect their attorneys. So, they’re planning to look at the scores and comments that probationary attorneys receive on each draft.

Don’t feed this troll.

[Anonymous]

Per DVC Deichert today at the PDD closing ceremony, there is no change in the treatment of probationary employees.

[Anonymous]

I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

Dumb take. I’ve done both. BVA requires more intellect, more effort at staying current with the law, it’s a lot less formulaic, more complexity. Plenty of people who can stay afloat at SSA wash out quickly at the Board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

Dumb take. I’ve done both. BVA requires more intellect, more effort at staying current with the law, it’s a lot less formulaic, more complexity. Plenty of people who can stay afloat at SSA wash out quickly at the Board.

Didn’t BVA hire several judges with no VA disability experience? How complex can VA disability be when BVA hires judges with no relevant prior experience. Also, what about the VA claims examiners who initially review VA disability claims? Even though they aren’t attorneys, VA claims examiners don’t have difficulty applying VA disability law to VA disability claims.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

Dumb take. I’ve done both. BVA requires more intellect, more effort at staying current with the law, it’s a lot less formulaic, more complexity. Plenty of people who can stay afloat at SSA wash out quickly at the Board.

Didn’t BVA hire several judges with no VA disability experience? How complex can VA disability be when BVA hires judges with no relevant prior experience. Also, what about the VA claims examiners who initially review VA disability claims? Even though they aren’t attorneys, VA claims examiners don’t have difficulty applying VA disability law to VA disability claims.

My bad man, thought the first post was genuine, JOKE’S ON ME

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

Dumb take. I’ve done both. BVA requires more intellect, more effort at staying current with the law, it’s a lot less formulaic, more complexity. Plenty of people who can stay afloat at SSA wash out quickly at the Board.

Didn’t BVA hire several judges with no VA disability experience? How complex can VA disability be when BVA hires judges with no relevant prior experience. Also, what about the VA claims examiners who initially review VA disability claims? Even though they aren’t attorneys, VA claims examiners don’t have difficulty applying VA disability law to VA disability claims.

I wonder what percentage of commenters here have never set foot inside the BVA? Many of these comments (such as the one above) make it pretty clear to me that a lot of people either spent no time or very little time at BVA and have no clue about what BVA does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think DOGE should consider splitting VA up. VHA and the Cemetery Administration should comprise the Department of Veterans Affairs. VBA and BVA should merge with SSA. There’s absolutely no reason for paying BVA disability decision writers more than SSA disability decision writers.

Dumb take. I’ve done both. BVA requires more intellect, more effort at staying current with the law, it’s a lot less formulaic, more complexity. Plenty of people who can stay afloat at SSA wash out quickly at the Board.

Didn’t BVA hire several judges with no VA disability experience? How complex can VA disability be when BVA hires judges with no relevant prior experience. Also, what about the VA claims examiners who initially review VA disability claims? Even though they aren’t attorneys, VA claims examiners don’t have difficulty applying VA disability law to VA disability claims.

I wonder what percentage of commenters here have never set foot inside the BVA? Many of these comments (such as the one above) make it pretty clear to me that a lot of people either spent no time or very little time at BVA and have no clue about what BVA does.

Right. The sheer number of remands I write says otherwise re: claims examiners and applying the law. Hell, even BVA is imperfect, hence CAVC… Fed system… SCOTUS…

[Anonymous]

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-return-to-in-person-work-policy/

Return to in person work requirements for bargaining unit employees will be announced at a later date.

No news is good news?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-announces-return-to-in-person-work-policy/

Return to in person work requirements for bargaining unit employees will be announced at a later date.

No news is good news?

I’m hoping this is good news for SSA. If they push the corresponding SSA position (at one GS step lower for the same work) back into the office, there will be a mass exodus from SSA to BVA. I know I would move at the first possible opportunity.