FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April8, 2020 VA appeals production at all time high WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) hit a production milestone, April 1, at the fiscal year(FY) 2020 halfway point issuingmore than 52,000 decisions which is approximately 15% more than the previous year. The Board has steadily increased production duringthe past three years, showing continued improvement over a sustained period. In FY 2017, the Board issued 52,661 total decisions, FY 2018, 85,288 decisions and FY 2019, 90,050 . The Board’s mission is to conduct hearings and issue timely decisions for Veterans and other appellants in compliance with the law. “The Board’s increased production ensures more Veterans are receiving benefits and services during this difficult time as the nation copes with COVID-19,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This, in combination with increased virtual hearings, showcases how VA’s modernization is benefiting Veterans.” In light of COVID-19 the Board has also expanded its virtual hearing capacity to hold about 250 virtual hearings per week. Virtual hearings at the Board allow Veterans who have the proper technology to participate in their appeals hearings from the comfort of their own homes, instead of traveling to a VA facility. To learn more about the Board, please visit: https://www.bva.va.gov/
