Feb 25, 2023 · Some hearing offices say it will take approximately six weeks to receive a decision, but some judges tell claimants they try to have the decision out in 30 days. In a survey we did of readers who had been to an appeal hearing, the average wait time for a decision was eight weeks, though 40% of readers received a decision letter within four weeks. Once a VA office issues its decision on your claim, you have one year from that date to file an appeal. Read the decision letter closely: it will tell you why VA made the decision it did.The reports below contain data covering claims inventory, claims backlog, claims accuracy, and fully developed claims. VBA employees are completing more compensation claims than ever before, resulting in Veterans and survivors receiving over $128 billion in disability compensation and pension benefits in 2022, including nearly $10 billion in ...Apr 24, 2023 · Home Resources and support What your decision review or appeal status means What your decision review or appeal status means Your status tells you where your claim is in the decision review or appeal process. Find your type of decision review or appeal below to learn what your status means. Check your VA claim status A party may also file a motion for decision by a panel under Rule 35 of the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure. A party may also file a motion for panel decision under Rule 27.1, or reconsideration of a single judge decision by a panel under Rule 35. See the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure.Mar 22, 2018 · The VA does not have access to Ebenefits they only have 3 phases where we see 7 I believe. They have Evidence phase, Ready to Rate and Notifications. So if they are not prior military with a disability it’s possible she didn’t know what you meant. So yeah your in the decision phase it’s a good thing hopefully in the next few days you will ... Administrator. Nov 20, 2017 #13. What is supposed to happen when an appeal is on remand, is that the RO gets the information requested and then readjudicated. Any items that can be granted at that time are supposed to be granted. At that point the file is then sent back to the BVA. As far as who to call.[House Hearing, 114 Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] VETERANS' DILEMMA: NAVIGATING THE APPEALS SYSTEM FOR VETERANS CLAIMS ===== HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS OF THE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED FOURTEENTH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION _____ THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015 _____ Serial No. 114 ...Apr 20, 2023 · Other ways to request a Higher-Level Review. Fill out the Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996). Get VA Form 20-0996 to download. Send the completed form to the benefit office that matches the benefit type you selected on the form. Department of Veterans Affairs Janesville, WI 53547-4444. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) provides judicial review of final decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board). The Court reviews the Board decision, the written record, and the briefs of the parties. A person who files an appeal at the Court is called an "appellant." An appellant appealing a Board decision is ... A. Substantive Aspects of Veterans Law 1. Timeframe The differences between veterans law and other areas of law are fundamental. The most common type of veterans benefits claim is a claim 115 11 In fiscal year 2006, 654,000 of the 806,000 claims received by VA were claims for compensation. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES, A 21STSpecifically, the Board sends surveys to all Veterans to seek their feedback at three stages during the appeal: 1) When the appeal is first docketed at the Board; 2) Immediately after their hearings, if requested; and 3) After they receive the Board’s written decision on their appeals. Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?Aug 21, 2023 · If your decision notice shows at least a 10% disability rating, you’ll get your first payment within 15 days. The VA will make the payment either by direct deposit or check. If you do not get a payment after 15 days, you should contact the Veterans Helpline at 1-800-827-1000. can affirm, reverse, or remand a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Note: Decisions of a three-member panel of CAVC are binding precedent for VA unless reversed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or the United States Supreme Court. c. Remanded Appeals Returned by CAVCThe VA does not have access to Ebenefits they only have 3 phases where we see 7 I believe. They have Evidence phase, Ready to Rate and Notifications. So if they are not prior military with a disability it’s possible she didn’t know what you meant. So yeah your in the decision phase it’s a good thing hopefully in the next few days you will ...Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? Jan 12, 2016 · Well, in my experience, the same can be said of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Historically, between 75% and 80% of Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) are vacated, reversed, remanded or referred back to the BVA to fix its mistakes. A. Substantive Aspects of Veterans Law 1. Timeframe The differences between veterans law and other areas of law are fundamental. The most common type of veterans benefits claim is a claim 115 11 In fiscal year 2006, 654,000 of the 806,000 claims received by VA were claims for compensation. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES, A 21STHello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? : A remand is not “merely for the purposes of rewriting the opinion so that it will superficially comply with the ‘reasons or bases’ requirement.”Instead, “[a] remand is meant to entail a critical examination of the justification for the decision. The Court expects that the [Board] will reexamine the evidence of record, seek any other Apr 14, 2014 · Apr 14, 2014 #2. First, welcome to VBN and thank you for your service. It can take as little as three weeks to receive a decision or could take months. It's impossible to predict. By all means start making appointments for the treatment you need. You can be treated before a claim is even filed or even if it's denied. can affirm, reverse, or remand a final decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA). Note: Decisions of a three-member panel of CAVC are binding precedent for VA unless reversed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or the United States Supreme Court. c. Remanded Appeals Returned by CAVCHello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?Feb 25, 2023 · Some hearing offices say it will take approximately six weeks to receive a decision, but some judges tell claimants they try to have the decision out in 30 days. In a survey we did of readers who had been to an appeal hearing, the average wait time for a decision was eight weeks, though 40% of readers received a decision letter within four weeks. Oct 29, 2019 · Review of the electronic file indicates your appeal was remanded by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on January 11, 2019. The claim is currently listed as “ Ready For Decision ”. A Rating Specialist will initiate a decision based on the evidence of record. Here is a brief timeline of my disability claim thus far: 12/07/21: Submitted my Disability Compensation Claim on VA.gov (Form 21-526EZ) 12/07/21: Initial review complete. 12/08/21: Moved to Evidence Gathering, review, and decision. 12/09/21: Contacted by QTC to schedule multiple C&P exams. 12/15/21: Final C&P complete (total of 5 exams) 01/03 ...Mar 8, 2021 · STEP #1: Claim Received : Normally takes between 7 and 14 days. STEP #3: Gathering of Evidence : This step is the longest phase in the VA claim process and usually takes 30-60 days. STEP #5: Preparation for Decision : This step typically takes 7-14 days to complete. STEP #8: Decision Notification Sent : The final step in the VA claim process ... Jun 23, 2014 · The reports below contain data covering claims inventory, claims backlog, claims accuracy, and fully developed claims. VBA employees are completing more compensation claims than ever before, resulting in Veterans and survivors receiving over $128 billion in disability compensation and pension benefits in 2022, including nearly $10 billion in ... Overview. In this Section This section contains the following topics: Topic Topic Name See Page 33 Reviewing and Processing Decisions 5-G-2 34 Remanded Appeals 5-G-5 35 Developing, Reviewing, and Transferring Remanded Appeals 5-G-7 36 Exhibit 1: Notification Letter—Remanded Appeal Returned to BVA 5-G-12veterans and other claimants in connection with bene-fits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Amici believe the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in this matter will continue to detrimentally affect veterans in pursuit of the benefits to which they areReady for decision means that everything needed is there for the DRO to make a decision. Once the DRO makes a decision it could be a full grant of benefits sought, a partial grant of benefits sought (partial being not the scheduler max allowed), or a continued denial.Aug 7, 2019 · If not, your appeal will return to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a new decision. 16–29 monthsThe Veterans Benefits Administration usually takes between 16 and 29 months to complete remand instructions. How long until a judge is ready for your appeal? The Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviews cases in the order they’re received. Dec 24, 2018 · The direct review docket, or direct docket, at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals applies to claimants who do not want to submit additional evidence to the Board, and do not want a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge. In this docket, the Board’s decision will be based on a review of the evidence of record at the time of the agency of original ... For a Supplemental Statement of the Case dated on or after February 19, 2019, you have 2 options. You can continue the legacy appeals process. Go to step 5. Or you can opt in to 1 of the 3 new decision review options. You can opt in within 60 days from the date on the Supplemental Statement of the Case.Once a VA office issues its decision on your claim, you have one year from that date to file an appeal. Read the decision letter closely: it will tell you why VA made the decision it did. When a case is remanded by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), it goes back to the BVA. The CAVC closes the case, and you wait for the BVA to issue a new decision. However, if you disagree with the new BVA decision, you still have the right to appeal to the CAVC a second time. How an Attorney Can Help Oct 7, 2019 · To begin the appeals process, a veteran must fill out and turn in the Decision Review Request: Higher Level Review form (VA Form 20-0996). This can be submitted via mail, Fax, or by turning it indirectly at the nearest VA facility. Once your form is submitted, you have several options. You can wait for the VA to request more information or ... Review the files for your claim. Click on the Files tab. You can see if there are any forms or documents we still need from you. You can also review the forms and documents we already have. And if you have additional evidence to support your claim, click the Add Files button to select files to upload.Oct 7, 2019 · To begin the appeals process, a veteran must fill out and turn in the Decision Review Request: Higher Level Review form (VA Form 20-0996). This can be submitted via mail, Fax, or by turning it indirectly at the nearest VA facility. Once your form is submitted, you have several options. You can wait for the VA to request more information or ... Jul 22, 2022 · Review the files for your claim. Click on the Files tab. You can see if there are any forms or documents we still need from you. You can also review the forms and documents we already have. And if you have additional evidence to support your claim, click the Add Files button to select files to upload. Jun 16, 2017 · veterans and other claimants in connection with bene-fits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Amici believe the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in this matter will continue to detrimentally affect veterans in pursuit of the benefits to which they are So, for how long this process takes, once your claim arrives at the Regional Office, it should be given expeditious treatment. But depending on the remand instructions, it can take anywhere from three to 12 months or sometimes longer before the Regional Office issues any decision. If the Regional Office denies your claim in legacy, your case is ...Mar 8, 2022 · Fredrick B. Norfleet appeals from the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (“the Veterans Court”) that set aside and remanded part of a Board of Veterans’ Appeals (“the Board”) decision de-that nied service connection for sleep apnea and dismissed the remainder of the appeal. Norfleet v. McDonough, No. 20- Home Resources and support What your decision review or appeal status means What your decision review or appeal status means Your status tells you where your claim is in the decision review or appeal process. Find your type of decision review or appeal below to learn what your status means. Check your VA claim status1. New Medical Exam. One of the reasons you could have your VA disability appeal remanded is because the BVA wants a new medical exam. If your conditions worsened since your last exam, the new medical exam will detail how your disabilities have worsened. Because the VA application and appeal timeline is so long, many veterans find their ... the same VA entity that conducted the initial adjudication. 2. Supplemental Claim: Claimant submits/identifies new and relevant evidence not previously before VA and the claim is reviewed by the same entity . de novo . based on all evidence of record 3. Board Appeal : Review is conducted by a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) at the Board . There areHello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? You can also use this tool to check the status of a claim, decision review, or appeal for other benefits like these: VA health care. GI Bill or other education benefits. Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) A home loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE) A Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Housing Adaptation (SHA) grant. Life insurance.When a case is remanded by the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), it goes back to the BVA. The CAVC closes the case, and you wait for the BVA to issue a new decision. However, if you disagree with the new BVA decision, you still have the right to appeal to the CAVC a second time. How an Attorney Can Help Well, in my experience, the same can be said of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. Historically, between 75% and 80% of Board of Veterans’ Appeals decisions appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) are vacated, reversed, remanded or referred back to the BVA to fix its mistakes.Jan 4, 2022 · Upon review of the C&P exam report and all of the other information in your claims file, you should receive a Notice of Decision on your disability claim. The VA currently claims an average time of 149.4 days (around five months, in case you don’t have a calculator handy) from claim filing to decision, but it often takes longer than that. In its standard legal definition, a remand occurs when a higher court decides to send a case back to a lower court for review or further adjudicative action. In the VA disability adjudication system, the Board can remand – or send back – a case to the regional office for several reasons, including: The veteran’s condition has worsened ...Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?Apr 2, 2021 · In its standard legal definition, a remand occurs when a higher court decides to send a case back to a lower court for review or further adjudicative action. In the VA disability adjudication system, the Board can remand – or send back – a case to the regional office for several reasons, including: The veteran’s condition has worsened ... Regional Office (RO) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Higher-Level Review (HLR) Supplemental Claim (SC) If the decision is overturned at any point in the process, the case is returned to the CM to address those issues and grant the benefit, as appropriate. V/SM submits request for a HLR via VA Form 20-0996. Yes No VR&E staff member:Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? Aug 7, 2019 · If not, your appeal will return to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals for a new decision. 16–29 monthsThe Veterans Benefits Administration usually takes between 16 and 29 months to complete remand instructions. How long until a judge is ready for your appeal? The Board of Veterans’ Appeals reviews cases in the order they’re received. Then the BVA will notify you in writing when it receives your file. Until your file is transferred to the board, your local VA regional office is the best place to get information about your appeal. If your file is at the board, you can call 202-565-5436 to check on its status. It may take several years before your docket number finally comes ...38 CFR 3.104 a decision of a duly constituted rating agency or other agency of original jurisdiction is final and binding on all field offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as to the conclusions made based on the evidence on file at the time VA issues written notification in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 5104.Some hearing offices say it will take approximately six weeks to receive a decision, but some judges tell claimants they try to have the decision out in 30 days. In a survey we did of readers who had been to an appeal hearing, the average wait time for a decision was eight weeks, though 40% of readers received a decision letter within four weeks.Mr. Rice appeals a January 27, 2006, Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) decision that denied him an effective date earlier than November 1, 2000, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and remanded his appeal of the initial disability rating assigned for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Jun 29, 2022 · When you choose to appeal directly to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, you must file a Notice of Disagreement within one year from the date the VA sent you the original decision. You can use VA Form 10182 to file a Notice of Disagreement. If you file a Notice of Disagreement, you have one year from the date the VA sends the decision to ... Oct 29, 2019 · Review of the electronic file indicates your appeal was remanded by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on January 11, 2019. The claim is currently listed as “ Ready For Decision ”. A Rating Specialist will initiate a decision based on the evidence of record. Causes of Remanded Appeals. “Remand” is a legal term that means a superior court is sending an appeal back to a lower court for another look. A remand means that the BVA is sending your case back to the regional VA office for additional development. With your appeal as presented, the BVA believes it cannot make a full or fair determination. Mr. Rice appeals a January 27, 2006, Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) decision that denied him an effective date earlier than November 1, 2000, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and remanded his appeal of the initial disability rating assigned for service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).38 CFR 3.104 a decision of a duly constituted rating agency or other agency of original jurisdiction is final and binding on all field offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as to the conclusions made based on the evidence on file at the time VA issues written notification in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 5104.Once your hearing is completed the Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”) will issue a written decision. The length of time it will take to issue the decision depends on the individual Judge. In the Pensacola, Fl / Mobile, AL area, the time varies from just a couple weeks to over six months. The Judge’s decision will be one of the following:Remand Status "NWQ". The Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) remanded your appeal on December 6, 2018. XXX, your remanded appeal is with the Veterans Benefits Administration, which will take action in accordance with the remand directives. Your claim is in development and is currently in Queue awaiting the next available adjudicator.Estimated timeline... STEP #1: Claim Received: Normally takes between 7 and 14 days STEP #2: Under Review: This step typically takes 7 to 21 days STEP #3: Gathering of Evidence: This step is the longest phase in the VA claim process and usually takes 30-60 days STEP #4: Review of Evidence: Takes 7 to 14 days on average STEP #5: Preparation for Decision: This step typically takes 7-14 days to ...Mar 3, 2018 · Same day, to 2 business days later. But, the time from the exam to the DBQ makes it way to vba varies. For va exams, I have had the DBQ the same day the vet had the exam. Sometimes a couple days later if the doc uploads it later, or add a day or two for the NWQ to assign it. With contract exams it’s a longer wait. Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?: A remand is not “merely for the purposes of rewriting the opinion so that it will superficially comply with the ‘reasons or bases’ requirement.”Instead, “[a] remand is meant to entail a critical examination of the justification for the decision. The Court expects that the [Board] will reexamine the evidence of record, seek any other The VA does not have access to Ebenefits they only have 3 phases where we see 7 I believe. They have Evidence phase, Ready to Rate and Notifications. So if they are not prior military with a disability it’s possible she didn’t know what you meant. So yeah your in the decision phase it’s a good thing hopefully in the next few days you will ...Apr 20, 2023 · Other ways to request a Higher-Level Review. Fill out the Decision Review Request: Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996). Get VA Form 20-0996 to download. Send the completed form to the benefit office that matches the benefit type you selected on the form. Department of Veterans Affairs Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Dec 21, 2019 · A decision letter is a notification from the VA that grants or denies disability claims or appeals. Waiting to receive a decision letter can produce a lot of anxiety for a veteran. Sometimes years have gone by since a veteran started his or her claim and it all comes down to what the rating decision letter says. veterans and other claimants in connection with bene-fits administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Amici believe the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in this matter will continue to detrimentally affect veterans in pursuit of the benefits to which they areThe appeals process: When an appeal is remanded - VA News Appeals are remanded for many reasons...if there has been a change in law, a worsening of a disability on appeal, the Veteran introduces new evidence or theory of entitlement at the Board or if the regional office did not process your claim correctly. A party may also file a motion for decision by a panel under Rule 35 of the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure. A party may also file a motion for panel decision under Rule 27.1, or reconsideration of a single judge decision by a panel under Rule 35. See the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure.Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?Aug 20, 2019 · My remand is at the Regional Office in Winston-Salem, NC. I'm currently Rated at 80% and met all the requirements for TDIU. The remands were: Service connection, Hypertensive vascular disease. Increased rating, Migraines. Increased rating, Limitation of ankle motion. Service connection, Limitation of leg motion (flexion) Original Legacy Appeals ADP: The average days pending for original appeals is calculated from the date the appeal is certified to the Board by the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) and any given date for appeals currently awaiting a Board decision. Post Remand Legacy Appeals ADP: The average days pending for returned remand appeals is ...Apr 14, 2014 #2. First, welcome to VBN and thank you for your service. It can take as little as three weeks to receive a decision or could take months. It's impossible to predict. By all means start making appointments for the treatment you need. You can be treated before a claim is even filed or even if it's denied.Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?So, for how long this process takes, once your claim arrives at the Regional Office, it should be given expeditious treatment. But depending on the remand instructions, it can take anywhere from three to 12 months or sometimes longer before the Regional Office issues any decision. If the Regional Office denies your claim in legacy, your case is ...
Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?. Alvy
Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov? Hello, I just got this E-mail from my regional office and was wondering how long does it take before my remand claim shows up on Va.gov?A veteran can file a Notice of Disagreement, or NOD, to appeal the decision. Upon receiving the NOD, the VA may reconsider the claim and grant benefits or deny benefits at which time the veteran may appeal the case up to the Board of Veterans Affairs, or BVA. The appeal process can take years, but will ultimately result in a BVA decision.Length of Process. The timeline for how long the VA will take in preparation for your decision depends on the type of claim you filed, the complexity of your disability, the number of disabilities you claimed, and the availability of your medical records during the claims process (see eight steps above). During the preparation for decision, the ...For a Supplemental Statement of the Case dated on or after February 19, 2019, you have 2 options. You can continue the legacy appeals process. Go to step 5. Or you can opt in to 1 of the 3 new decision review options. You can opt in within 60 days from the date on the Supplemental Statement of the Case.Four months after a BVA decision is not really "expiditious treatment". You should have received "at least" an implementing decision from your VARO along with a rating decision and effective date, plus retro. The remand portion can take a bit longer. I suggest: 1.Here is a brief timeline of my disability claim thus far: 12/07/21: Submitted my Disability Compensation Claim on VA.gov (Form 21-526EZ) 12/07/21: Initial review complete. 12/08/21: Moved to Evidence Gathering, review, and decision. 12/09/21: Contacted by QTC to schedule multiple C&P exams. 12/15/21: Final C&P complete (total of 5 exams) 01/03 ...Dec 19, 2020 · Initially, VA estimated veterans could wait from 3-5 years for a hearing under AMA. However, the number of hearings VA held in 2019 is up 38 percent from the previous year, which is a good sign for veterans. Moreover, the Board has already sent out over 100,000 decisions in Fiscal Year 2020, which indicates that appeals are being worked through ... Regional Office (RO) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Higher-Level Review (HLR) Supplemental Claim (SC) If the decision is overturned at any point in the process, the case is returned to the CM to address those issues and grant the benefit, as appropriate. V/SM submits request for a HLR via VA Form 20-0996. Yes No VR&E staff member:Once a VA office issues its decision on your claim, you have one year from that date to file an appeal. Read the decision letter closely: it will tell you why VA made the decision it did.After a VA remand, the RO should handle the remand in an “expeditious” manner. This means work should begin on the remand at the RO within 15 days of receiving it. However, the remand should stay at the RO for at least 30 days before being sent back to the BVA. The RO must follow all of the instructions on the BVA remand without skipping ...Following an unfavorable BVA final decision, an appellant may file an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) within 120 days of the date of the BVA decision. This appeal must be sent directly to the court, NOT to BVA or to any VA office. The time limit for filing may not be extended or waived.VA Decision. Your representative will recommend a choice for your claim based on the available files. Your application could be sent back to the previous stage for further investigation. If not, the recommendation decision becomes re-reviewed, and a final decision is made. Once the final decision becomes decided upon, your award packet will be ....