Coronavirus News

To our clients– We understand that everyone is very concerned about the coronavirus, especially those with respiratory problems.  At the same time, clients are already frustrated with the delays in the VA system and do not want to have things delayed further.  Currently, the VA has suspended live and video hearings at the Board of Veterans Appeals.  However, the Board is still planning to hold what they call “virtual” hearings.  Those are hearings held using the VA’s telehealth video system with the judge in Washington, an attorney in our office and the veteran logging in on a computer, a tablet or an internet enabled cell phone from their home or other comfortable setting.  If you are a client who currently has a hearing scheduled before May 2, 2020, please email us at [email protected] to let us know whether you are comfortable having your hearing set as a virtual hearing by video or wish to have your hearing cancelled and rescheduled later this year. 

Currently, the VA is still processing claims at all other levels other than hearings at the Board.  For those with cases at the Court, we have been notified that the Court remains open and will continue to process cases.

 As you know, we are all in uncharted waters.  In light of the President’s request that we limit ourselves to groups of no more than 10, we have arranged for most of our staff to work remotely, limiting our in office personnel to only 10.  The only effect that this will have is that some phone calls will go to voicemail and the response may be delayed and response to items sent to us by fax or mail may also be delayed.  We apologize in advance for any delays.  You will get a response even if it is somewhat delayed. 

Please understand that we are on the side of the veterans.  We will continue to do everything we can to make our clients’ cases move forward in the fastest way that can be done effectively. 

If you are a client reading this, do not hesitate to call or email about your concerns but please understand that we will be responding to emergencies first and then to your important, but less urgent, inquiries.  Please also be aware that the entire situation is in a state of flux.  We have no way of knowing what the situation will be going forward, depending on the actions taken by the government, especially the VA, and on the continuing health of the members of our team If you are a client who has not yet provided us with your email address and would like to be kept up to date on the situation by email, please send your email address to us at [email protected].

Thank you all for your understanding in these difficult times,

Francis Jackson, Alexandra Jackson and the whole team at Jackson & MacNichol