### Section F. Docketing, Certification, and Claims Folder Transfer

#### Overview {#overview .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This section contains the following topics:           |
| ### In thi |                                                         |
| s Section  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| section .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic        Topic Name                                     See Page

  25           Docketing Substantive Appeals                  5-F-2

  26           Certifying Substantive Appeals                 5-F-3

  27           Review and Statement by an Accredited Service  5-F-6
               Organization Representative                    

  28           Transferring the Claims Folder                 5-F-10

  29           Receiving Evidence and Changes after           5-F-13
               Certification and Transfer                     

  30           Advancing a Case on the Board of Veterans'     5-F-18
               Appeals (BVA) Docket                           

  31           Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet             5-F-22

  32           Exhibit 2: BVA Points of Contact               5-F-28
  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------

#### 25. Docketing Substantive Appeals {#docketing-substantive-appeals .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Once a substantive appeal is filed, add the appeal to |
| Introducti | > the BVA's docket by entry into the Veterans Appeal    |
| on {#intro | > Control and Locator System (VACOLS) in preparation    |
| duction .u | > for certification. This topic contains information on |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   adding appeals to BVA's docket, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   notification of the appellant by BVA.               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 19, 2005                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a    | > Add appeals to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)   |
| . Adding A | > docket by updating the Veterans Appeal Control and    |
| ppeals to  | > Locator System (VACOLS)                               |
| BVA's Dock |                                                         |
| et {#a.-ad | -   immediately following the receipt of *VA Form 9,    |
| ding-appea |     Substantive Appeal*, at the regional office (RO),   |
| ls-to-bvas |     and                                                 |
| -docket .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   without requiring BVA to physically take possession |
|            |     of the related claims folder.                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: The related claims folder will remain |
|            |     > at the RO until it is certified as ready for BVA  |
|            |     > review. Once the claims folder is certified, it   |
|            |     > will be transferred to BVA immediately, unless    |
|            |     > the folder must remain at the RO because a BVA    |
|            |     > Travel Board or videoconference hearing has been  |
|            |     > scheduled.                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Reference***: For more information on tracking   |
|            |     appeals in VACOLS, see the VACOLS User\'s Guide.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > BVA sends a docket notification letter that           |
| b. Notific |                                                         |
| ation by B | -   notifies the appellant                              |
| VA {#b.-no |                                                         |
| tification | ```{=html}                                              |
| -by-bva .u | <!-- -->                                                |
| nnumbered} | ```                                                     |
|            | -   that his/her appeal has been added to BVA's docket  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   that all appeals will be considered in docket       |
|            |     number order                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what docket number has been assigned to the appeal, |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what telephone number to use to obtain general      |
|            |     information, and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   includes two pamphlets providing information about  |
|            |     the appeal.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 26. Certifying Substantive Appeals {#certifying-substantive-appeals .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > Certify the appeal in preparation for review by BVA.  |
| troduction | > This topic contains information on                    |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-1 .u | -   the certification process                           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   when to certify an appeal                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when not to certify an appeal                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the Veteran Service Representative's (VSR's) review |
|            |     of the claims folder                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the Decision Review Officer's (DRO's) or Veterans   |
|            |     Service Center Manager's (VSCM's) review of the     |
|            |     claims folder, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completing *VA Form 8, Certification of Appeal*.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > June 19, 2006                                         |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. C | > The Decision Review Officer (DRO), Veterans Service   |
| ertificati | > Center Manager (VSCM), or his/her designee is         |
| on Process | > responsible for                                       |
|  {#a.-cert |                                                         |
| ification- | -   reviewing all appeals, and                          |
| process .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   certifying that the appeal is ready for review by   |
|            |     BVA.                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > Proper review of the case includes verification   |
|            |     > that all                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   issues on appeal have been decided and discussed,   |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appropriate development has been initiated and      |
|            |     properly disposed of.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

26\. Certifying Substantive Appeals, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > Certify the appeal after obtaining (or exhausting all |
|  When to C | > efforts to obtain) all available and relevant         |
| ertify an  | > evidence.                                             |
| Appeal {#b |                                                         |
| .-when-to- | > If the appeal is based on a rating or authorization   |
| certify-an | > decision, the appropriate activity should review the  |
| -appeal .u | > appeal to                                             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   determine if all                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   issues raised on appeal have been identified, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   contentions and allegations made by the appellant   |
|            |     or his/her representative have been properly and    |
|            |     adequately addressed, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   confirm that all evidence is of record, including   |
|            |     service medical records (SMRs), if appropriate.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > In any case in which final action is delayed to       |
| c. When No | > permit the submission of additional evidence, do      |
| t to Certi | > *not* certify an appeal until the period for          |
| fy an Appe | > submission of the evidence has expired.               |
| al {#c.-wh |                                                         |
| en-not-to- | > ***Reference***: For more information on time limits, |
| certify-an | > see M21-1MR, Part I, 5.B.4.                           |
| -appeal .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The Veterans Service Representative (VSR) or other    |
| ### d. VSR | > Veterans Service Center (VSC) employee                |
|  Review of |                                                         |
|  Claims Fo | -   updates VACOLS for receipt of a substantive appeal, |
| lder {#d.- |     and                                                 |
| vsr-review |                                                         |
| -of-claims | -   refers the claims folder to the DRO, VSCM, or       |
| -folder .u |     his/her designee.                                   |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The VSCM designee is an employee, such as |
|            | > a senior Rating VSR or Appeals Team Coach, who is     |
|            | > well versed in the appellate process and the issue    |
|            | > under appeal.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

26\. Certifying Substantive Appeals, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The DRO, VSCM, or his/her designee                    |
| # e. DRO o |                                                         |
| r VSCM Rev | -   reviews the claims folder                           |
| iew of Cla |                                                         |
| ims Folder | -   verifies that all                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   issues on appeal have been decided                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appropriate development has been initiated and      |
|            |     properly disposed of, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completes the certification worksheet               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   ensures that                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   all necessary development was accomplished          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the statement of the case (SOC) was adequate, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   all issues raised have been considered              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   remedies any deficiencies through additional        |
|            |     development or a supplemental statement of the case |
|            |     (SSOC), and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   gives the representative of a service organization  |
|            |     an opportunity to execute and return *VA Form 646*, |
|            |     *Statement of Accredited Representative in Appealed |
|            |     Case,* prior to certification.                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***:                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   For a sample of the certification worksheet, see    |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.31.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   For more information on the review and statement by |
|            |     an accredited service organization representative,  |
|            |     see M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.27.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f.   | > Complete *VA Form 8*, *Certification of Appeal,* to   |
|  Completin | > certify the appeal when it is ready for review by     |
| g VA Form  | > BVA. Cite only those issues on appeal. If the appeal  |
| 8 {#f.-com | > is enlarged to include addition issues, certify all   |
| pleting-va | > related issues on appeal to BVA.                      |
| -form-8 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 27. Review and Statement by an Accredited Service Organization Representative {#review-and-statement-by-an-accredited-service-organization-representative .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > Give an appellant's accredited service organization   |
| troduction | > representative the opportunity to review the          |
|  {#introdu | > appellant's appeal and to submit a statement.         |
| ction-2 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > This topic contains information on                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 646*                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   executing *VA Form 646*                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   prior to certification                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   for remanded appeals                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   preparing *VA Form 646*                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reviewing the representative's arguments, and       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completing *VA Form 646*.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 19, 2005                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. V | > *VA Form 646*, *Statement of Accredited               |
| A Form 646 | > Representative in Appealed Cases,* gives an           |
|  {#a.-va-f | > appellant's representative an opportunity to review   |
| orm-646 .u | > the appeal and submit a statement regarding the       |
| nnumbered} | > appeal                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   prior to certification, and/or                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   after                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   receiving new evidence requiring additional action, |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   completing an action on a BVA-remanded appeal.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > *VA Form 646* can be executed prior to certification  |
| b. Executi | > of an appeal when                                     |
| ng VA Form |                                                         |
|  646 Prior | -   a hearing was not conducted                         |
|  to Certif |                                                         |
| ication {# | -   a hearing was conducted but the representative did  |
| b.-executi |     not participate                                     |
| ng-va-form |                                                         |
| -646-prior | -   additional evidence was submitted during or         |
| -to-certif |     subsequent to the                                   |
| ication .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   hearing, or                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   execution of VA Form 646, or                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   exceptional circumstances indicate that an          |
|            |     opportunity should be extended to the               |
|            |     representative to execute *VA Form 646*.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

27\. Review and Statement by an Accredited Service Organization
Representative, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > *VA Form 646* can be executed in remanded cases when  |
| ### c. Exe | > further consideration is required by BVA.             |
| cuting VA  |                                                         |
| Form 646 f | > ***Note***: *VA Form 646* is *not* required when      |
| or Remande |                                                         |
| d Appeals  | -   new evidence is not submitted and additional        |
| {#c.-execu |     actions were not required, or                       |
| ting-va-fo |                                                         |
| rm-646-for | -   an appeal is                                        |
| -remanded- |                                                         |
| appeals .u | ```{=html}                                              |
| nnumbered} | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   remanded by BVA solely for assembly of records,     |
|            |     such as X-ray films or outpatient treatment         |
|            |     folders, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   forwarded without further consideration by the      |
|            |     agency of original jurisdiction.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

27\. Review and Statement by an Accredited Service Organization
Representative, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | Prepare a memo for the representative that requests     |
| # d. Prepa | completion of *VA Form 646* and states the time limits  |
| ring and S | for submission. Send the memo to the representative and |
| ending VA  | place a copy of it in the claims folder for record      |
| Form 646 { | purposes.                                               |
| #d.-prepar |                                                         |
| ing-and-se | ***Note***: Determine the entry for "Reply Requested by |
| nding-va-f | **\[date\]**" in accordance with locally-established    |
| orm-646 .u | rules designed to prevent unwarranted delay. The        |
| nnumbered} | recommended range is five to eight days.                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | If the representative                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   does *not* return *VA Form 646* within the time     |
|            |     limit for submission                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   follow up the request for completion after five     |
|            |     working days have passed since submission, and      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   annotate the file with the date of the follow-up.   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   does *not* return *VA Form 646* within a reasonable |
|            |     amount of time, such as the second workday after    |
|            |     the date of "Reply Requested"                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   annotate the control copy of VA Form 646 as "646    |
|            |     not executed"                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   date and initial the copy, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   file it in the claims folder.                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   requests an extension, refer the request to the     |
|            |     VSCM or his/her designee to decide if the request   |
|            |     should be granted.                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Reference***: For more information on            |
|            |     certification and transfer of the appeal to BVA,    |
|            |     see                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.26, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.28.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

27\. Review and Statement by an Accredited Service Organization
Representative, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | Carefully review                                        |
| . Reviewin |                                                         |
| g the Repr | -   VA Form 646, and                                    |
| esentative |                                                         |
| 's Argumen | -   the representative's arguments.                     |
| ts {#e.-re |                                                         |
| viewing-th |     > Use the table below to respond to the             |
| e-represen |     > representative's arguments on *VA Form 646*.      |
| tatives-ar |                                                         |
| guments .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If the representative ...        | Then ...                          |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| indicates that there may be      | undertake the necessary           |
| additional evidence in support   | development.                      |
| of the claim                     |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| raises new issues                | go to M21-1MR, Part I, 5.E.24.    |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| asserts that statutes or         | -   consider if issuance of an    |
| regulations other than those     |     SSOC is appropriate, and      |
| sited in the SOC apply to the    |                                   |
| appeal                           | -   issue an SSOC *only* if the   |
|                                  |     SOC was erroneous in not      |
|                                  |     including those citations.    |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   cites Court of Appeals for   | -   carefully review the appeal   |
|     Veterans Claims (CAVC)       |     for errors or deficiencies    |
|     decisions to support the     |     that may exist based on the   |
|     claim, and                   |     CAVC decision cited           |
|                                  |                                   |
| -   explains how any CAVC        | -   correct any errors or         |
|     decisions cited apply to the |     deficiencies found, and       |
|     particular appeal            |                                   |
|                                  | -   issue an SSOC.                |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | ***Note***: Do *not* issue an     |
|                                  | SSOC if no errors or deficiencies |
|                                  | are found.                        |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| offers only argument             | do *not* issue an SSOC. BVA will  |
|                                  | consider the representative's     |
|                                  | argument.                         |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Complete the entries in the heading of *VA Form 646*  |
| ### f. Com |                                                         |
| pleting VA | -   prior to certification, and/or                      |
|  Form 646  |                                                         |
| {#f.-compl | -   upon request by BVA for the temporary transfer of   |
| eting-va-f |     the claims folder.                                  |
| orm-646 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 28. Transferring the Claims Folder {#transferring-the-claims-folder .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > When the case is ready for appeal, transfer the       |
| troduction | > claims folder to BVA for review. This topic contains  |
|  {#introdu | > information on                                        |
| ction-3 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   receiving evidence prior to transferring the claims |
|            |     folder to BVA                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to transfer the claims folder to BVA           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   transferring the claims folder, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   permanently transferring the claims folder to       |
|            |     another RO.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > June 19, 2006                                         |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. R | > Use the table below to process evidence received      |
| eceiving E | > prior to transfer of the claims folder to BVA.        |
| vidence Pr |                                                         |
| ior to Tra |                                                         |
| nsferring  |                                                         |
| Claims Fol |                                                         |
| der to BVA |                                                         |
|  {#a.-rece |                                                         |
| iving-evid |                                                         |
| ence-prior |                                                         |
| -to-transf |                                                         |
| erring-cla |                                                         |
| ims-folder |                                                         |
| -to-bva .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| If the evidence | Then ...                                           |
| ...             |                                                    |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| was requested   | -   refer the evidence to the appropriate          |
| by the RO       |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   DRO                                            |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   rating activity, or                            |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   authorization activity, and                    |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   permit the personal appearance of the          |
|                 |     appellant or his/her representative in         |
|                 |     connection with the consideration of such      |
|                 |     additional evidence.                           |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+
| is received     | -   retain the claims folder                       |
| *after* an      |                                                    |
| appeal has been | -   refer the evidence to the appropriate          |
| certified to    |                                                    |
| BVA, but        | ```{=html}                                         |
| *before* the    | <!-- -->                                           |
| claims folder   | ```                                                |
| is transferred  | -   DRO                                            |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   rating activity, or                            |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   authorization activity                         |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   notify BVA of the                              |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   delay, and                                     |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | -   estimated date when the folder will be         |
|                 |     forwarded, and                                 |
|                 |                                                    |
|                 | ```{=html}                                         |
|                 | <!-- -->                                           |
|                 | ```                                                |
|                 | -   forward the claims folder and all other        |
|                 |     records relating to the issue on appeal to     |
|                 |     BVA, upon request.                             |
+-----------------+----------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

28\. Transferring the Claims Folder, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Route the claims folder for transfer to BVA after     |
| ### b. Whe |                                                         |
| n to Trans | -   *VA Form 8* is signed by the DRO, VSCM, or his/her  |
| fer Claims |     designee                                            |
|  Folder to |                                                         |
|  BVA {#b.- | -   all correspondence is released                      |
| when-to-tr |                                                         |
| ansfer-cla | -   VACOLS is updated, and                              |
| ims-folder |                                                         |
| -to-bva .u | -   The VSC creates a temporary claims folder           |
| nnumbered} |     containing copies of                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   VA Form 8                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the latest rating decision                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the latest award letter, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   any other pertinent documents that may be needed to |
|            |     adjudicate any new or supplemental claims while the |
|            |     claims folder is temporarily transferred to BVA.    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Do *not* create an additional volume |
|            | > of a claims folder in the Control of Veterans Records |
|            | > System (COVERS) while the original claims folder is   |
|            | > temporarily located at BVA. Instead, create a         |
|            | > temporary folder to house copies of the documents     |
|            | > listed above.                                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   evidence received after transfer of the claims      |
|            |     folder to BVA, see M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.29.a, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   COVERS folder operations, see the COVERS User's     |
|            |     Guide.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Follow the steps in the table below to transfer the   |
|  Procedure | > claims folder to BVA when the case is ready for BVA   |
|  for Trans | > review.                                               |
| ferring Cl |                                                         |
| aims Folde |                                                         |
| r {#c.-pro |                                                         |
| cedure-for |                                                         |
| -transferr |                                                         |
| ing-claims |                                                         |
| -folder .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Update VACOLS by entering the date the appeal was certified  |
|       | to BVA.                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Result***: The claims folder and all associated evidence  |
|       | will be immediately transferred to BVA.                      |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

28\. Transferring the Claims Folder, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  c\. Procedure for Transferring Claims Folder (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Prepare a locally-generated letter to notify the appellant   |
|       | that the appeal has been certified and transferred to BVA.   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | If a hearing was requested before BVA in Washington, DC, add |
|       | the following statement to the letter:                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | *"You will be advised by the Board concerning your request   |
|       | for a hearing."*                                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: Do *not* use the letter generated by the         |
|       | Benefits Delivery Network (BDN).                             |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | -   Send copies of the locally-generated letter to the       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   appellant                                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   representative, and                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   other interested persons, if any, and                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   ensure that a copy of the letter is in the claims folder |
|       |     when it is forwarded to BVA.                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       |     ***Notes***:                                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If the appellant's address is not known                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   continue to forward the appeal to BVA, and               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   send notice to the appellant at the last known address.  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   Receipt of *VA Form 9* places it under BVA jurisdiction. |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > To permanently transfer the claims folder to another  |
| ### d. Per | > RO                                                    |
| manently T |                                                         |
| ransferrin | -   indicate the new RO location on the claims folder   |
| g Claims F |                                                         |
| older to A | -   update                                              |
| nother RO  |                                                         |
| {#d.-perma | ```{=html}                                              |
| nently-tra | <!-- -->                                                |
| nsferring- | ```                                                     |
| claims-fol | -   the address, and                                    |
| der-to-ano |                                                         |
| ther-ro .u | -   VACOLS to reflect the transfer of the claims folder |
| nnumbered} |     to the receiving RO, and                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   transfer the claims folder and all evidence         |
|            |     relating to the appeal to the other RO.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 29. Receiving Evidence and Changes after Certification and Transfer

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > In some situations, the appellant or his/her          |
| troduction | > representative may submit evidence or changes after   |
|  {#introdu | > the appeal is certified and transferred to BVA. This  |
| ction-4 .u | > topic contains information on                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   receiving evidence after certification and transfer |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requesting temporary return of the claims folder    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   receiving unrelated claims after certification and  |
|            |     transfer                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   receiving a change of address after certification   |
|            |     and transfer                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   guidelines for changing representation after        |
|            |     certification and transfer                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   receiving a change in representation after          |
|            |     certification and transfer                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   guidelines for requesting a hearing after           |
|            |     certification and transfer, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   receiving a request for a hearing after             |
|            |     certification and transfer.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > June 19, 2006                                         |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. R | > Consideration of appeals involves studying all        |
| eceiving E | > evidence available relating to the issue presented.   |
| vidence af | > Follow the steps in the table below when evidence is  |
| ter Certif | > received after an appeal has been certified and the   |
| ication an | > claims folder has been transferred.                   |
| d Transfer |                                                         |
|  {#a.-rece |                                                         |
| iving-evid |                                                         |
| ence-after |                                                         |
| -certifica |                                                         |
| tion-and-t |                                                         |
| ransfer .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -------- --------------------------------------------------------------
  Step     Action

  1        Review the copy of *VA Form 8* that has been retained in the
           temporary claims folder.

  2        Determine the relationship of the evidence to the issue under
           BVA review.
  -------- --------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

29\. Receiving Evidence and Changes after Certification and Transfer,
Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  a\. Receiving Evidence after Certification and Transfer (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Is the evidence related to the issue under BVA review?       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes,* forward the new evidence to BVA, together with |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   a copy of the associated VACOLS screen, and/or           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   a copy of *VA Form 8.* (***Note***: If BVA determines    |
|       |     that the evidence was received timely, BVA will seek a   |
|       |     waiver of initial RO consideration from the appellant    |
|       |     and consider whether a remand to the RO is merited.)     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, obtain the information needed to process the    |
|       |     unrelated claim from the claims folder by                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   calling or faxing the appropriate BVA team, or           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   requesting temporary return of the claims folder.        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | > ***References***:                                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   For a list of BVA points of contact, see M21-1MR, Part   |
|       |     I, 5.F.32.                                               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   For more information on                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   requesting return of the claims folder, see M21-1MR,     |
|       |     Part I, 5.F.29.b                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   handling claims received while the folder is at General  |
|       |     Counsel awaiting CAVC processing, see M21-1MR, Part I,   |
|       |     5.J.48                                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   obtaining a waiver of initial consideration of evidence, |
|       |     see *Disabled American Veterans et al. v. Secretary*,    |
|       |     Case Nos. 02-7304, -7305, -7316 (Fed. Cir. May 1, 2003)  |
|       |     and VAOPGCPREC 1-2003, and                               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the time limit for submission of additional evidence,    |
|       |     see [38 CFR                                              |
|       |     20.1304](http:/                                          |
|       | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_1304.DOC). |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

29\. Receiving Evidence and Changes after Certification and Transfer,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > When you receive unrelated evidence, and the claims   |
| b. Request | > folder is essential to adjudication of a claim        |
| ing Tempor | > unrelated to the appeal issue                         |
| ary Return |                                                         |
|  of Claims | -   contact the appropriate BVA staff point of contact  |
|  Folder {# |     shown in M21-1MR, Part I, 5.F.32, and               |
| b.-request |                                                         |
| ing-tempor | -   furnish the                                         |
| ary-return |                                                         |
| -of-claims | ```{=html}                                              |
| -folder .u | <!-- -->                                                |
| nnumbered} | ```                                                     |
|            | -   appellant's name                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appellant's claim number, and                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason for requesting the claims folder.            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Result***: BVA determines whether the claims       |
|            | > folder can be returned to the RO. If BVA cannot       |
|            | > return the claims folder immediately, BVA will        |
|            | > indicate the anticipated date of return.              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If an unrelated claim is received while the           |
| c. Receivi | > appellant's claims folder is before BVA               |
| ng Unrelat |                                                         |
| ed Claims  | -   place the claim under control, and                  |
| after Cert |                                                         |
| ification  | -   act on it as soon as possible.                      |
| and Transf |                                                         |
| er {#c.-re |     > ***Note***: CAVC has stated that undue delay on   |
| ceiving-un |     > new claims will not be tolerated.                 |
| related-cl |                                                         |
| aims-after |     > ***Reference***: For more information on          |
| -certifica |     > unrelated claims, see *Ebert v. Brown*, 4 Vet.    |
| tion-and-t |     > App. 434 (1993).                                  |
| ransfer .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

29\. Receiving Evidence and Changes after Certification and Transfer,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If a change of address is received after              |
| ### d. Rec | > certification or transfer, refer the claim for VACOLS |
| eiving a C | > input.                                                |
| hange of A |                                                         |
| ddress Aft |                                                         |
| er Certifi |                                                         |
| cation and |                                                         |
|  Transfer  |                                                         |
| {#d.-recei |                                                         |
| ving-a-cha |                                                         |
| nge-of-add |                                                         |
| ress-after |                                                         |
| -certifica |                                                         |
| tion-and-t |                                                         |
| ransfer .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e. G | > An appellant may submit a request for a change in     |
| uidelines  | > representation                                        |
| for Changi |                                                         |
| ng Represe | -   within 90 days from the mailing of notice that an   |
| ntation Af |     appeal has been certified to BVA, or                |
| ter Certif |                                                         |
| ication an | -   until the date the appellate decision is made by    |
| d Transfer |     BVA, whichever comes first.                         |
|  {#e.-guid |                                                         |
| elines-for |     > After this time period, BVA may permit a change   |
| -changing- |     > in representation for good cause. BVA will        |
| representa |     > determine if the request to change                |
| tion-after |     > representatives can be accepted.                  |
| -certifica |                                                         |
| tion-and-t |                                                         |
| ransfer .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If notice is received of the appointment by the       |
| f. Receivi | > appellant of a new representative *after*             |
| ng a Chang | > certification and transfer of the appeal to BVA       |
| e in Repre |                                                         |
| sentation  | -   send the request for a change in representation     |
| After Cert |     directly to BVA, *not* the RO                       |
| ification  |                                                         |
| and Transf | -   update the following systems to reflect the new     |
| er {#f.-re |     power of attorney code:                             |
| ceiving-a- |                                                         |
| change-in- | ```{=html}                                              |
| representa | <!-- -->                                                |
| tion-after | ```                                                     |
| -certifica | -   VACOLS                                              |
| tion-and-t |                                                         |
| ransfer .u | -   the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator      |
| nnumbered} |     Subsystem (BIRLS)/SHARE, and                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   BDN/SHARE, including the pending issue file (PIF),  |
|            |     if necessary.                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   forward the document appointing the new             |
|            |     representative to BVA, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   keep a photocopy for the drop file pending return   |
|            |     of the claims folder.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information on          |
|            |     > receiving a change in representation after        |
|            |     > certification and transfer, see [38 CFR           |
|            |     > 20.1304](http://www.                              |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_1304.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

29\. Receiving Evidence and Changes after Certification and Transfer,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > An appellant may submit a request for a hearing on an |
| # g. Guide | > appeal                                                |
| lines for  |                                                         |
| Requesting | -   within 90 days from the mailing of notice that an   |
|  a Hearing |     appeal has been certified and transferred to BVA,   |
|  After Cer |     or                                                  |
| tification |                                                         |
|  and Trans | -   until the date the appellate decision is            |
| fer {#g.-g |     established by BVA, whichever comes first.          |
| uidelines- |                                                         |
| for-reques |     > ***Note***: BVA will determine if a hearing can   |
| ting-a-hea |     > be scheduled.                                     |
| ring-after |                                                         |
| -certifica |     > ***Reference***: For more information on          |
| tion-and-t |     > guidelines for requesting a hearing after         |
| ransfer .u |     > certification and transfer, see [38 CFR           |
| nnumbered} |     > 20.1304](http://www.                              |
|            | warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_1304.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### h. R | > Send requests for a hearing directly to BVA, *not*    |
| eceiving a | > the RO. If a request is received at the RO, forward   |
|  Request f | > it to BVA.                                            |
| or a Heari |                                                         |
| ng After C | > ***Reference***: For more information on receiving a  |
| ertificati | > request for a hearing after certification and         |
| on and Tra | > transfer, see [38 CFR                                 |
| nsfer {#h. | > 20.1304](http://www.                                  |
| -receiving | warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_1304.DOC). |
| -a-request |                                                         |
| -for-a-hea |                                                         |
| ring-after |                                                         |
| -certifica |                                                         |
| tion-and-t |                                                         |
| ransfer .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 30. Advancing a Case on the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) Docket {#advancing-a-case-on-the-board-of-veterans-appeals-bva-docket .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > In some situations, the VSR, appellant, or the        |
| troduction | > appellant's representative files an advanced motion   |
|            | > to request earlier consideration of a case by BVA.    |
|            | > This topic contains information on                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the reasons for advancing a case on the BVA docket  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the process for advancing a case on the BVA docket  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling an advanced motion from an appellant or    |
|            |     his/her representative                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   forwarding the advanced motion from the appellant   |
|            |     or his/her representative to BVA, and               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   BVA's acknowledgement of an appellant's advanced    |
|            |     motion.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 19, 2005                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Normally, BVA considers cases in the order of their   |
| a. Reasons | > placement on the docket. However, [38 U.S.C.          |
|  for Advan | >                                                       |
| cing a Cas |  7107](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/38/7107.html) |
| e on the B | > allows an advance on the docket for good cause.       |
| VA Docket  | >                                                       |
|            | > In this case, good cause includes, but is not limited |
|            | > to                                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an appellant's                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   terminal illness                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   advanced age, and/or                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   extreme financial hardship, and/or                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   matters concerning an interpretation of a law that, |
|            |     when generally applied, may affect the claims of    |
|            |     other veterans and/or their dependents.             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Status as a former prisoner of war (POW), |
|            | > in itself, is not a sufficient cause for requesting   |
|            | > an advance on the docket.                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

30\. Advancing a Case on the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) Docket,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The table below describes the process for advancing a |
|  b. Proces | > case on the BVA docket, if advancement is warranted   |
| s for Adva | > at the pre-certification step.                        |
| ncing a Ca |                                                         |
| se on the  |                                                         |
| BVA Docket |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Stage | Description                                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | The VSR prepares a memorandum to send to the VSCM. This      |
|       | memorandum documents all factors that he/she believes to     |
|       | warrant an advance on the BVA docket.                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | If the VSCM                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   approves the request, go to Stage 3, or                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   does *not* approve the request                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   the VSCM prepares a note to that effect over his/her     |
|       |     signature, and                                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the VSR places the note in the claims folder.            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Important***: The VSCM may *not* delegate authority to    |
|       | approve a request for an advance on the docket. However, in  |
|       | the absence of the VSCM, the Assistant or Acting VSCM may    |
|       | assume the authority.                                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | The VSR                                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   prepares a letter to the Chairman of BVA requesting an   |
|       |     advance on the docket, including the detailed reasons    |
|       |     that warrant the advance                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   obtains the signature of the RO Director on the letter   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   attaches the letter to the claims folder, and            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   sends the claims folder to BVA.                          |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | If BVA                                                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   *approves* the request, BVA includes a statement in      |
|       |     their decision regarding the approved request for an     |
|       |     advance on the docket, or                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   *denies* the request, BVA immediately notifies the       |
|       |     appellant and/or his/her representative.                 |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

30\. Advancing a Case on the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) Docket,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c. H | > If the appellant or his/her representative requests   |
| andling an | > an advance on the BVA docket, the VSCM does *not*     |
|  Advanced  | > rule on the merits of the motion.                     |
| Motion Fro | >                                                       |
| m an Appel | > Instead, attach the motion to the letter prepared for |
| lant or Hi | > the Chairman of BVA. Use appropriate language in the  |
| s/Her Repr | > letter to refer to the motion in lieu of a detailed   |
| esentative | > explanation of the reasons for the advance on the     |
|            | > docket.                                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Use the table below to forward the motion to BVA when |
| ### d. For | > the appellant or his/her representative requests      |
| warding an | > earlier consideration by BVA.                         |
|  Advanced  |                                                         |
| Motion fro |                                                         |
| m an Appel |                                                         |
| lant or Hi |                                                         |
| s/Her Repr |                                                         |
| esentative |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| If the appeal is    | Then ...                                       |
| ...                 |                                                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| in BVA custody      | forward the motion to BVA via transmittal      |
|                     | stating "*See attached motion to advance on    |
|                     | BVA docket.*"                                  |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+
| *not* in BVA        | -   photocopy the motion                       |
| custody, regardless |                                                |
| of jurisdictional   | -   annotate the motion document as "*Copy to  |
| authority           |     BVA*"                                      |
|                     |                                                |
|                     | -   initial and date the annotation            |
|                     |                                                |
|                     | -   return the claims folder to the next       |
|                     |     activity, and                              |
|                     |                                                |
|                     | -   forward a copy of the motion to BVA via    |
|                     |     transmittal stating "*See attached motion  |
|                     |     to advance on BVA docket.*"                |
+---------------------+------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > BVA                                                   |
| #### e. BV |                                                         |
| A's Acknow | -   acknowledges the receipt of the motion to the       |
| ledgement  |     appellant, and                                      |
| of Appella |                                                         |
| nt's Advan | -   enters a ruling with respect to the disposition of  |
| ced Motion |     the motion to advance.                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Take the actions in the table below if BVA grants a   |
|            | > motion for earlier consideration.                     |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on requests for |
|            | > transfer of the claims folder, see [38 U.S.C.         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | 7107](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/38/7107.html). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

30\. Advancing a Case on the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) Docket,
Continued

  ----------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
  e\. BVA's         
  Acknowledgement   
  of Appellant's    
  Advanced Motion   
  (continued)       

  ----------------- ----------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | BVA notifies Compensation and Pension (C&P) Service of the   |
|       | grant.                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | C&P Service notifies the Veteran Service Center Manager      |
|       | (VSCM) at the RO where the claims folder is located          |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | The RO must forward the folder to BVA within 10 workdays     |
|       | from the day they were notified of the grant for earlier     |
|       | consideration. If the RO cannot forward the folder within 10 |
|       | workdays                                                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the VSCM or VSCM designee must e-mail the C&P's advance  |
|       |     docket mailbox at **VAVBAWAS/CO/21/BVA ADVANCE MOTION.** |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   Include in the e-mail                                    |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   an explanation on why the folder cannot be sent, and     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the approximate date the folder will be available for    |
|       |     transfer.                                                |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

#### 31. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 19, 2005                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 1 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### a. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 1 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="6.49375in" height="6.49375in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

31\. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 2 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### b. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 2 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image2.png){width="6.284722222222222in" height="5.19375in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

31\. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 3 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### c. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 3 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image3.jpeg){width="6.497222222222222in" height="6.85625in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

31\. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 4 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### d. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 4 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image4.png){width="5.586111111111111in" height="6.66875in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

31\. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 5 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### e. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 5 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image5.png){width="5.805555555555555in"
  height="6.940277777777778in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Continued on next page

31\. Exhibit 1: Certification Worksheet, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Page 6 of a sample of the certification worksheet is  |
| ### f. Cer | > below.                                                |
| tification |                                                         |
|  Worksheet |                                                         |
|  -- Page 6 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image6.png){width="6.279166666666667in"
  height="6.279166666666667in"}

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

#### 32. Exhibit 2: BVA Points of Contact

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This exhibit contains information on BVA points of    |
| troduction | > contact.                                              |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-6 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > April 25, 2007                                        |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > ***Point of Contact***: Sondra Johnson                |
| Team I ROs | >                                                       |
| : Central  | > ***Telephone Number***: (202) 565-5637                |
| Region {#a | >                                                       |
| .-team-i-r | > ***Status Calls***: (202) 565-5436                    |
| os-central | >                                                       |
| -region .u | > ***Fax Number***: (202) 565-4720                      |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   Chicago, Illinois                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Cleveland, Ohio                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Des Moines, Iowa                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Detroit, Michigan                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Fargo, North Dakota                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Indianapolis, Indiana                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Lincoln, Nebraska                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Louisville, Kentucky                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Milwaukee, Wisconsin                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Muskogee, Oklahoma                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Sioux Falls, South Dakota                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   St. Louis, Missouri                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   St. Paul, Minnesota                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Wichita, Kansas                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

32\. Exhibit 2: BVA Points of Contact, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > ***Point of Contact***: Mary Short                    |
| ## b. Team | >                                                       |
|  II ROs: S | > ***Telephone Number***: (202) 565-6255                |
| outhern Re | >                                                       |
| gion {#b.- | > ***Status Calls***: (202) 565-5436                    |
| team-ii-ro | >                                                       |
| s-southern | > ***Fax Number***: (202) 565-4720                      |
| -region .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   Atlanta, Georgia                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Jackson, Mississippi                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Little Rock, Arkansas                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Montgomery, Alabama                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Nashville, Tennessee                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   New Orleans, Louisiana                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   San Juan, Puerto Rico                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   St. Petersburg, Florida                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > ***Point of Contact***: Freddie Carelock              |
| ## c. Team | >                                                       |
|  III ROs:  | > ***Telephone Number***: (202) 565-4959                |
| Eastern Re | >                                                       |
| gion {#c.- | > ***Status Calls***: (202) 565-5536                    |
| team-iii-r | >                                                       |
| os-eastern | > ***Fax Number***: (202) 565-4720                      |
| -region .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   Baltimore, Maryland                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Boston, Massachusetts                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Buffalo, New York                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Columbia, South Carolina                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Hartford, Connecticut                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Huntington, West Virginia                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Manchester, New Hampshire                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   New York, New York                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Newark, New Jersey                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Providence, Rhode Island                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Roanoke, Virginia                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Togus, Maine                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Washington, DC                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   White River Junction, Vermont                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Wilmington, Delaware                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Winston-Salem, North Carolina                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

32\. Exhibit 2: BVA Points of Contact, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > ***Point of Contact***: Barbara Tapia                 |
| #### d. Te | >                                                       |
| am IV ROs: | > ***Telephone Number***: (202) 565-9989                |
|  Western R | >                                                       |
| egion {#d. | > ***Status Calls***: (202) 565-5436                    |
| -team-iv-r | >                                                       |
| os-western | > ***Fax Number***: (202) 565-4720                      |
| -region .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   Albuquerque, New Mexico                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Anchorage, Alaska                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Boise, Idaho                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Cheyenne, Wyoming                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Denver, Colorado                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Fort Harrison, Montana                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Honolulu, Hawaii                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Houston, Texas                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Los Angeles, California                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Manila, Philippine Islands                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Oakland, California                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Phoenix, Arizona                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Portland, Oregon                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Reno, Nevada                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Salt Lake City, Utah                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   San Diego, California                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Seattle, Washington                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Waco, Texas                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+