Podcasts about veterans appeals

Join us on the Legacy Podcast as we welcome Cheryl Mason, founder of Catalyst Leadership Management, to share her inspiring journey from a military spouse to a pioneering leader in the government sector. Cheryl recounts her career progression, including her remarkable role as the first woman and military spouse to chair the Board of Veterans Appeals. Through this conversation, Cheryl reveals the transformative leadership strategies she employed, focusing on investing in and supporting her team, which resulted in remarkable improvements in productivity and morale. Listen in as Cheryl provides valuable insights into transitioning from a command-and-control leadership style to a more empathetic approach, emphasizing the importance of human connection and open communication. Discover the power of effective leadership through communication and action as we explore the significance of open communication and accessibility in fostering a valued and engaged workforce. Cheryl discusses the challenges of consulting for organizations that may not fully recognize their role in employee engagement and highlights the gratifying experience of showing people their value. This episode underscores the importance of leaving a personal legacy of purpose and impact. Tune in to hear Cheryl's reflections on an alternative career in psychology and how her fascination with human behavior has shaped her leadership style, making this a truly insightful conversation on leadership transformation. Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to the Business Legacy Podcast 00:00:30 - Cheryl Mason's Background: From Military Spouse to Leadership Management 00:01:45 - Career Progression in Government: Becoming the First Woman Chair of the Board of Veterans Appeals 00:03:00 - Transition from Command-and-Control to Empathetic Leadership 00:04:30 - The Importance of Human Connection and Open Communication in Leadership 00:06:00 - Investing in and Supporting Teams to Transform Organizational Culture 00:09:02 - The Role of Open Communication in Effective Leadership 00:10:30 - Implementing Employee Suggestions to Boost Efficiency 00:12:00 - Consulting Challenges: Engaging Organizations in Employee Involvement 00:13:30 - The Gratifying Aspect of Empowering Individuals to Recognize Their Value 00:15:00 - Cheryl's Reflections on a Potential Career in Psychology 00:17:35 - Closing Remarks Episode Resources Go to https://www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com/ to find out more about Cheryl.  Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com. Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the shownotes and additional resources on the episode.

In this podcast episode, Avik Chakraborty interviews Cheri Mason, a trailblazer who rose from humble beginnings to become the first woman and military spouse to serve as chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cheri shares her inspiring journey from the foothills of Appalachia, where she faced significant challenges, including the loss of her father and societal stigma around mental health. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, relationships, and support systems in overcoming adversity. Cheri discusses her concept of relational leadership, which focuses on building connections and trust within an organization. She highlights how understanding and investing in people can lead to innovation and better collaboration. Cheri also shares a pivotal moment in her career when she moved to Germany and took on a role as an executive secretary, which taught her valuable leadership skills and strategic thinking. Throughout the conversation, Cheri underscores the significance of making employees feel valued and the impact of positive leadership on both individuals and organizations. She advises aspiring leaders to build relationships, seek mentors, and focus on the human aspect of leadership to create meaningful change.

Garren, an accredited claims agent and CEO of AVET Appeals explains the process of appealing to the Board of Veterans Appeals for VA disability claims. The discussion between Leah and Garren highlights various options available to veterans during the appeal process, such as selecting a decision review lane and the possibility of requesting a hearing. They emphasize the significance of preparing and presenting new and relevant evidence, the importance of timelines in the appeal process, and the impact of personal interactions during hearings. The video also touches upon the challenges veterans face in navigating the VA system and the importance of providing ample evidence to support their claims. For more info on Garren and AVET Appeals check them out at: https://avetappeals.com/

Mental health is a standard topic nowadays, but what are its implications in the workplace? Kennedy and Carmen are joined by the Honorable Cheryl Mason, former chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, who shares her personal and professional experiences with mental health and the ways in which good leadership can positively impact work results. Polar Bear POV Emma Cook concludes the episode by offering her insight as a student, college athlete, and future leader with firsthand knowledge of what makes a successful leader and good mental health support.

**Introduction    - Moni Jefferson introduces the Owning Up Podcast.    - Focus on modern military spouses navigating family, business, and community. Guest Introduction: Sherry Mason    - Moni introduces Sherry Mason, military spouse, speaker, coach, and advocate.    - Sherry's distinguished career, including being the first woman and military spouse chairman of the VA Board of Veterans Appeals.    - Sherry's upcoming book, "Dare to Relate: Leading with the Fierce Heart." Interview with Sherry Mason    - Moni welcomes Sherry to the show.    - Sherry's current status in her military spouse journey – retired from the VA, engaged in community work, and focusing on finishing her book.    - Discussion on imposter syndrome and advice for military spouses in business. Building Trust in Leadership    - Sherry elaborates on fostering trust up, down, and across.    - Importance of genuine connections and visibility, especially in a virtual world.    - Trust as the foundation for impactful leadership. Breaking Glass Ceilings    - Sherry shares her role as the first woman and military spouse chairman of the VA Board of Veterans Appeals.    - Leadership principles – leading from wherever you are, embracing unconventional leadership.    - Advice for spouses aspiring to break their own glass ceilings. Upcoming Book: "Dare to Relate: Leading with the Fierce Heart"    - Sherry's motivation for writing the book – facing doubt and skepticism in a leadership role.    - Sharing experiences to inspire others to lead with authenticity and resilience. Closing    - Moni thanks Sherry for sharing her wisdom and experiences.    - Announcement to listeners – stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical tips.    - Closing message: You're not alone on this entrepreneurial journey. Keep owning up and thriving! We love how our listeners support the mission of AMSE and the Owning Up podcast. As we continue to grow, advocate, and support military spouse entrepreneurs, we wanted to offer that same chance to you, our listeners. For only $5 - you can increase our reach within our community - locally, nationally, and globally. Visit Glow.fm/owningup to become an Owning Up supporter today!  Remember, membership Circle has all you need to register for events, connect with other members, and share your wins! You can find all you need to start, grow, and elevate your business!   If you're new to Owning Up, make sure to subscribe to know when a new episode drops. If you're a milspouse, who has a business or is thinking of starting one, join us here at www.amsemembers.com. As always, check out our previous episodes for encouragement, connection, and information.  We'd love to have you join our fantastic community! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Follow Moni Jefferson on Instagram. Visit our website to become a member: AMSE Email us at hello@amseagency.com

On this episode Derek sits with The Honorable Cheryl "Cheri" Mason.  Cheri is the former Chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Board of Veterans Appeals.  Cheri was the first woman and first military spouse confirmed by the US Senate to the position.  She will be discussing how the adversity she faced growing up, how she got her law degree at Creighton, how she came to the Department of Veterans Affairs, her rise through the ranks and she takes some very tough questions about the operations of the VA Appeals Process and what the VA is getting right and wrong.  She also addresses the high Veteran Suicide Rate since the end of the Afghanistan War, the controversy over her leaving the VA and her new career as a motivational speaker and also her new book, “Dare to Relate, Leading with a Fierce Heart".  This is a very challenging interview and I think Veterans will gain a lot of insight into the inner workings of the Appeals process.Website: https://www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheri-cheryl-mason-b231838/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherimason17_author/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catalystleadershipmgmt/SPONSOR - Go to https://betterhelp.com/derekduvallshow for 10% off your first month of therapy with @betterhelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

In this episode, we are joined by Cheri Mason, a distinguished attorney who dedicated years of service to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cheri's career includes becoming the first woman and military spouse to be Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals. The discussion focuses primarily on the inner workings of the Veterans' Appeals process and the improvements made to streamline and enhance the system. Cheri also opens up about her family's experience with suicide and the importance of open dialogue around mental health in society. She offers valuable resources for suicide prevention and the importance of seeking help when needed. Additionally, she provides a sneak peek into her upcoming book, 'Dare to Relate, Leading with a Fierce Heart' and shares the profound lessons she learned in her leadership journey. This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking a better understanding of Veteran's benefits, mental health challenges, and leadership. Support the Show Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 4Patriots - visit https://4Patriots.com/DriveOn to get the best discounts and deals on survival supplies! Links & Resources Website: https://www.catalystleadershipmgmt.com/ Follow Cheri Mason on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cheri-cheryl-mason-b231838 Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

This Day in Legal History: Alabama Admitted as 22nd StateOn this day in legal history, December 14 marks a significant milestone for the state of Alabama and the United States. On December 14, 1819, Alabama was formally admitted as the twenty-second state in the Union. This momentous event came after a period of rapid growth and settlement in the region, which was initially part of the Mississippi Territory. The admission of Alabama into the Union was not just a geographic expansion; it was a significant legal and political event. It reflected the ongoing debates and complexities of American federalism, state sovereignty, and the balance of power between the northern and southern states. The Constitution of Alabama, first adopted in 1819, laid the foundation for the state's legal and governmental structure, embodying principles of democracy and governance that were essential to the young nation.The original Alabama Constitution, like many state constitutions of the era, was heavily influenced by the U.S. Constitution. It established a framework for state government, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches, while also reflecting the social and economic conditions of the time. For instance, it included provisions related to land ownership, state boundaries, and the rights of individuals, all crucial aspects of state governance and individual liberties.Over the years, the Constitution of Alabama has undergone several revisions and amendments, reflecting the changing needs and values of the state's population. These changes have addressed issues such as civil rights, electoral processes, and the structure of state government, showing the dynamic nature of constitutional law within a state context.The admission of Alabama as a state is not just a historical footnote; it represents a pivotal moment in the development of the United States' legal and political landscape. It highlights the evolving nature of statehood and federalism in American history and serves as a reminder of the complex legal heritage that has shaped the nation. By examining the Constitution of Alabama and its history, one gains insight into the broader narrative of state and national development in the United States.A recent development in law school admissions has seen a growing number of institutions moving away from relying solely on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for student admissions. This shift is partly in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ban on race-conscious admissions, as law schools seek alternative methods to foster diversity in their student bodies.Georgetown University Law Center and Washburn University School of Law have received approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) to admit some students without considering the LSAT. Additionally, 14 other law schools have been permitted to use the JD-Next program for admissions. This program involves an eight-week series of online legal courses, culminating in an exam. In total, 47 out of 197 ABA-accredited U.S. law schools are now cleared to use JD-Next this year.The LSAT has been a traditional staple in law school admissions, but its role has been scrutinized due to concerns over potential biases and its impact on minority applicants. Critics argue that the LSAT poses a significant barrier to aspiring minority lawyers, citing that minority test-takers generally score lower than their white counterparts. A 2019 study highlighted this disparity, with average scores for Black LSAT takers at 142, compared to 153 for white and Asian test-takers. The Law School Admission Council, however, maintains that the LSAT is the best predictor of law school performance.In response to the Supreme Court's ruling, law schools are exploring different ways to assess and admit diverse student groups without considering race. For instance, Georgetown plans to admit up to 10 students into its part-time evening program without standardized test scores, focusing instead on applicants' life and work experiences. Washburn Law's program is targeted at Washburn University undergraduates with a minimum GPA requirement, offering guaranteed admission and using the LSAT only for merit aid decisions, not admissions.This trend reflects a broader shift in college admissions, as institutions seek to adapt to legal changes and evolving perspectives on diversity and educational equity.Law schools embrace LSAT alternatives after affirmative action ban | ReutersElon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and the world's richest person, is set to confront the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a San Francisco court over his testimony regarding his takeover of Twitter. The SEC has sued Musk to compel him to provide further testimony as part of their investigation into his 2022 purchase of Twitter, which he later renamed X. The probe is focused on whether Musk adhered to legal requirements when filing paperwork about his Twitter stock purchases and if his statements about the deal were misleading.This legal battle is the latest episode in a long-standing feud between Musk and the SEC, dating back to 2018. The SEC's interest in Musk's dealings with Twitter began in April 2022, when he first disclosed his stock purchases in the company. Although Musk has already provided documents and testified via videoconference for the SEC's investigation, the agency claims it has more questions following the receipt of new documents.Musk's lawyers have called the SEC's actions harassment and argue that individual SEC attorneys lack the authority to issue subpoenas for testimony. In contrast, the SEC maintains that its officials have the legal right to seek additional testimony as investigations progress.The upcoming court hearing, scheduled for Thursday at 9:30 a.m. PST, will see both sides presenting their arguments. The SEC must demonstrate that its probe is within its jurisdiction, follows procedural requirements, and that the sought evidence is relevant and material. Legal experts anticipate the judge may favor the SEC but could impose certain conditions.The conflict between Musk and the SEC goes back to his 2018 "funding secured" tweet, leading to a settlement with the SEC and subsequent legal actions, including a shareholder lawsuit which Musk won. The billionaire's relationship with Twitter has been complex, starting with his initial declaration of being a passive stakeholder, followed by an attempted withdrawal from the $44 billion takeover deal, and culminating in his eventual acquisition of the platform in late October 2022 after legal pressure.Elon Musk and SEC to face off in court over Twitter testimonyIn a federal court in Manhattan, an attorney representing Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer, faced scrutiny for filing a motion seeking early termination of Cohen's supervised release. The motion contained citations to cases that were either irrelevant or entirely fabricated. The court ordered the attorney, David M. Schwartz, to explain these misleading citations by providing the actual cases or providing a written explanation by a specified date. Judge Jesse M. Furman expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the citations. One of the references cited as a Second Circuit case was actually a decision from the Fourth Circuit, unrelated to supervised release. Another citation led to a decision from the Board of Veterans Appeals, completely unrelated to the case context. The third citation seemed to have no basis in reality at all.Legal experts speculated that this might be a case of the attorney's misunderstanding or misrepresentation, possibly related to limitations in legal research tools. Schwartz faces possible monetary sanctions, but there's a possibility of more severe actions, such as referral to disciplinary authorities.A new attorney, E. Danya Perry, who took over Cohen's representation, acknowledged the errors in the citations and couldn't verify the referenced case law upon conducting her own research. She informed the court about these issues, maintaining ethical transparency.Perry, in her reply, mentioned different case law to support the motion for early termination of Cohen's release, expressing her belief in its merit. Judge Furman delayed judgment pending Schwartz's response to the order.As of the report, Schwartz hadn't responded to requests for comment. The case, known as United States v. Cohen, awaits further clarification and submissions as ordered by the court.Michael Cohen Lawyer Ordered to Explain Nonsense Case CitationsIn a patent dispute between Sonos Inc. and Google LLC, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected Google's attempt to halt the import of Sonos' smart speakers. The products in question, including Sonos One, Move, Roam, Arc, Beam, and Era 100 and 300, were accused by Google of infringing patents.The ITC declined to review a judge's decision that found no infringement of valid claims from three patents held by Google.Judge Cameron Elliot's initial determination in September stated that Sonos hadn't violated US import laws as the claims it allegedly infringed upon were deemed invalid. Additionally, Google couldn't prove Sonos' infringement on another patent. Google sought a review of these findings, claiming errors in the judgment, but Sonos argued that Google failed to substantiate its grievances.This marks the most recent development in an extensive and convoluted patent battle between these companies, characterized by numerous petitions submitted to the ITC. Amidst this legal tussle, an eight-figure jury verdict was overturned, and a judge criticized the tactics employed in this dispute, labeling them as representative of the most contentious aspects of patent litigation.Sonos Beats Google Attempt to Block US Imports of Smart Speakers Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Show SummaryOn this episode, we feature a conversation with The Honorable Cheryl L. Mason, who served for nearly five years as the fourth Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee and first woman and military spouse Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). About Today's GuestsThe Honorable Cheryl L. Mason served for nearly five years as the fourth Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee and first woman and military spouse Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As Chairman, Ms. Mason led a team of approximately 1,200 personnel including Veterans Law Judges, attorneys, and operations and administrative professionals, and executed a budget of $228 million to meet the Board's mission of conducting hearings and deciding appeals on benefits and services for Veterans and their families. During her tenure, the Board implemented several technological innovations to include the interactive decision template (IDT), CASEFLOW – a modernized end to end process of tracking claims and appeals through the Department, and Virtual Tele-hearings, which revolutionized the hearing process and improved both customer experience and employee experience by enabling Veterans to have hearings on their cell phones at locations of their choice. She expanded the corps of Veterans Law Judges, recommending and onboarding over 70 new Veterans Law Judges and expanding the Board's budget by more than $100 million. She also championed and implemented the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) appeals process putting veterans at the center of the appeals process giving them choice, control, and clarity in the appeals process.Chairman Mason delivered results increasing and improving access and outcomes for veterans and their families by nearly doubling the number of hearings held and decisions issued in less than 5 years and driving the resolution of legacy appeals from over 472,000 to less than 96,000 during her tenure. Ms. Mason was recognized by Disabled American Veterans as the 2021 Outstanding Federal Executive and was a recipient of the FedHealthIT 2020 Leading for Impact: Women in Leadership Award. She was recently awarded the Hiring Our Heroes Bonnie Amos Lifetime Achievement Impact Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Ms. Mason formerly served as the Executive Director for Veterans and Military Spouse Talent Engagement Program office for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this position, Ms. Mason provided executive-level direction and expertise launching a marketing, outreach and training program VA-wide to over 400,000 people focused on building partnerships, training hiring managers and HR specialists, and promoting recruitment, employment, and retention of Veterans and military spouses in VA to support military readiness, financial stability, food security, suicide prevention, and the transition of service members and their families to veteran status. During her tenure, she doubled the number of recruitment events for VA, launched a tracking program to measure success, and implemented technology and streamlined processes to deliver clear and concise training materials throughout the VA and externally.Throughout her career, Ms. Mason held several positions at VA and other Federal agencies, including at HQ USAFE at Ramstein AFB, GE. Ms. Mason is the spouse of an Air Force veteran, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (retired), and is the daughter of a World War II Navy Veteran. She advocates for supporting and changing the culture and increasing awareness surrounding mental health and suicide awareness/prevention. Originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, Ms. Mason received her B.A. with Distinction in Political Science and Psychology from Ohio Northern University and her J.D. from Creighton University School of Law.Links Mentioned In This EpisodeCheri's WebsiteCheri's LinkedIn ProfilePre-order Dare to RelatePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor resource of the week is the PsychArmor the course, Understanding the VA for You and Your Family. In this course, you will receive a comprehensive overview of the VA's many available services, tools, and resources.  You can see find the course here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Understanding-the-VA-for-You-and-Your-Family This Episode Sponsored By: This episode is sponsored by PsychArmor. PsychArmor is the premier education and learning ecosystems specializing in military culture content PsychArmor offers an. Online e-learning laboratory that is free to individual learners as well as custom training options for organizations. Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

We welcome back Chris McGhee to give us an update on his career and advocacy work. After retiring from the United States Air Force in 2018, Chris moved to Maine and enrolled in law school. After earning his Juris Doctor in 2022, Chris began working as an attorney for Jackson & MacNicol. He is on track to earn his Master of Law degree by the end of the year. Chris is the host of the 20 Years Done podcast that focuses on organizational culture. This episode is dedicated to his advocacy work and his findings regarding the Air Force maintainers, their culture and their high rates of suicide.While Chris was working toward his degree, he was spending dozens of hours a week on his advocacy work for veterans. He was submitting requests, producing podcasts, writing blogs and contacting people. Chris realized he had the opportunity to marry his love for the law and passion for veteran advocacy as a VA disability attorney. When Chris left the military in 2018, he was very concerned at the new operational expectations being placed on personnel. He believed the effects of the 2014 sequestration played a role in the heightened suicide rates among the ranks. Between 2010-2014, the Air Force cut 10-15% of jobs in the maintenance career fields and consequently did not meet standards. Remaining personnel, including Chris, experienced major burnout. He used his podcast and blog to talk about the issue and caught the attention of Senator Angus King. When Senator King asked Chris to draft legislation, he put his schoolwork on hold and focused his attention on drafting federal legislation. Thanks to his perseverance, the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act now requires all the military services components to report to the House Armed Services Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee all suicides by job code for all branches and components from 9/22/2001 until present. This data will illuminate issues within the services.  As an attorney fighting on behalf of veterans for disability compensation, Chris's job is to review claims for clients, ensure they meet appeal timelines and represent the clients in hearings for the Board of Veterans Appeals. Because Chris is a veteran, he is able to build an instant rapport with his clients and enjoys educating them in the appeal process.Without the uniform, Chris has the ability through his podcast and blog to express his views on issues in the military. He recognizes that the best advocating often occurs when someone has recently left the military. As more time passes since his retirement, Chris is cognizant that he has less information about the current culture and experience and works hard to have recently separated and retired veterans share their experiences through his podcast and blog.Preliminary data suggests that the top 3 career fields in the Air Force that experience more suicides per capita per year than other jobs are aircraft maintenance, security forces and intel. Although his advocacy window is closing with each passing year, Chris is grateful that his current position allows him to help veterans through the disability appeals process. It's important to remember that Chris has volunteered his time and knowledge for veteran advocacy. While he has received no compensation for his part in the 2022 legislation, he recognizes that his volunteerism has made him a better attorney. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22Connect with Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmcghee358/SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!

Kevin Daisey talks to Karen Keller, managing partner at Shaw Keller LLP, has led teams in patent infringement lawsuits involving agricultural chemicals, human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, high-performance liquid chromatography, biotechnology products, and networking technologies. Taking on pro bono representations also is a regular part of Karen's practice and she has also successfully represented pro bono clients in family law matters and before the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals. Learn more about Karen, the firm, and her expertise on this episode of The Managing Partners Podcast! ---- Array Law is Bold Marketing For Law Firms arraylaw.com Follow us on Instagram: @array.digital Follow us on Twitter: @thisisarray Call us for a FREE digital marketing review: 757-333-3021 SUBSCRIBE to The Managing Partners Podcast for conversations with the nation's top attorneys.

The United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims is a national court of record, established under Article I of the Constitution of the United States. The Court has exclusive jurisdiction to provide judicial review of final decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals, an entity within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The CAVC has exclusive jurisdiction to review all decisions from the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). The US Court of Veterans Appeals views its jurisdiction very narrowly, at this time, and extends it only to "final BVA decisions". --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/vet2vet/support

The Department of Veterans Affairs is no longer on track to meet its goal of resolving all legacy appeals by the end of 2022. No surprise — the pandemic pushed those timelines back. Attorneys at the Board of Veterans Appeals have been teleworking and holding some hearings virtually. But delays for records and exams are slowing down progress. Now Congress wants to know what the board will do about the appeals backlog. Federal News Network's Nicole Ogrysko had more information on Federal Drive with Tom Temin.

On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is breaking down the process for veterans who want to appeal a decision from VA at the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. We will explain the differences between the three dockets within the appeal lane—the direct review docket, evidence docket, and hearing docket—and discuss why a veteran might choose one over another. In addition, we will review the process for switching between the dockets. Tune in to catch all this and more! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL

Cheryl L. Mason serves as the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. As Chairman, Ms. Mason leads a team of approximately 1200 personnel including Veterans Law Judges, attorneys, and operations and administrative professionals to meet the Board’s mission of conducting hearings and deciding appeals on benefits and services for Veterans and their families. Ms. Mason is accountable for the efficient and effective management of Board resources and executing a budget in excess of $190 million. The Board is the Secretary’s designee to decide appeals arising from all three administrations: Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and National Cemetery Administration as well as the Office of the General Counsel. Ms. Mason is the first woman to hold the position of Chairman. Prior to assuming her current role, Ms. Mason held several positions at the Board including Deputy Vice-Chairman, Veterans Law Judge, and Counsel. She also served as an attorney with the Federal Labor Relations Authority, a Department of the Air Force civilian at HQ the United States Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and as an instructor at Central Texas College in Germany. Ms. Mason is the spouse of an Air Force veteran, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (retired), and is the daughter of a World War II Navy Veteran who died by suicide. She advocates for changing the culture and increasing awareness surrounding mental health and suicide awareness/prevention. Chairman Mason also is a key leader in the military spouse employment initiative, working to share best practices to encourage recruiting, hiring, and retention of military spouses to support military readiness as well as transitioning Veterans. Originally from Portsmouth, Ohio, Ms. Mason received her B.A. with a Distinction in Political Science and Psychology from Ohio Northern University and her J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. Ms. Mason began her legal career in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska. MSJDN_MISSION_STATEMENT MSJDN supports military spouses in the legal profession by advocating for licensing accommodations for military spouse attorneys; educating the public about the challenges faced by career-minded military spouses and their families; encouraging the hiring of military spouses; and providing a network connecting military spouse attorneys with each other and their supporters. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/support

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals is experiencing a massive delay, due in part to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode of Veterans Legal Lowdown, the CCK team is diving into the details of the backlog, how it came to be, and what veterans can do if they are waiting in the hearing queue. We will also offer our thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of requesting a Board hearing. Tune in to find out more information! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL

Join CCK Founding Partner Robert Chisholm and Managing Attorney Jenna Zellmer as they consider the recent delay in the mailing of decisions from the Board of Veterans Appeals. They will explain the 120-day period veterans have upon receiving their decision letter to appeal the Board’s decision, as well as how this period has been affected by the mailing delay. In addition, they will discuss next steps for veterans whose letters were delayed but who want to appeal their decisions. Tune in to catch this important BVA update! For more information, visit our website at cck-law.com Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL

Chairman Mason was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals and confirmed by the United States Senate. As Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, Ms. Mason leads a team of approximately 1200 personnel including Veterans Law Judges, attorneys and operations and administrative professionals to meet the Board’s mission of conducting hearings and deciding appeals for Veterans and their families. Ms. Mason is accountable for the efficient and effective management of Board resources and executing a budget in excess of $190 million. The Board is the Secretary’s designee to decide appeals arising from the Office of General Counsel and all three administrations: Veterans Benefits Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and National Cemetery Administration

The Board of Veterans Appeals has hit a historic milestone in FY 2020 when it reached 100,000 decisions. CCK Partners break down the reasons for this increased productivity, whether we think BVA can sustain these results in the future, and whether this increase has led to reduced accuracy in decisions. Plus, CCK announces a new feature coming to our website soon breaking down key BVA metrics, giving Veterans a better idea of the Board’s backlog affecting wait times on appeals. Follow us on social media: YouTube - http://bit.ly/CCKYTL Facebook - http://bit.ly/CCKFBL Instagram - http://bit.ly/CCKINL Twitter - http://bit.ly/CCKTL

Updates from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals during the coronavirus Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, describes how the Board has held virtual hearings since having to suspend in-person hearings due to the coronavirus The current climate for IGs in the federal government Robert Shea, Principal at Grant Thornton Public Sector, comments on the recent pattern of firing inspectors general and how it could impact oversight Sammies finalist identifies high-risk federal programs Chris Mihm, Managing Director of Strategic Issues at GAO, discusses the high-risk list from the Government Accountability Office and progress organizations have made on getting off the list

This week’s Borne the Battle begins where episode #169 left off, featuring guest Cheryl Mason, Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA). In this Benefits Breakdown, Chairman Mason talks about the third lane of Appeals Modernization. Chairman Mason oversees the Board’s 1100 personnel, its budget, and ensures the Board conducts hearings, decides appeals for Veterans and their families, and ensures a Veteran’s voice is heard.

Show Sponsor - American Negotiators 972 - 764 -3120  VA kept thousands of veterans' appeals in boxes, file cabinets instead of processing them, report shows,   When a veteran receives care at a non-VA hospital, the veteran or their healthcare provider can file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs to be reimbursed for the cost of that care. But if claims processors in the Veterans Health Administration Office of Community Care inappropriately deny, or fail to process those claims or subsequent appeals, veterans can be left with financial burdens, including debt.  An audit of the VHA Community Care Office showed that some of its facilities lacked any staff to process appeals and rather than sending them to another office that could, staff let them sit in boxes, file cabinets, cubicles and mailrooms unanswered -- some more than five years old. And leaders said they didn't know.  that modernization, including developing and implementing all the required procedures for the required new appeals process and did not have the staff to process the appeals.

Show Sponsor - American Negotiators 972 - 764 -3120 VA kept thousands of veterans' appeals in boxes, file cabinets instead of processing them, report shows,  When a veteran receives care at a non-VA hospital, the veteran or their healthcare provider can file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs to be reimbursed for the cost of that care.But if claims processors in the Veterans Health Administration Office of Community Care inappropriately deny, or fail to process those claims or subsequent appeals, veterans can be left with financial burdens, including debt. An audit of the VHA Community Care Office showed that some of its facilities lacked any staff to process appeals and rather than sending them to another office that could, staff let them sit in boxes, file cabinets, cubicles and mailrooms unanswered -- some more than five years old. And leaders said they didn't know. that modernization, including developing and implementing all the required procedures for the required new appeals process and did not have the staff to process the appeals.

The new appeals modernization program from the Department of Veterans Affairs starts today. And VA wants veterans, members of Congress and all of government to know this isn't your typical agency implementation project gone wrong. VA said it's ready and it had new staff, new technology and a year of practice under its belt before Tuesday's official launch date. Cheryl Mason, chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, told Federal News Network's Nicole Ogrysko about the three options veterans have to pursue their appeals and how long they can expect to wait for a decision.

Cheryl Mason, chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, discusses updating how veterans can apply for appeals across the agency, and why the new version includes multiple “lanes.” Alan Balutis, senior director and distinguished fellow at Cisco Systems, discusses government reorganizations, and why they’re like surgery. Melissa Chapman, president of 9th Way Solutions, discusses how HHS’s latest tech experiment could change the way that information is shared and analyzed, and what it means for data tool contracts.

Travis is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans in veterans benefit claims and represents veterans at the Regional Office, the Board of Veterans Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Robert P. Walsh, attorney, specializes in Veteran's Disability Law and Social Security Disability Law. Experience November 1994 - Present Private practice, Battle Creek, Michigan. Private practice concentrating in the area of disability law, to include Social Security disability claims and veterans benefits claims and appeals before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Representation of veterans includes the Regional Office, Board of Veterans Appeals, U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. January 2008 - Present Adjunct Clinical Professor, Veterans Law Clinic, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ham Radio: WA8MOA since 1964; VK9ZR '78; VK0JS '83; HZ1AB 80-86; 9K2ZR 92-94. Specialties:Veterans and Social Security Disability Law.

Several items of interest are discussed this week by Peter Broida:Young v. USPS, AT-0752-09-0177-C-2 (NP Jan. 9, 2015) (getting advisory opinions on the application of disputed settlement provisions through enforcement proceedings)Carrion v. VA, SF-0432-13-1460-I-1 (NP Dec. 29, 2014) (getting the PIP wrong in a Chapter 43 case: the importance of the opportunity period and the agency's promise of assistance)Bowles v. GPO, AT-0752-14-0169-I-1 (NP Jan. 16, 2015) (counsel fees and the nonprevailing party: why counsel have a hard time recovering fees when agencies cancel actions while Board appeals are pending before judges)Lane v. OPM, DA-0731-13-0504-I-1 (NP Jan. 16, 2015) (what you need to know about OPM-initiated suitability removal cases)Holder v. VA, DA-0752-14-0388-I-1 (NP Jan. 16, 2015) (the importance of action by agency personnel as a contributing factor to constructive adverse actions)Higbie v. United States, Fed. Cir. 2014-5042 (Jan. 14. 2015) (although money damages may be available for breach of confidentiality provisions of settlements reached in MSPB cases, damages are not available for breach of a confidential provision in an EEO mediation agreement (Dissent by Judge Taranto)Board of Veterans Appeals and AFGE Local 17, 68 FLRA 170 (Jan. 8, 2015) (comments by Member Pizzella concerning the Authority's misconstruction or misapplication of the "nonfact" exception)

Read the Board of Veterans Appeal Decision Here. James Cripps won the first ever VA claim for Agent Orange exposure in CONUS  James Cripps "On November 2, 2009, I won the first ever VA claim for Agent Orange exposure, "inside the Continental United States." The claim was granted for Chloracne, Diabetes and Heart Disease with ICD implant, as due to Agent Orange exposure at Fort Gordon GA., in the years 1967-1969. You will be able to read the Board Of Veterans Appeals detailed decision along with the supporting evidence at WWW.va.gov in a couple of months when it is posted. From the web site choose Board of Veterans Appeals, then click on Decisions. Next type in the search box Docket No.08-11 937." Read the Board of Veterans Appeal Decision Here.