Updated: 08/18/2002
INSTRUCTIONS TO VETERANS TO APPEAL A BVA DECISION TO THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS (CAVC) WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY:
ALWAYS CHECK THE COURT WEB SITE TO COMPARE FORMS AT
BEFORE USING THESE FORMS TO INSURE THAT CHANGES HAVE NOT BEEN MADE - THE COURT WEB SITE FORMS SHOULD BE CORRECT.
1.
Always attempt to retain an attorney
2. Read carefully all attached sheets and fill out completely. If you wish to
appeal without payment of the $50.00 court fee, fill out the attached waiver
application.
3.
An appeal must be filed (not just mailed) at the Court within 120 days
after the BVA mailed the decision being appealed.
4.
Retain copies of all documents.
5.
Make certain that copies of all documents are mailed (served upon) to the
Counsel to the Secretary at the same time as mailed to the Court. Different
mailing dates or failure to serve the Counsel to the Secretary can cause
dismissal of your case.
6.
Keep calling the Court (1-800-869-8654) to help you get a free (pro bono)
attorney.
7.
Remember that YOU are the Appellant. The Secretary is the Appellee.
Your
Printed Name:
_______________________________
Your
street address
_______________________________
Your
City State Zip: _______________________________
Date
of this letter: _______________________________
The
Honorable Norman Y. Herring
Clerk
of the Court
United
States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
625
Indiana Avenue N.W., Suite 900
Washington,
D.C. 20006
Dear
Mr. Herring:
Attached to this letter is an Appeal with other pleadings to be filed in
the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. I am filing my appeal
without an attorney.
I seek your assistance in finding an attorney to represent me. Can you
send me information about having a Pro Bono attorney appointed from that
group in Washington, D.C.?
A check for the amount of $50.00 is also attached pursuant to the CAVC
Rules and the instructions on Forms shown in the Rules unless I requested waiver
of this fee.
Service has been made on the office of the Counsel to the Secretary of
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
One extra copy of the first page of each pleading is also attached and I
request that you stamp the extra pleading(s) as "filed" and return
them to me in the enclosed envelope with postage affixed.
I look forward to receiving the copies.
Sincerely
yours,
Appellant
(sign here)
enc:
Notice of Appeal
Waiver of fees (if attached)
Motion to Stay to retain attorney
Copy or Copies of all 1st pages of enclosed documents
Envelope with Stamps to return to appellant
USE
THE COURT'S WEB SITE FOR FORMS. http://www.vetapp.gov/