BPA & The Appeal Process

Dameon, I have been through several applications and appeals for medical conditions such as arthritis in my lumbar and thoraic spine.  In my experience, the BPA have been very helpful to me in the VRAB process by reviewing my denied decision and  the evidence I submitted in my disability application.  The BPA lawyer will identify the strongest legal argument for challenging the decision made on your case.   He/she may also  provide you with advice on what other information is needed to support this legal argument (e.g. photographs, witness statements, etc).
 

It is so important for YOU to do your homework as Trooper suggested such as asking questions on this site.

If you don't mind me asking what was the rationale for the decision to deny you on your original back condition (what type?) disability application.  Quite often, applicants are challenged in showing a service connection with an injury.  

Here are a couple of suggestions:
1.   Do a search in the link Trooper has posted above "Decisions - Advanced Search".   In the search field enter the name of the back condition you are appealing.  Grab yourself a big cup of coffee and read through  decisions for the same medical condition you are appealing.   A VRAB decision may list some supportive evidence such as medical studies or reports for you to use in your appeal.
2.   The VRAB reviews medical evidence you and your doctor submitted based on a number of recognized medical resources provided to the VRAB board.  I have attached a link to these resources here.   http://www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca/Medical-Resources-Ressources-medicales-eng.cfm
3.  Remember you are the person who submitted most of the EVIDENCE to support your disability application.  It is important to provide evidence that supports your application and to use strong, confident language when submitting documents and speaking to board members.
4.  I strongly suggest you attend the hearing in person so the board members can hear your story and ask you questions.  Remember to describe your WORST day in your live having to deal with your back condition.  

If you have any further questions be sure to post here.  

Newf

We'll, apparently I am done with BPA for now. They recommended not bothering to appeal, but instead are recommending that I file 3 new first applications for different things that are all related. Wish me luck.

And that you so much for the advice. I will scour through the information and try and get together a good enough argument the first time.

Hello Dameon.

I have dealt with bpa 1 - 2x last 20 years and may not know squat about it nowadays.
However, you've got to feel them out... real smartly.

A very old vet friend of mine had a bpa lawyer from hell.
I had the same one years later and she was a godsend, go figure.

3 new first applications related and recommended by a bpa for you?
 
Validate and critique that bpa person.
If they ARE right... it takes long time