» Circuit Judge Kathleen O'Malley

Episode 010: "No, I won't give you my Debit Card PIN Number" (FCOA Precedent: Acree, #17-1749, Legal standard to withdraw an appeal orally at BVA)

What is the Deep Issue in the Case? VA regulations provide that a veteran’s “appeal may be withdrawn as to any or all issues involved in the appeal.” 38 C.F.R. § 20.204(a). a statement made by a veteran at a board hearing qualifies as an effec… Read More
Read More

FCOA Precedent Alert: Saunders v. Wilkie, #2017-1466 (A Veteran can service connect stand-alone pain)

What is the Deep Issue in the Case? This case involves the question of whether a veteran can service connect stand alone pain as a disability for the purposes of VA disability compensation. The basic VA disability compensation statute is clear: the V… Read More
Read More

PRECEDENTIAL FCOA CASE ALERT: Crediford v. Shulkin (16-1386)

What is the Deep Issue in the Case? Author note: Typically, I work to keep “Deep Issue” summaries below 100 words. I believe this decision is significant, and have worked to keep the Deep Issue as brief as possible while accurately portra… Read More
Read More