» Federal Rules of Evidence

"To the Best of my Knowledge" - The case against attorney use of VA Form 21-4138.

In a recent court appeal, the VA was relying on the unsigned and unsworn statement of a random government bureaucrat. This bureaucrat was “testifying” to the lack of existence of any evidence that my client was exposed to the herbicide ag… Read More
June 15th, 2018
Contributor: Chris Attig
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Categories: Veterans Law Updates
Tags: Brokaw v. West 13 Vet. App. 134 (1999), buddy statements, competent evidence, evidence, evidentiary foundations, Federal Rules of Evidence, non-adversarial system, Otterson v. McDonald CAVC #15-335, Sworn Declaration, VA Form 21-4138

PRECEDENTIAL CAVC CASE ALERT: Harvey v. Shulkin (16-1515)(Lawyer as Medical Expert)

What is the Deep Issue in the Case? The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has laid out clear standards for determining the adequacy of a VA expert opinion in a VA disability compensation claim. Accord, e.g., Monzingo v. Shinseki, 26 Vet.App. 97 (2… Read More
February 9th, 2018
Contributor: Chris Attig
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Categories: Veterans Law Updates
Tags: 2018 Panel, Chief Judge Robert N. Davis, Dr. David Anaise M.D./J.D., Federal Rules of Evidence, Jonathan B. Kramer, Judge Margaret Bartley, Judge Mary J. Schoelen, Medical Expert, ptsd, Ronen Z. Morris, sleep apnea, St. Petersburg FL VARO