Hearings are conducted by a panel of three VRB members: a Senior Member, a Services Member and a Member.
VRB Members are independent and are not public servants employed by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. All of our Services Members (and some of our other members) have military experience.
Our hearings generally take less than one hour. We encourage all veterans to participate in their hearings. Attending a hearing may seem daunting, but our hearings are much less formal than a traditional legal hearing. Our hearings are held in private and they are not open to the public. A representative from DVA will generally not attend VRB hearings. You are welcome to bring a friend or support person to your hearing, regardless of whether you are represented.
If you cannot attend your hearing in-person, we can arrange for you to participate in the hearing by phone or video. VRB hearings are recorded.
Telling us about your case
At the hearing, the members hearing your case will ask you to explain why you are unhappy with the DVA decision being reviewed. The members may ask you questions.
Generally, witnesses do not appear in person at VRB hearings. If you have a witness, the VRB may ask to speak to them by phone.
The members will listen to you, and any witness that takes part in the hearing. They will then analyse all the evidence presented and make a decision based on the law that applies to your situation.