Veterans Review and Appeal Board
www.vrab-tacra.gc.ca
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Your Hearing Options
We encourage you to discuss these options with your representative. If you will be representing yourself, these options are also available to you. Our objective is to provide you with a timely hearing that meets your needs.
| At the Review Level | At the Appeal Level |
|---|---|
| In Most Cases... Applicants choose to attend their Review Hearing as it is their only opportunity to appear before the Board and testify regarding the facts of their case. |
In Most Cases... Appellants do not attend their Appeal Hearing because they are not permitted by law to testify in person again. Rather, it is a further opportunity for their representative to make oral and/or written arguments in support of their case. |
| In Person You attend the hearing with your representative and any witnesses relevant to your case. You may also bring along a family member or friend to accompany you at this time. You and witnesses may be reimbursed for travel and living expenses related to attendance at your Review Hearing. For more details, please contact your representative. |
In Person You may attend the hearing with your representative at your own expense. |
| Teleconference If you cannot attend the hearing in person but still wish to participate, formal arrangements can be made in advance by your representative for you to take part in the hearing by telephone. Generally, the Review Panel and your representative are together in the hearing room. |
Teleconference If you wish to listen to the proceedings during your appeal hearing, arrangements can be made in advance by your representative for you to listen in by telephone. Generally, the Appeal Panel and your representative are together in the hearing room. |
| Written Submission Your representative submits a written argument, documented information and evidence to the Review Panel on your behalf. Neither your nor your representative attend the hearing in person; the Review Panel meets and makes its decision based on the written information. |
Written Submission Your representative submits a written argument, documented information and evidence to the Appeal Panel on your behalf. Neither your nor your representative attend the hearing in person; the Appeal Panel meets and makes its decision based on the written information. |
| Video Conference (Click here to learn more) You and your representative appear, by video conference, before the Review Panel who are in another location. The Board encourages the use of video conferencing as an alternative that is flexible and provides for timely hearings. |
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| In Absentia You give your representative written permission to present your case before the Review Panel in your absence. |
Hearings by Video Conference
The Veterans Review and Appeal Board offers video conferencing as a hearing option for applicants in approximately 30 locations across Canada.
Hearings by video conference allow you and your representative to interact with Board Members via two-way, simultaneous video and audio transmissions. The Board employs technically advanced equipment in conducting hearings by video conference to ensure a smooth process for all participants.
Video conferencing is a convenient option because it reduces the need for travel and can allow your hearing to proceed more promptly before the Board.
If you would like to choose a hearing by video conference, please ask your representative to make the appropriate arrangements on your behalf. If you are representing yourself, please advise the staff person from the Board who will be in contact with you to arrange a hearing date or contact us.
It is important to note that your choice of hearing method (whether face-to-face or by video conference) will not affect the outcome in your case.
For tips on how to make the most of your hearing by video conference, click here.
| An applicant, joined by his spouse and representative, participate in a hearing by video conference with two Board Members. |
