Where is my claims file, or claims folder, kept during the appeals and hearing process?
If you do not request a hearing with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), your claims folder will stay at the local VA office until it is transferred to BVA shortly before the Board begins its review. If you request a Travel Board hearing, your claims folder will stay at the local VA office until the hearing is completed and will then be transferred to the Board. If you request a videoconferenced BVA hearing or a hearing held at the Board’s office in Washington, D.C., your claims folder will stay at the local VA office until shortly before the hearing is held. It will be transferred to BVA in time for your hearing and the Board’s review.
