This is a collection of 11 videos from our 2023 Spring Conference held April 20-22, 2023. Please find descriptions of the videos included below.

CAVC/CAFC Caselaw Update Part 1
Presenters: Amy Kretkowski, Esq. and Amy Odom, Esq.
Running Time: 47 Minutes
Amy Kretkowski and Amy Odom review cases decided by the CAVC and Federal Circuit and discuss how you can use them more effectively to represent your clients.

CAVC/CAFC Caselaw Update Part 2
Presenters: Amy Kretkowski, Esq. and Amy Odom, Esq.
Running Time: 43 Minutes

Case Study
Presenter: Kenneth Carpenter, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
Join Ken as he tells the story of a case that spans decades, during which he discovered another pending appeal, and ultimately obtained a 2002 award of benefits for his client that dated to 1970. Ken shares his strategies, his mistakes, and the multiple decisions issued throughout the life of this case. This study demonstrates how a case can be continuously pursued for more than three decades and still not be finished!

Charging Fees and Ethics in the VA World: Contingency, Hourly, Fixed Fees, and What is Out of Bounds
Presenter: Robert Chisholm, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
When and how an accredited representative can charge fees is governed by 38 U.S.C. § 5904 and 38 C.F.R. § 14.636. Robert shares insights on how to ethically charge fees, discuss the different types of fees that can be charged and in what situations you might select a certain method, and clarify what is impermissible.

Fighting VA Overdevelopment in the AMA
Presenter: Amy Girard-Brady, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
NOVA members continue to report high levels of remands and requests for examinations and other development when the record is complete and supports a grant. Amy outlines this problem and provides tips for how to address it, fight back, and limit the damage.

Handling Hearing Loss Claims and Considering Secondary Conditions
Presenter: Kerry Baker
Running Time: 1 Hour
Hearing loss is the second most claimed disability before VA; tinnitus is number one. Learn the basics of what can cause hearing loss, how to present hearing loss claims, and how to identify and claim related secondary conditions.

How to Properly Substitute Before the Agency and BVA
Presenter: Brett Buchanan
Running Time: 1 Hour
A substitute claimant is an individual whom VA recognizes to replace the original claimant in a pending claim, decision review request, or pending appeal. Brett will review the appropriate regulations and M21-1 provisions and provide tips for substituting eligible individuals when a client dies while you have a pending claim or appeal before VA or BVA.

Mining for Military Records: Leaving No Stone Unturned
Presenters: Rebecca Bartlett, Esq., and Rebecca Deming, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
Finding military records to support your case can be challenging. This presentation will explore how and where to find various categories of military records and provide examples for how those records can make a difference in your case.

Positioning Your Case for a Court Remand and What to Do if You Get It
Presenters: Thomas Polseno, Esq., and Zachary Stolz, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
Recently the CAVC has remanded, in whole or part, between 6,000 and 8,000 appeals per year. The presentation discusses framing an appeal before BVA with an eye to a subsequent CAVC appeal and then successfully advocating based on the resulting joint motion for remand or court decision.

Rules and Practical Considerations When Changing Lanes in the AMA
Presenters: Nancy Foti, Esq., and Keenan Danehey, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
When and how can you change lanes before the agency? When and how can you change lanes at BVA? Why would you want to change lanes? Nancy and Keenan cover the rules and regulations for lane changes and offer insights on when it makes sense.

Understanding Camp Lejeune Benefits for Veterans and Their Families Before and After the PACT Act
Presenters: Art Gage, Esq., and John Tucker, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
In 2017, VA added presumptive conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in regulation. More recently, pursuant to the PACT Act, Congress allowed exposed veterans, their families, and certain civilians to sue and recover damages in federal court for harm suffered from contaminated water. Art and John will provide an overview of these separate claims and causes of action, highlight relevant differences, and offer strategies for advising clients.