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determine whether the appropriate raters decided them . OAR explained it did not monitor these appeals because it was not aware that complex appeals were being decided by raters without the appropriate training or designation before the investigation .
According to the OIG report , the Veterans ’ Benefits Adminis - tration has begun to take steps in the right direction following this report . Nevertheless , veterans ’ representatives remain wary . Change in the VA system is slow moving , and quality control measures will take time to implement . I hope to see more
informed decisions on these complex appeals following these changes . n
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VA OIG , VBA Did Not Ensure Complex Appeals Were Decided by Appropriate Staff , Report No . 22- 01814-36 , May 9 , 2023 ( Located at : VBA Did Not Ensure Complex Appeals Were Decided by Appropriate Staff ( va . gov ).
Author : Morgan MacIsaac- Bykowski – Stetson University College of Law Veterans Law Institute
John C . Bales receives 2023 Abraham Lincoln Award
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ofCourtnamedattorneyJohnC . Balesthewinnerofthe2023 abrahamLincolnaward , given annuallytothememberwho bestexemplifiesthegoalsof theorganizationinpromoting legalexcellence , civility , professionalismandethicsinthepracticeoflaw . JohnBalesjoinedthetampa BayInnofCourtin1993asoneofitsoriginalfoundingmembers . hehas previouslyservedastheInn ’ sexecutivedirector , treasurerandSecretary . JohnBales ’ namewillbeplacedontheLincolnawardplaqueonthefifthfloor ofthehillsboroughCountyCourthouse .
M A Y - J U N 2 0 2 3 | H C B A L A W Y E R
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