VRAB wait time?

They won’t look at an internal appeal unless it’s been two years or there is new medical information. You can apply to VRAB immediately

Thx, I've been out of the loop for years, are you supposed to appeal your loss twice before you go to BPA, or if your claim is denied the first time you can go right to BPA?

I’m going through that right now. Requested BPA for appeal to VRAB.
Took about three weeks for BPA to get back to me and ask for statement and another medical letter to support the case. Took three months to get the medical letter. Two weeks after that (last Friday) they called and said my case is ready for submission, six to nine months average wait time for a VRAB hearing.
Almost a year altogether.

From what I’m reading the average wait time for a 1st time decision on a disability, is about 2 years. If unsuccessful and the veteran appeals through BPA , does anyone have a timeline on how long it takes for your case to be heard?