Why the delay in hearing date?

I requested a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge for on my appeal of denial of thyroidism. I asked for the appeal in August ,2019, but VA misplaced it then found it and acknowledged it on Oct.8, 2019. I still have not received a docket number or hearing date. Is this a normal time frame and is VA working from home because of COVID 19 and no one is scheduling these hearings.