I-4-0-2.General Functions and Responsibilities

The Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) is responsible for certain actions on cases in which a claimant has filed a civil action. OAO's responsibilities include actions such as:

• Approving extensions of time to file a civil action (see Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual I-4-1-20);

• Preparing the certified administrative record (see HALLEX I-4-2);

• Preparing affidavits and declarations used to support motions to dismiss (see HALLEX I-4-3);

• Conducting supplemental reviews of pending court cases, including recommendations to defend on the record, seek voluntary remand, or seek appeal when a court issues a decision that is adverse to the Commissioner (see HALLEX I-4-4);

• Acting on remand orders from the court (see HALLEX I-4-6); and

• Handling appeals of administrative law judge decisions issued following a court remand (see HALLEX I-4-8).

In addition, OAO works with the Office of the General Counsel to evaluate and formulate litigation management strategy. Further, the Court Case Preparation and Review Branches track and analyze court case trends in order to:

• Guide adjudicators with respect to case law;

• Implement an effective appeals strategy; and

• Identify and make recommendations to develop or clarify policies, to develop or clarify regulations, or to seek clarifying legislation.

For more information about OAO's authority related to civil actions, see 62 Federal Register 34490 (June 26, 1997).