Background

This transmittal amends chapter I-2-1 of the Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual to update instructions on processing cases designated as critical. We also made several formatting and editorial changes.

Explanation of Content and Changes

HALLEX I-2-1-40 is revised as follows:

HALLEX I-2-1-40 A – We consolidated the information formerly in subsections A-E into one subsection A, titled “General.” We made this information consistent with HALLEX I-3-1-51, which describes how the Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) processes critical cases.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 B – We moved the information formerly in subsection B to subsection A. We added a new subsection B titled “Critical Case Designation.” The subsection explains how hearing offices add and remove critical case designations, and how the cases are monitored during case processing. We also clarified who is responsible for designating and monitoring critical cases pending at the hearing level.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 C – We moved the information formerly in subsection C to subsection A. We added a new subsection C titled “Case Processing.” The subsection provides instruction on flagging and assigning a critical case and the actions necessary when an administrative law judge takes final action on a critical case.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 D – We moved the information formerly in subsection D to subsection A. We deleted subsection D.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 E – We moved the information formerly in subsection E to subsection A. We deleted subsection E.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 F – We moved the information formerly in subsection F to subsection B. We deleted subsection F.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 G – We moved the information formerly in subsection G to subsection B. We deleted subsection G.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 H – We moved the information formerly in subsection H to subsection B. We deleted subsection H.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 I – We moved the information formerly in subsection I to subsection B. We deleted subsection I.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 J – We moved the information formerly in subsection J to subsection B. We deleted subsection J.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 K – We moved the information formerly in subsection K to subsection C. We deleted subsection K.

HALLEX I-2-1-40 L – We moved the information formerly in subsection L to subsection B. We deleted subsection L.

Date: April 9, 2014