Background

This transmittal amends chapter I-3-1 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-3-1-51 is revised as follows:

HALLEX I-3-1-51 A – We consolidated the information formerly in subsections A-F into one subsection A, titled “General.” We removed references to critical case procedures as “TERI procedures,” to eliminate confusion between TERI and other types of critical cases. We updated information about the flags present in the Appeals Review Processing System (ARPS) and eView for critical cases.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 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 the Office of Appellate Operations (OAO) adds and removes critical case designations, and how the cases are monitored during case processing. We also clarified that the Congressional and Public Affairs Branch within OAO is responsible for designating and monitoring critical cases pending with the Appeals Council.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 C – We moved the information formerly in subsection C to subsection A. We added a new subsection C titled “Branch Case Processing.” The subsection provides instruction on assigning a critical case and the actions necessary as a result of the Appeals Council's final action.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 D – We moved the information formerly in subsection D to subsection A and deleted subsection D.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 E – We moved the information formerly in subsection E to subsection A and deleted subsection E.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 F – We moved the information formerly in subsection F to subsection A and deleted subsection F.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 G – We moved the information formerly in subsection G to subsection B, and updated the information as necessary. We deleted subsection G.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 H – We moved the information formerly in subsection H to subsection C, and updated the information as necessary. We deleted subsection H.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 I – We moved the information formerly in subsection I to subsection C, and updated the information as necessary. We deleted subsection I.

HALLEX I-3-1-51 J – We moved the information formerly in subsection J to subsection B and deleted subsection J.

Date: December 3, 2013