Background

This transmittal amends sections I-4-6-5, I-4-6-10, I-4-6-20, and I-4-6-40 of the Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual and archives sections I-4-6-6, I-4-6-12, and I-4-6-45 of the HALLEX manual to update our policies and instructions concerning how the Office of Appellate Operations' (OAO) Division of Civil Actions (DCA) handles district court litigation.

Explanation of Content and Changes

I-4-6-5 – We updated this section to clarify the process for processing and releasing time-limited remands and made minor editorial changes.

I-4-6-6 – We archived this section as it is not consistent with the current DCA business process.

I-4-6-10 – We amended this section to reflect the updated protocol for processing incoming court remand orders. We made minor changes to reflect agency policy regarding use of gender-neutral language. We updated the employee position titles to correspond to current DCA protocol.

I-4-6-12 – We archived this section because it is duplicative and the information is already articulated elsewhere in I-4-6.

I-4-6-20 – We amended this section to include additional scenarios where a court remand requires review by the Appeals Council. These additions match DCA business processes.

I-4-6-40 – We amended this section to reflect changes in the business process for releasing standard remand orders electronically.

I-4-6-45 – We archived this section because the Office of Appellate Operations does not deem court remands released 125 days from the date of the court order to be delayed.

Date: June 26, 2023