Background

This transmittal creates a new section in chapter I-3-1 of the Hearings, Appeals and Litigation Law (HALLEX) manual to clarify when an administrative appeals judge (AAJ) or appeals officer (AO) must disqualify himself or herself from a case.

Explanation of Content and Changes

HALLEX I-3-1-40 – We added a new section to clarify when an AAJ or AO must disqualify himself or herself from a case. In subsection A, we provided a list of examples for when an AAJ or AO may withdraw from a case. We also noted that AAJs and AOs may not submit blanket recusals. In subsection B, we explained the procedure for reassignment of cases when an AAJ or AO is disqualified.

Date: November 13, 2018