108 C.M.R. 17.06 – Final Decision

(1) The Board shall render a final decision in every appeal within 30 days from a completed application and submit a written recommendation to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services no more than 30 days after completion of said review;
(2) The Board may consult with the Executive Office of Veterans Services to identify prior documents that may have been submitted and pertain to the veterans' application;
(3) Every decision shall be in writing and shall contain a statement of the reasons therefor, including a determination of each issue of fact or law necessary to such decision;
(4) The Secretary shall issue a written decision not later than ten days after receipt of the board's recommendation, approving or denying the application;
(5) If the Secretary approves the application, the veteran shall be eligible for state-based veteran benefits. If the Secretary denies the application, the veteran may file a request for reconsideration, including any additional documentation for the application, no more than 30 days after receipt of the Secretary's decision;
(6) The date of the final decision is the date on which it is voted on by the Board;
(7) The Executive Office of Veterans Services will issue a written decision to be sent to the veteran via email and via mail detailing the decision of their application;
(8) The Veteran shall be notified that they may further appeal, in writing, to The Division of Administrative Law Appeals (DALA) by filing an appeal to DALA within ten days of receipt of the decision; and
(9) Judicial review of the DALA decision may be had in Superior Court within 30 days after receipt of notice of the decision, in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 30A.