Appeal a Decision Regarding your Veterans' Bonus

Next steps   for Appeal a Decision Regarding your Veterans' Bonus

1. Scheduling a Hearing

   After receipt of an appeal, the Division will issue a Notice of Hearing, which shall include the date, time, and place of the hearing. The Notice of Hearing will be issued by U.S. Mail.

   A three-member Board consisting of: the Adjutant General or their designee, a Treasury staff member designated by the State Treasurer, and an Assistant Attorney General designated by the Attorney General will conduct the hearing and report their decision, in writing, to the applicant and Division.

   Conduct of Hearings

   Except as otherwise provided herein, the Division hearings shall be conducted pursuant to the State Administrative Procedures Act of M.G.L. c. 30A, §§1 - 17 and the Informal Rules of Adjudicatory Practice and Procedure, 801 CMR 1.012.

   An applicant may appear on his or her own behalf, or may be represented or advised by their own attorney or another duly authorized representative. Attorneys or individuals acting on behalf of the applicant must file a written notice of appearance that includes their name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and, if available, facsimile transmission number. The filing of any pleading, motion, or other paper by an attorney is deemed to constitute the filing of an appearance unless the paper states otherwise.

2. Submission without a Hearing

   An applicant may elect to waive a hearing and to submit their case upon written submissions, and shall so notify the Board and the other party prior to the scheduled time for the hearing. Subject to special circumstances as determined by the board, an applicant must notify the Board and the Division of their election to waive a hearing and to submit their case upon written submissions no later than fifteen (15) business days before the scheduled time for the hearing. Submission of a case without a hearing does not relieve the parties from the necessity of supplying evidence sufficient to prove the facts supporting their allegations or defenses. Consistent with 801 CMR 1.021.01, affidavits and stipulations may be employed to supplement other documentary evidence in the record.

3. Post-Hearing Memoranda

   The Board has the discretion to request post-hearing memoranda. A party may request the leave to submit post-hearing memoranda and the Board has the discretion to grant or deny that request. If the request is granted, the Board shall allow the opposing party the opportunity either to submit a post-hearing memorandum concurrently or a reply.

   The decision of the board shall be final.