Panel members receive a copy of the case for study before they meet. They normally discuss your case in closed session before voting. Their decision is based on the evidence in the case file.
The majority rules, but a dissenting member may submit a minority opinion for consideration by the Service Secretary or his/her designee.
The Decision on Your Case
Following the vote on your case, the panel chairperson signs a record of proceedings. The record of proceedings will explain the reasons for the decision on your case.
The Service Secretary concerned has the final authority to accept or reject a recommendation of the Board. In most cases, it is accepted.
When the Board completes your case, the decision is mailed to you. If relief is granted, your records will be corrected and finance personnel will review your case to see if you are due any monetary benefits.
The Board is the highest level of administrative appeal and provides the final military decision. If the Board denies your case, your next step is to request reconsideration or file a suit in the court system.
Reconsideration of Your Case
You may request reconsideration of the decision on your case. The Board will reconsider your case only if you provide newly discovered relevant evidence that was not reasonably available when you filed your original application. The evidence may pertain to the timeliness of your application or to its merits.
You should submit your request for reconsideration within a reasonable time after you discover the new evidence.
Re-argument of the same evidence will not get your case reconsidered.
