38 CFR §18.550

1. (a)A complainant may file a civil action following the exhaustion of administrative remedies under the Act. Administrative remedies are exhausted if:
   1. (1)180 days have elapsed since the complainant filed the complaint and VA has made no finding with regard to the complaint; or
   2. (2)VA issues any finding in favor of the recipient.
2. (b)If VA fails to make a finding within 180 days or issues a finding in favor of the recipient, VA will:
   1. (1)Promptly advise the complainant of this fact; and
   2. (2)Advise the complainant of his or her right to bring a civil action for injunctive relief; and
   3. (3)Inform the complainant that:
      1. (i)The complainant may bring a civil action only in a United States district court for the district in which the recipient is found or transacts business;
      2. (ii)A complainant prevailing in a civil action has the right to be awarded the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees, but the complainant must demand these costs in the complaint;
      3. (iii)Before commencing the action, the complainant shall give 30 days notice by registered mail to the Secretary, the Attorney General of the United States, and the recipient;
      4. (iv)The notice must state: The alleged violation of the Act; the relief requested; the court in which the complainant is bringing the action; and, whether or not attorney's fees are demanded in the event the complainant prevails; and
      5. (v)The complainant may not bring action if the same alleged violations of the Act by the same recipient is the subject of a pending action in any court of the United States.