§ 21.53 Final decision of the CRRA.

(a) In an application subject to the jurisdiction of the CRRA, the CRRA shall, within 30 days after receipt of the written appeal—

(1) Issue a final decision on the appeal of the adjudicative officer's initial decision; or

(2) Remand the application to the adjudicative officer for further proceedings.

(b) The CRRA shall review the initial decision on the basis of the written record of the proceedings on the application. This includes but is not limited to—

(1) The written request; and

(2) The adjudicative officer's findings as described in § 21.51(b).

(c) The CRRA shall act on the review by either—

(1) Issuing a final decision on the application; or

(2) Remanding the application to the adjudicative officer for further proceedings.

(d) If the CRRA issues a final decision, the CRRA's decision must include—

(1) Written findings, including supporting explanation, on—

(i) The applicant's status as a prevailing party;

(ii) The applicant's eligibility;

(iii) Whether the position of the Department was substantially justified;

(iv) Whether special circumstances make an award unjust;

(v) Whether the applicant engaged in conduct that unduly or unreasonably protracted the adversary adjudication; and

(vi) Other factual issues raised in the adversary adjudication.

(2) A statement of the amount awarded, including an explanation—with supporting information—for any difference between the amount requested by the applicant and the amount awarded.

(3) A statement of the applicant's right to request review by the Secretary under § 21.54.

(4) A statement of the applicant's right under § 21.56 to seek judicial review of the final award determination.

(e) The explanation referred to in paragraph (d)(2) of this section may include—

(1) Whether the amount requested was reasonable; and

(2) The extent to which the applicant unduly or unreasonably protracted the adversary adjudication.