(a) General. The presiding Member is responsible for the conduct of a Board hearing in accordance with the provisions of subparts G and H of this part.

(b) Duties. The duties of the presiding Member include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

(1) Conducting a prehearing conference, pursuant to §20.707;

(2) Ruling on questions of procedure;

(3) Administering the oath or affirmation;

(4) Ensuring that the course of the Board hearing remains relevant to the issue or issues on appeal;

(5) Setting reasonable time limits for the presentation of argument;

(6) Prohibiting cross-examination of the appellant and any witnesses;

(7) Determining whether documentary evidence, testimony, and/or argument is relevant or material to the issue or issues being considered and not unduly repetitious;

(8) Terminating a Board hearing or directing that an offending party, representative, witness, or observer leave the hearing if that party persists or engages in disruptive or threatening behavior;

(9) Disallowing or halting the use of personal recording equipment being used by an appellant or representative if it becomes disruptive to the hearing; and

(10) Taking any other steps necessary to maintain good order and decorum.

(c) Ruling on motions. The presiding Member has the authority to rule on any Board hearing-related motion.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501)

[84 FR 187, Jan. 18, 2019]