(a) Agency decisions generally are binding. The decision of the VA facility of original jurisdiction on which an action is based—

(1) Will be final,

(2) Will be binding upon all facilities of VA as to conclusions based on evidence on file at that time, and

(3) Will not be subject to revision on the same factual grounds except by duly constituted appellate authorities or except as provided in §21.7803. (See §§19.192 and 19.193 of this chapter).

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 511)

(b) Decisions of an Activity within the VA. Current determinations of pertinent elements of eligibility for a program of education made by a VA adjudicative activity by application of the same criteria and based on the same facts are binding one upon the other in the absence of clear and unmistakable error.

(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 511)

(c) Determinations of satisfactory participation. A determination made by a competent military or naval authority or by the Coast Guard as to whether or not an individual is participating satisfactorily in required training as a member of the Selected Reserve is binding upon VA.

(Authority: 10 U.S.C. 16134; Pub. L. 98-525)

[53 FR 34740, Sept. 8, 1988, as amended at 61 FR 29483, June 11, 1996]