(a) The FAB will entertain any reasonable request for scheduling
the hearing, but such requests should be made at the time of the
hearing request described in Sec. 30.310(b). Scheduling is at the sole
discretion of the FAB reviewer, and is not reviewable. Once the hearing
is scheduled and appropriate written notice has been mailed, the
hearing cannot be postponed at the claimant's request for any reason
except those stated in paragraph (b) of this section, unless the FAB
reviewer can reschedule the hearing on the same docket (that is, during
the same hearing trip). When the request to postpone a scheduled
hearing does not meet the test of paragraph (b) of this section and
cannot be accommodated on the docket, no further opportunity for a
hearing will be provided. Instead, the claimant's specified objections
will be considered by means of a review of the written record. In the
alternative, a teleconference may be substituted for the hearing at the
discretion of the reviewer.
(b) Where the claimant is hospitalized for a reason which is not
elective, or where the death of the claimant's parent, spouse, or child
prevents attendance at the hearing, a postponement may be granted upon
proper documentation.
(c) At any time after requesting a hearing, the claimant can
request a change to a review of the written record by making a written
request to the FAB. Once such a change is made, no further opportunity
for a hearing will be provided.
