(a) Any person adversely affected by a decision made under this part by a person under the authority of an Area Director may file a notice of appeal with the Area Director within 30 days of the personal delivery or mailing of the decision. The notice of appeal shall be in writing and shall clearly identify the decision being appealed. No extension of time shall be granted for filing a notice of appeal.
(b) Within 30 days after a notice of appeal has been filed, the appellant shall file a statement of reason(s) with the Area Director. The statement of reason(s) shall explain why the appellant believes the decision being appealed is in error, and shall include any argument(s) that the appellant wishes to make and any supporting document(s). The statement of reason(s) may be filed at the same time as the notice of appeal. If no statement of reason(s) is filed, the Area Director may summarily dismiss the appeal.
(c) Documents are properly filed with the Area Director when they are received in the facility officially designated for receipt of mail addressed to the Area Director, or in the immediate office of the Area Director.
(d) Within 30 days of filing of the statement of reason(s), the Area Director shall:
(1) Render a written decision on the appeal, or
(2) Refer the appeal to the Office of Hearings and Appeals Board of Indian Appeals for decision.
(e) Where the Area Director has not rendered a decision with 30 days of filing of the statement of reasons, the appellant may file an appeal with the Office of Hearings and Appeals Board of Indian Appeals pursuant to Sec. 175.61.