This paragraph explains the steps to take when a denial is appealed.
(a) A claimant may appeal the final denial of the claim. The claimant sends the request, in writing, to the initial settlement authority within a reasonable time following the final denial. Sixty days is considered a reasonable time, but the time limit may be waived for good cause.
(b) The initial settlement authority reviews the appeal.
(c) Where the settlement authority does not reach a final agreement with the claimant on an appealed claim, the entire claim file is sent to the next higher settlement authority, who is the appellate authority for that claim.
(d) The decision of the appellate authority is the final administrative action on the claim.