(a) Where the hearing is conducted by a hearing examiner who makes an initial decision, if no exceptions thereto are filed within the 20-day period specified in Sec. 18b.72, such decision shall become the final decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and shall constitute ``final agency action'' within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704 (formerly section 10(c) of the Administrative Procedure Act), subject to the provisions of Sec. 18b.75.
(b) Where the hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge who makes a recommended decision or upon the filing of exceptions to an administrative law judge's initial decision, the reviewing authority shall review the recommended or initial decision and shall issue a decision thereon, which shall become the final decision of VA, and shall constitute ``final agency action'' within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 704 (formerly section 10(c) of the Administrative Procedures Act), subject to the provisions of Sec. 18b.75.
(c) All final decisions shall be promptly served on all parties, and amici, if any. [35 FR 10760, July 2, 1970, as amended at 51 FR 10386, Mar. 26, 1986; 54 FR 34984, Aug. 23, 1989]