Is evidence allowed to be submitted during the informal conference of a higher level review of appeals?

The process of a higher-level review of appeals, particularly in veterans' benefit cases, typically does not allow for the submission of new evidence during the informal conference stage. This is because the purpose of the higher-level review is to evaluate the existing record and determine if the previous decision made was appropriate based on that record. The focus is on reviewing the evidence that has already been submitted and making a determination based on the facts established at that time.

Given that the higher-level review process is designed to be a review of the existing evidence rather than an opportunity to introduce new evidence, the practice is to not accept additional evidence during the informal conference. This reinforces the idea that the review should be based on the original submissions, ensuring a streamlined process and maintaining legal standards regarding evidentiary submission.

In this context, the other options suggesting that evidence may be submitted either conditionally or based on request do not align with the established procedures for higher-level reviews, where the aim is to uphold the integrity of the decision-making process by relying on the record at hand.