410.663—Procedure before Appeals Council on review.
(a) Availability of documents or other written statements.
Whenever the Appeals Council determines to review a presiding officer's decision (except when the case is remanded to a presiding officer in accordance with § 410.665 ), the Appeals Council shall make available to any party upon request, copies or a statement of the contents of the documents or other written evidence upon which the presiding officer's decision was based, and a copy of the transcript of oral evidence, if any, or a condensed statement thereof, upon payment of the cost, or if such cost is not readily determinable, the estimated amount thereof, unless for good cause shown, such payment is waived.
(b) Filing briefs or other written statements.
The parties shall be given, upon request, a reasonable opportunity to file briefs or other written statements of allegations as to fact and law. Copies of each brief or other written statements, where there is more than one party, shall be filed in sufficient number that they may be made available to any party requesting a copy and to any other party designated by the Appeals Council.
(c) Appearance to present oral argument.
Any party may request an appearance before the Appeals Council for the purpose of presenting oral argument. Such request shall be granted where the Appeals Council determines that a significant question of law or policy is presented or where the Appeals Council is of the opinion that such oral argument would be beneficial in rendering a proper decision in the case. Where the request for appearance is granted, the party will be notified of the time and place for the appearance at least 10 days prior to the date of the scheduled appearance.