# 38 C.F.R. § 20.705 (2026): Rule 705. Functions of the presiding Member

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_705

## Section

- **Citation:** 38 C.F.R. § 20.705 (2026)
- **Heading:** Rule 705. Functions of the presiding Member
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 38 CFR: Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief / Chapter I: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS / Part 20: BOARD OF VETERANS' APPEALS: RULES OF PRACTICE / Subpart H: Hearings on Appeal / § 20.705: § 20.705   Rule 705. Functions of the presiding Member.

## Text

(a)
General.
The presiding Member is responsible for the conduct of a Board hearing in accordance with the provisions of subparts G and H of this part.
(b)
Duties.
The duties of the presiding Member include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
(1) Conducting a prehearing conference, pursuant to § 20.707;
(2) Ruling on questions of procedure;
(3) Administering the oath or affirmation;
(4) Ensuring that the course of the Board hearing remains relevant to the issue or issues on appeal;
(5) Setting reasonable time limits for the presentation of argument;
(6) Prohibiting cross-examination of the appellant and any witnesses;
(7) Determining whether documentary evidence, testimony, and/or argument is relevant or material to the issue or issues being considered and not unduly repetitious;
(8) Terminating a Board hearing or directing that an offending party, representative, witness, or observer leave the hearing if that party persists or engages in disruptive or threatening behavior;
(9) Disallowing or halting the use of personal recording equipment being used by an appellant or representative if it becomes disruptive to the hearing; and
(10) Taking any other steps necessary to maintain good order and decorum.
(c)
Ruling on motions.
The presiding Member has the authority to rule on any Board hearing-related motion.
(Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501)
[84 FR 187, Jan. 18, 2019]

## Nearby sections

- [38 C.F.R. § 20.700 (2026) § 20.700   Rule 700. General.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_700.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.701 (2026) § 20.701   Rule 701. Who may present oral argument.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_701.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.702 (2026) § 20.702   Rule 702. Methods by which hearings are conducted.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_702.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.703 (2026) § 20.703   Rule 703. When a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals may be requested; procedure for requesting a change in method of hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_703.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.704 (2026) § 20.704   Rule 704. Scheduling and notice of hearings conducted by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_704.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.705 (2026) § 20.705   Rule 705. Functions of the presiding Member.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_705.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.706 (2026) § 20.706   Rule 706. Designation of Member or Members to conduct the hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_706.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.707 (2026) § 20.707   Rule 707. Prehearing conference.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_707.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.708 (2026) § 20.708   Rule 708. Witness at hearings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_708.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.709 (2026) § 20.709   Rule 709. Subpoenas.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_709.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.710 (2026) § 20.710   Rule 710. Expenses of appellants, representatives, and witnesses incident to hearings not reimbursable by the Government.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_710.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.711 (2026) § 20.711   Rule 711. Hearings in simultaneously contested claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_711.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.712 (2026) § 20.712   Rule 712. Record of hearing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_712.md)
- [38 C.F.R. § 20.713 (2026) § 20.713   Rule 713. Recording of hearing by appellant or representative.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_713.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T38_P20_S20_705. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.