⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Federal Circuit considers when a 1985 Veterans Affairs benefits decision became final. Air Force veteran Ray Brock sought benefits for ‘nerves’ and ‘delayed stress’ in 1983 and named the Veterans of Foreign Wars as his representative. The regional office denied the claim; the Board of Veterans’ Appeals denied PTSD benefits in 1985. Its cover letter was addressed to Brock, but none of the boxes showing a copy to a veterans organization—including the VFW—was checked. Brock reopened the claim in 2008 and later received PTSD benefits from that date. He wants the date moved back to 1983, arguing that the 1985 decision never became final because his representative was not properly notified. The Board and Veterans Court ruled against him. The Veterans Court stressed that neither Brock nor the VFW had said it did not receive the decision, so the claimed mailing error had not been shown to matter. The Federal Circuit is considering whether that court used the correct rules for the presumption of regularity and prejudicial error. The first presumes that officials performed required duties; the second asks whether an alleged mistake could have affected the result. Only the Secretary’s lawyer appears in this recording.

Brock v. Collins (No. 24-2375) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, argued September 11, 2026.