"One of the key additions to the regulations is a requirement giving the claimant the 'last word' in the appeal process.... The regulations require 'automatic' timely disclosure of the new evidence and an opportunity for the claimant to respond before the appeal decision deadline expires; and that if the response triggers another round of point/counterpoint, the claimant must be furnished with new evidence and given an opportunity to respond even if it means tolling the time to decide the appeal until the claimant responds."  MORE >>