(a) Docketing the appeal. The Board does the following upon receiving an appeal of part or all of an ALJ's decision:

(1) Dockets the appeal either separately or with similar appeals.

(2) Assigns a docket number.

(b) Evaluating the acceptability of the appeal. The Board determines if the appeal is acceptable by confirming that the appeal meets all of the criteria in § 426.465.

(c) Unacceptable appeal. If the Board determines that an appeal is unacceptable, the Board must dismiss the appeal.

(d) Acceptable appeal. If the Board determines that an appeal is acceptable, the Board does the following:

(1) Sends a letter to the appellant to acknowledge that the appeal is acceptable, and informs them of the docket number.

(2) Forwards a copy of the appeal and the letter described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section to all parties involved in the appeal.

(3) Requires the ALJ to send a copy of the ALJ's LCD review record (maintaining any sealed documents) to the Board and a copy of the public record to all parties involved in the appeal.

(e) No participation as amicus curiae. The Board may not allow participation by amicus participants in the review of an LCD.