Case Name: Melitena RAMIREZ, Appellant, v. Edward J. DERWINSKI, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Appellee
Court: United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1992-01-15
Citations: 3 Vet. App. 21
Docket Number: No. 91-636
Parties: Melitena RAMIREZ, Appellant, v. Edward J. DERWINSKI, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Appellee.
Judges: Before FARLEY, Associate Judge.
Reporter: West's Veterans Appeals Reporter
Volume: 3
Pages: 21–22

Head Matter:
Melitena RAMIREZ, Appellant, v. Edward J. DERWINSKI, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Appellee.
No. 91-636.
United States Court of Veterans Appeals.
Jan. 15, 1992.
Before FARLEY, Associate Judge.

Opinion:
ORDER
On November 5, 1991, appellant filed an informal brief. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Secretary) neither responded to appellant's brief within the 30 days prescribed by the Court's Rules of Practice and Procedure, see U.S.Vet.App.R. 31(a), nor moved for an extension to file a response despite the Court's demonstrated willingness to extend time limits when the circumstances so warrant. The failure of the Secretary's representative, or the representative's supervisory attorney, to timely request an extension in the face of a deadline imposed by rule or order is inexcusable. The indifference to the rules and processes of this Court, the disregard for fair treatment of appellant, and the neglect by the Secretary's representatives of their professional obligations and responsibilities are unacceptable. On consideration of the foregoing, it is
ORDERED, sua sponte, that the Secretary, within 10 days after the date of this order, either file a response to appellant's brief or show cause why sanctions should not be imposed agamst him or his representative, or both, for failing to comply with this Court's Rules.