Opinion ID: 464632
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Hearing Requirement

Text: 26 Texas Employers' asserts that the deputy commissioner was obligated to set a hearing before an administrative law judge to determine the validity of its defenses to the late payment. This Court holds that the alleged course of dealings and agreement, even if true, do not constitute payment in this case as a matter of law. Consequently, there was nothing to be decided at a hearing. 27 Texas Employers' argument that a formal hearing was required is based on statutory language indicating that a finding of default must be based on an investigation, notice, and a hearing. 33 U.S.C. Sec. 918(a). Such a hearing is to be held in accordance with 5 U.S.C. Sec. 554. 33 U.S.C. Sec. 919(d). However, a disposition of an application for supplementary compensation can be made without a hearing where there is agreement regarding the issue of late payment. See 20 C.F.R. Sec. 702.372(a). Similarly, the deputy commissioner can issue an order [f]ollowing an informal conference at which agreement is reached on all issues. 20 C.F.R. Sec. 702.315(a). As discussed above, the material facts in this case were undisputed. Although the legal ramifications of those facts were disputed, this Court has resolved that dispute as a matter of law. Consequently, the deputy commissioner properly entered the order without a formal hearing.