§ 37-14-12 — Decision of department appealable

The department of veterans' affairs may grant or refuse an application for relief or
assistance from financial assistance programs under the control of the department under
policies set by the administrative committee on veterans' affairs. The committee shall adopt and
establish an appeal process. The department's decisions are appealable to an appeals

committee appointed by the chairman of the administrative committee. A hearing before the
appeals committee may be closed upon request of the applicant. An applicant who requests a
closed hearing may invite to that hearing any two representatives and the applicant's spouse or
one other family member. Each decision of the appeals committee must give the reasons for
granting or refusing an application for relief or assistance. The decision of the appeals
committee is final. The record of the hearing, including the identity of the applicant, is an exempt
record.