California Veterans Board.

Existing law establishes the California Veterans Board, composed of 7 members with specified qualifications who are appointed by the Governor and subject to the confirmation of the Senate, to advise the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs on policies for operations of the department. Existing law authorizes a veteran who has applied to the department for benefits to appeal a decision by the department to the board, as specified. Existing law requires the board to grant a hearing if requested. Under existing law, the decision of the board is final, with the exception of judicial review. This bill would state that the board is a separate and independent entity from the department. The bill would require the board to independently advise the department and secretary on policies for operations of the department. The bill would authorize the board, in conducting an independent hearing of a veteran appeal of a decision from the department, to be supported by department staff, as specified. The bill would require the board to be assisted by independent counsel during the hearing.