(a) Notice of appeal. Any party may appeal from the initial decision of the administrative law judge by filing with the Assistant Secretary a notice of appeal within 30 days after service of the initial decision. The Assistant Secretary may consolidate related appeals. Copies of a notice of appeal shall be served on all parties to the proceeding in accordance with § 44.6 of this part.

(b) Statement of objections. Within 20 days after filing the notice of appeal, the appellant shall file his statement of objections to the decision of the administrative law judge and serve copies on all other parties to the proceeding. The statement shall refer to the specific findings of fact, conclusions of law, or terms of the order objected to in the initial decision. Where any objection is based upon evidence of record, the objection need not be considered by the Assistant Secretary if specific record citations to the pertinent evidence are not contained in the statement of objections.

(c) Responding statements. Within 20 days after service of the statement of objections, any other party to the proceeding may file a statement in response.