Protection and appeal matters can involve short, proceeding-specific deadlines, so the first triage should identify the decision, delivery date and next scheduled event.
The date printed on a decision may differ from the day it reached you by email. Keep the message and attachment together because the delivery record can matter when a professional checks the deadline.
What to do now
- Keep the full decision, envelope or delivery email, hearing notices and representative correspondence.
- Record the exact date and method by which each decision or notice was received.
- Seek prompt authorized advice without waiting to assemble a perfect narrative.
Where this guide stops
A general website cannot calculate a filing deadline, confirm that a remedy is available or create representation by receiving a form.
Official sources
Topics: Protection & IRB
Affected program: Review the related program page →