July 10, 2026·25-1949·Panel Decision·By Maria Santos
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit dismissed an appeal from the Veterans Court. The dismissal occurred because the appellant failed to file the required appendix within the permitted time.
This case originated as an appeal from the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The appellant, Thomas Edward Charters, sought review of a decision involving veterans benefits.
The court’s reasoning
The court found that the appellant failed to file an appendix required by Federal Circuit Rule thirty a five within the time permitted by the rules. Consequently, the court ordered the notice of appeal dismissed for failure to prosecute in accordance with the rules.
What it means going forward
The dismissal terminates the appellate review of the veterans benefits dispute without a decision on the merits.
