March 20, 2026·26-130·Panel Decision·By Maria Santos
The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied a petition for a writ of mandamus seeking relief from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The court found the petitioner failed to demonstrate a clear right to relief or that the normal appeal process was inadequate.
Background
Thomas Melvin Jones, Jr. petitioned for a writ of mandamus to command the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals to grant relief regarding claims pending before the Board. He also moved for leave to proceed in forma pauperis.
The court’s reasoning
The court reiterated that a writ of mandamus is an extraordinary remedy requiring a clear and indisputable right to relief and the absence of other adequate means. The court found the petitioner did not show that the normal appeal process was inadequate or that any delay was egregious enough to warrant relief.
What it means going forward
The denial of the writ leaves the petitioner to pursue relief through the normal appeal process or other adequate means, while the in forma pauperis motion is rendered moot.
