Case Explained: FRITZ v. COLLINS

Court: United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Filed: 2026-07-28 The federal-circuit affirmed in part and dismissed in part the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The court affirmed the Veterans Court’s denial of Mr. Fritz’s motion to supplement his pleadings, holding that there is no constitutional right to effective counsel in veterans’ benefits appeals and that Mr. Fritz had adequate notice and opportunity to be heard through his initial pro se petition and subsequent amended petition with counsel. Regarding the mandamus petition, the court affirmed the Veterans Court’s grant of relief compelling the VA to adjudicate pending service connection claims for chronic fatigue syndrome and hyperacusis, and compelling the Board to decide a motion for reconsideration of an October 2022 decision. The court dismissed the remainder of the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, finding that Mr. Fritz’s arguments constituted factual challenges to underlying benefits awards or disagreements with the application of law to specific facts, which are not reviewable under 38 U.S.C. § 7292. Additionally, the court dismissed as moot any challenge regarding the Board’s decision on a December 2018 motion for reconsideration, as that motion had since been denied. The practical consequence is that the Veterans Court’s order stands, and Mr. Fritz may pursue new grounds for mandamus relief through a fresh petition if applicable. Do It For The Case Law is a news reporting service. Nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice.